ABOUT ECONOMIES.

Southland Times, Issue 21772, 29 July 1932, Page 3

ABOUT ECONOMIES.

To the Editor.

Sir,—ln your to-day’s Times there is an interesting letter under the heading “A Sinking Ship.” He is quite correct in his statements and asks why carry superfluous and unnecessary deck cargo. . _ ~ In his first, "Reducing of Parliamentary Members,” I have had correspondence lately with several members and they all reply, “Communication received and I will forward to the Minister.” The last I received from the Minister of Health. He writes acknowledging my letter and also letters forwarded by about six other Ministers to him who had been written to. If this one Minister answers for the lot of his Parliamentary colleagues and he, alone, has the decision, why so many paid subordinates? His other methods of economy speak for themselves. I would add to these.

The Hospital Board pay to the Tokanui Medical Association £lBO per annum to support a doctor in that district. A doctor has been there for about two years with over 30 years’ experience and yet they appoint another who qualified last year. The whole association membership is about 150 members, who pay 20/- per annum and receive medical attendance for half fees. All I may say are well able to pay the ordinary fee, and it is no benefit to those outside. If through your paper people would point out how small economies could be realized it is astonishing what they would amount to. People would be more self-reliant and our boards would not require to beg for help but would use what they do receive to benefit most. —I am, etc., SELF-HELP.