MANIOTOTO HOSPITAL BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20707, 3 May 1929, Page 10

MANIOTOTO HOSPITAL BOARD.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —In a circular letter issued to ratepayers by the Maniototo Hospital Board, the members make out a very good case for themselves, but if they have the interests of the people at heart, as they attempt to show, how is it that they so persistently shirk a referendum on the allimportant question of the removal of the hospital site from Naseby to Ranfurly? They state in their circular: “On the question of a poll of ratepayer s, so dear to the heart of our critics, the board has no legal power to take one. A private poll could be taken at the expense of those interested, but no Government carries out the policy of the Opposition.” This, to my mind, is a misleading statement. There is no opposition to their government. Those who think with me are simply dissatisfied ratepayers who have asked that this all-important question should be put to the ratepayers for their decision. ■ There never has, nor ever will be, anything so important in .the history of the Maniototo Hospital, and a referendum, if taken, would settle all argument, and, if the result were in favour of the . board’s policy, would disarm all opposition, and peace and harmony would reign throughout the length and breadth of the hospital district. If the board is satisfied that it is right, it has nothing to fear, and the expense would be very trifling. All it has to do is to print and issue another set of ballot papers, as. the machinery .is already provided for in the forthcoming election, but apparently it has no intention of moving in the way of peace and harmony, but is rather bent' on forcing its will on the people. I hope, the ratepayers will remember that on election day and vote the present board out of power.—l am etc., William Smith. Naseby, April 30.