The County Council and Charitable Institutions.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3124, 21 February 1879, Page 3

The County Council and Charitable Institutions.

The following telegram was considered by the County Council in committee of the whole yesterday : —

" The Chairman of the Thames County Council.—The Government is informed by the Mayor that, although no stoppages are made by Goverament t'rom the County Bubsidy, the Council declines to contribute towards hospital and charitable institutions; further, that of the patients and persons receiving relief, 12 out of each 25 are from outside tbe limits of the Borough ; on these data f and as the total annual cost is three thousand six hundred and thirty-eight pounds, of which one thousand is composed of Voluntary contributions and subsidy upon them, two thousand six hundred and tbirtyieight, of which the Government pay a-half, there would remain to be defrayed by the localities using the institution, if the data supplied are correct, the sum of one thousand three hundred and nineteen pounds, which should .■>' -\*w contributed by the Borough and flJMtmty in about the proportion of seven (!?undred and eighty-six pounds by the Borough and six hundred and thirtythree pounds from County. Possibly the data are incorrect, or the County may hare other grounds for not assisting ; but as no stoppage is made,, the Government trust the County will endeavour to arrange with the Borough a fair contribution, and inform me if an arrangement can be made. The Government propose granting a sum for the erection of a home for destitute children. —G. S. Whitmoee,"

The Council decided to reply as follows:

"Reply to telegram.—Resolution of Council.—As a temporary measure Council is willing to contribute towards the maintenance of Hospital on .a basis to be arranged between Borough and County, but respectfully decline to incur responsibility for any other charitable institution, inasmuch as the Council has made provision for its own destitute. The Council is of opinion that all hospitals and oharitablo institutions should be supported out of the consolidated revenue of the colony."