The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. MONDAY, JULY 30, 1894. WAIRARAPA HOSPITAL DISTRICT BILL.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 802, 30 July 1894, Page 2

The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. MONDAY, JULY 30, 1894. WAIRARAPA HOSPITAL DISTRICT BILL.

Mr Hogg has at last succeeded in steoring the Wairarapa llospityal District Bill through the Parliamentary rocks and shoals which obstructed its course into the smoother waters beyond the second reading. The Bill has been Mr Hogg’s special care, and with commendable persistence ho has stuck to it and fought for it through fair days and dark alike. He had a good case and he made the best of it. The three members for the city of Wellington fought hard against the Bill, and were assisted by Mr Wilson, who argued that an added burden would be thrown on the taxpayers of the Hutt and Horowhenua counties. From Mr Wilson’s narrow point of view his contention was justifiable, but looked at fairly and squarely it was about the strongest argument that could be adduced in favour of the measure. Why should the Wairarapa—or . for that matter the Hutt and Horowhenua counties—be compelled to contribute to the maintenance of the indigent of Wellington ? Have they no poor to care for, no calls upon their benevolence? Unfortunately they have, and in a much greater degree than the people of the capital city. The country districts have not only their own poor to maintain, but heavy calls are repeatedly being made upon their benevolence to assist itinerant indigents from Wellington touring the country districts in search of employ ment. The working of most of the j laws tend to centralise everything save the poor, and these a generous Government transfer to the nearest country district that they may bo rid of their importunities, and free to assure themselves, like the hunted ostrich which buries its head in the sand, that their pursuers exist not because they are out of sight and hearing. Somewhat similar has been the attitude of the Wellington Benevolent institution. Contributions have been forced from the taxpayers of the Wairarapa in affected I ignorance or open disregard of the ■ fact that charitable assistance is quite as often necessary in the country as inthe city, and country residents are no mo.e alilo to contribute than the dwellers in the city. In a recent issue we published a statement showing amounts paid by tho local authorities in the Wairarapa Hospital District to the United Chairitablu Aid Board; also the amounts refunded since the passing of the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act, 1885. The total amount contributed was £9117 Os 9d, which, with the Government subsidy of l’ for £ made a grand total of £18,294 Is Gd. As against this the sum received back from tho ! Board was only £4,467 10s lid, leaving I a balance of £19,826 11s 8d in favor lof tho United District Charitable j Aid Board. In effect thia falls little short of robbery. The fi ;u ; plainly the reason of the determined opposition to the Bill by the W« Uingtou members, whose actions in the matter display a cold selfishness impervious to any sense of right or justice. Against their opposition Mr Hogg has so far prevailed, for which he is enl itl j and.thanks of the people: of the Wai- . rarapa Hospital District.