HOSPITAL PRACTICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22964, 20 August 1936, Page 5

HOSPITAL PRACTICE

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—At the risk of incurring Dr M'Millan's displeasure I feel I must ask whether, even if things are as he suggests, it is so terrible. Dr M'Millan must have taken his turn at dissecting while he was a student, and I have not the slightest doubt that he felt, in all reverence for the dead, that he was doing what would help him to benefit humanity. Could he not regard the gift of those sad rings as the widow's mite and leave it at that? As another correspondent says, I do not believe the gift would be grudged.—l am. etc.. Widow. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—lt is a little difficult to understand why Mr W. Richards considers I have an axe to grind. Docs he mean I may be a member of a hospital board? No, I am precluded by a physical disability from doing any such useful work. The name of Mr W. Richards conveys nothing to me, and mine would convey as little to him. I see the Auckland Hospital Board keeps the rings of persons dying friendless for two years, and then, if they are unclaimed, they are sold. What a wise practice, for if relatives do come, they are able to claim such property. It was impossible to believe when Dr M'Millan saw fit to ask his question that hospital boards removed the rings for mercenary reasons. Dr M'Millan's ability is' a matter of opinion, but while I am pleased that Mr Richards is satisfied, I also congratulate myself that Dr M'Millan does not represent me in Parliament. I have finished. —I am, etc. Ring.