The Thames Star. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1897. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8607, 11 March 1897, Page 2

The Thames Star. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1897. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Dr. McGregor has come, and seen, and has delivered his judgment with uncompromisingl direotness. He will not hear of any proposals to improve or extend the present hospital structure, which is " antiquated and a disgrace"; nor will the Paeroa and Waihi

people succeed in obtaining district hospitals, except "over his dead body." Of course, the Doctor is speaking figuratively, for no one has yet any sanguinary intentions, and the. tragical allusion is but a metaphor. The points which the Inspector emphasises aie: (1.) That Thames and Ohinemuri must remain in the same hospital district as heretofore; (2.) That decentralisation would at this stage be an utter mistake; (3.) That a new hospital, with modern facilities, on a new site, is absolutely necessary. The first two issues are matters of expediency and humanity, and should be utterly free of the partisan element. The last proposal is a question of ways and means.

* * » * First, as to centralisation.- Is it expedient, in the interests of patients and sufferers in Ohinemuri, that a large central

institution at Thames should minister to their wants instead of small hospitals at Paeroa and Waihi ? Dr McGregor, in common with most competent and unbiassed authorities, has answered in the affirmative. Decentralisation in a case like this simply means a greater financial burden on the seceding district, and a proportionate decrease in the efficiency of the new institution, so that the disadvantage is felt at both ends. It is clear, therefore, that while a satisfactory centre is easy of access, the best policy of sill concerned is to maintain the status quo. It is also a, well-known fact that the roads through the Up-country are fast improving, and have now reached a stage of comparative merit which has greatly reduced the loss of time and inconvenience formerly occasioned in accident cases. Moreover, it may be ventured as a tolerably sure prophecy that the railway will be completed—say—in three years time, and then the difficulties of conveyance from Up-country to Thames will be reduced to a minimum. In the light of these facts, we are of opinion that the Ohinernuri people will think twice before taking the burden on their own shoulders, especially when a really excellent hospital can be obtained at the Thames if the whole district will but pull together unitedly. At the same time, we are not blind to the fact that young and j flourishing mining communities generally' manifest a spirit of aggressive self-reliance, j a fine intellectual courage to organise [ public institutions on a lavish scale, and a j keen desire to possess everything—however ! extravagant—which their neighbors enjoy. In short, the spirit of gold—particularly in the first flush—is widely emulative; but still we are convinced that a sensible public will not sacrifice expediency and efficiency to such doubtful considerations. j * * * « J At all events, Dr. McGregor is convinced that the interest of Thames and Ohinemuri are sufficiently identical to require j only one hospital, and he will fight any > effort to decentralise, or to patch up the , present building. At Wanganui (which ■ the Doctor quoted as an example) the , people collected over .£3OOO for a new in- ■ atitution, the Government cavne in with a s £ for £ subsidy, and a modern hospital cost- ■

ing .£7OOO was the result. But Wanganui presents different circumstances to the Thames, The resources of that district are larger and at the same time more united; the township is the natural and acknowledged centre; and as agricultural pursuits do not breed so many meteoric communities, impatiently progressive, as goldmining dojs, the movement naturally met with greater unanimity in the southern district than is hoped for hero For these reasons Wanganui is scarcely a fair criterion. Dr. McGregor, however, stands firm in his refusal to offer any greater inducement than £ for £ subsidy, and there the matter stands, passively awaiting the propelling force of a fatal epidemic. If the Ohine-mui-i and Thames people will practically recognise the community of interests, the necessary money may be raised. If not, we must resign ourselves to the ultimate visitation of Nemesis.

* # * * ' One of the suggestions made by Dr McGregor is that another site out of town should be chosen for the new building. This would perhaps be desirable if the present property could be sold to supplement the funds ; though it may be noted at the same time that in most of the large cities the hospitals are right in the heart of the townships. If the Baillie street allotments cannot be disposed of except for hospital purposes, we hardly sco the wisdom of changing the site, for as regards drainage no better spot could be chosen, the Karaka Creek, with free communication to the sea, being easily accessible. In its present condition, the existing building is undoubtedly a menace to the health of the town, owing to the congenial home which its worm-eaten timbers provide for noxious haccilli. It may, indeed, become a plague spot at any moment, and whether it lasts 10 years - as expected by Dr. McGregor—or for a less period—as predicted by Mr Kadford, —the fact remains that we are courting a catastrophe

Mr J. E. Keed has made a very creditable debut in his career on the Education Board by topping the poll. It will be remembered that the Star ticket for the vacant seat was Bagnall and Reed, with Mr Muir or Mr Hobbs for third place. Out of these, three havesucceeded,andinsuch a decisive manner that Mr Hobbs, the lowest of the trio, polled within 9 votes of the leader, and headed the next candidate (Mr Lambe) by 22. On the whole, Mr Bagnall polled fairly well, securing fifth position with a total of 101. Considering the lack of unanimity amonest local Committees, the defeated candidate is deserving of congratulation. As showing the indifference felt in some of our school districts, it may be mentioned that the following committees failed to record their votes:—Cabbage Bay, Dargaville, Hoteo North, Hukerenui West, Karaka, Karamu. Katikati South, Kaurihohore, Mareretu, Pakiri, Tairua, Te Kirikiri, Te Puke, Waiotemarama, Waipu, North Eiver, and Whangapaua.

The Mayor (Mr Thomas Eadford) begs to acknowledge with thanks the sum of £5 from Captain Newby in aid of the Indian Famine Relief Fund, being the proceeds of a concert held at Tapu,

The following vessels have arrived in port: —The ketch Three Sisters, with coal for Messrs Price Bros.; and the cutter Sunderland, with general cargo.

In the Waihi Beach mining claims dispute the Warden has reserved judgment.

Some of the Cambridge juveniles are in the habit of exhibiting their contempt for small trifles, such as trains, etc., by standing close to the level crossings while they are passing. The other day one stood a little too close, and there came very near being an inquest, but fortunately the child was only bruised considerably.

The Herald's Pobi correspondent wires that a fatal boating accident occurred at i o'clock yesterday afternoon on the Pohi River, by which four men—Wm. McManus (who was in charge of the punt), Jas Lee, Goodwin, and Mick Murray—and a woman (Mrs Cooper) were thrown into the water. Mrs Cooper and M. Murray were drowned. Goodwin is in a precarious condition.

| |A social to welcome home the Rev. J. Mackenzie, of St. James' Church, who has been on » trip to the south, will take place to-morrow evening, and not this evening as previously arranged.

The Auckland Education Board has decided that its resolution, requiringl a certain minimum classification of head teachers for schools over 35 average, is not to come into operation until March, 1899.

A Southern telegram states that the steamer Torea, of Victoria, has goiv ashore in Queen Charlotte Sound, but is not as yet seriously damaged. We understand that Mr Gerald O'Halloran has been appointed to the vacancy hi the Northern Steamship Company's office, caused by the recent jjroceedings against Giliner. There was a very large number of applicants. A concert will be given in St, George's Hall on Easter Monday night. The proceeds are to be devoted to the Catholic Tree Schools Pianofortes carefully tuned for 7» 6d periodical visits at reduced rates. J. Grioo Thames Music Warehouse, Pollen street.—

Watek was forced down the May Queen shaft this afternoon in order to combat the gas evil.

The sul ject of erecting a plant for running electric tramways here ~vill be brought before the Borough Council this evening by a communication from Mr N. Prentiss, engineer, a recent airival in the district. The following candidates—who, it is understood, constitute the "Moderate" ticket— have been nominated for the forthcoming licensing election:—Edward McDonnell, Albert street, Thames, nominated by Messrs R. W. Steward and J. W. Kiekit aud Colonel Fraser; W. H. Burch, Karaka, Thames, by Colonel Fraser and Messrs C. Short and J. Paterson; John "West, Cochrane street, Thames, by Colonel Fraser and Messrs J. Dunbar, J. Hawkes, acd C. Short; Captain A. E. H. Swindley, Coromandel, by Messrs G, Price, C. Short, and W. K. Patorson; and H. P. Hornibrooke, Kuaotunu, by Messrs G-. Price, C. Short, and W. K. Paterson. The members to be elected by the public are five in number, instead of eight, as formerly. At this season of the year bad air invariably accumulates in the May Queen mine, more perhaps than in any mine on the field. Some ten days ago the workers lost two ov three shifts, and yesterday Messrs P. Wilson and D. Wells had compwlsorily to lose another eight hours. They went below at 4 o'clock, to the No. 6 level, where work is being carried on just now, to continue operations, but had only been employed some 10 minutes when they felt an in-rush of gas and almost simultaneously with this their candles went out. Both men made a rush for the shaft, and giving the signal were hoisted to the surface thankful to breathe the pure air of heaven. The manager (Mr BurohJ finds the gas rather a source of trouble despite the fact that ho has taken all possible means to ventilate the mine. j

Dubing the next four weeks, people in want of boots and shoes will do well to visit the boot shop of Mr J. Lang, who has just got a good stock of the best and cheapest boots in the market, at prices which are within the reach of all. The following are a few of his prices: Ladies' walking shoes os, a splendid line, prenella boots 6s 6d, men's bahnorals 8s 6d, men's shooters 9s Gd, tsn shoes 5s 6s, slippers from Is, tan boots and shoes, also white shoes in great varieties, children' strong boots and shoes, very cheap, and also men's best calf running shoes at 10s Cd.—J. Lang, bootmaker, 2 doors from Gavin Wallace's, grocer,—[\A-DVT.] | The Government have now completed the appointments of matrons in connection with the various city police stations, for which provision was made in last year's j estimates. Tlfc primary duties will be j searching female prisoners on arrival at the station, taking full charge of them while in custody, and escorting them to the Court and to gaol; als» to visit periodically the various homes registered under the " Infant Life Protection .Act," for the purpose of ascertaining that the children placed there are well cared for. Mrs O'Brien, who has discharged the duties at the Auckland Police Station for some time j past very efficiently, has now been perma- j nently appointed, and Mrs Eliza Collinga enters the servile at Dunedin. Mr? Colling 3 has done a great deal of public work in Auckland, being recently elected President of the "Women's Democratic Union, and has been most assiduous in her dual capacity of visitor to the gaol and the lunatic asylum. Prior to her departure, she will be presented with an illuminated address by those who have been associated with her in public life in Auckland during the past few years. Still they come.—Two more large crates of English crockery per s.s. Pakeha, and i! 0 crates of Mason's patent screw-top fruit jars just landed (January 20th), three sizes, and selling at (just fancy) ss, -3s 3d, and 6s 9d per dozen. Best stone china cups and saucers 3s 9d and 4s Gd per dozen, dinner ware, &c, equally cheap. Also J. Edwards' celebrated Alva pattern of dinner and tea ware (sole right secured for Thames), cups and saucers 4s 6d per doz., plates 3s, 3s 93, 4s 6d, os 6d per dozen, W. Wood,—PAlYX.]

We would draw the attention of Sergeant Gillies to the dangerous and reckless tiding of cyclists. Both in the town and suburbs, enthusiastic -wheelmen often take charge of the footpaths, to the inconvenience of pedestrians, who have to take one of two alternatives—either to remain on the footpath and be run over, or to stand on one side, ankle deep in mud, while the wheelmen pass, Another matter requiring attention is the j negligence of cyclists in riding after dark without lamps. Mr F. Egginton hai a most unpleasant and painful accident on Tu?sday night, through being run itito by a rider who had no limp to his machine. Mr Egginton was returning to his home at Parawai, on his bicycle (which was provided with a lamp), and when near the Grey street bridge he met two cyclists, neither of whom had a lij*ht. One of them managed to clear Mr Egginton, but the other dashed into him, with the result that Mr Egginton's machine was much damaged and the rider was thrown to the ground, sustaining several cuts on the lips, nose and face. The sooner the authorities interfere and prohibit cyclists from riding upon the footpaths, and without lights after dark, the better.

The most genuine bargains obtainable on the Thames in the drapery line is to be had sat Wylie's clearing sale. The men's youths', and boys' clothing selling at W. S. Wylie's is extraordinary good value. The balance of prints and dress goods are being cleared at enormous reductions at W. S Wylie's.—[Advt] A Saoimfioe not of life but of Mason's patent screiv top jars quart size, now only 5s 3d per dozen at W. Woods.—[Advt].

Steam to and from Auckland.—The P.S. Teuranora leaves Goods Wharf for Auckland Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, returning Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. See time table.—[Advt.]