The Christchurch Hospital Staff.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5551, 24 February 1886, Page 3

The Christchurch Hospital Staff.

TO T«E EDITOR OF THE STAR. Sir,— l very much regret to soo by "Out-Patient's" letter to the Lytlelton Times of to-day that the Hospital Board has seen fit to reduce by one-fifth the already inadequate salary of chieMYards-

i man Brown, and this, too, in the face of „ his fourteen years' faithful service and his j i | unselfish devotion to his profusion. J : While quite willing to give the Board ! J every credit for being actuated by motives \ , i of economy, still, with the greatest respect j i j to that body, I say fearlessly that such ■ • 1 cheeseparing a3 this is quite unnecessary i | and uncalled for ; nayi it is mischievous. . I Fortunately it does not require my ad- ; i vocacy to possess some of your readers of , ! the care, kindness, and superior skill dis- . | played by Mr Brown in the discharge of . j his official duties. As to this, I can confidently appeal to the medical gentlemen of , I this city, while I can with equal confidence • i appeal to former patients -whose gratitude would lead them (by the 6coie) to como forward and protest against such high- ! handed action, and this too in the most emphatic and uumistakeable manner. The Board as such, is responsible to the people, and should study their convenience and wishes. Here, its action is diametrically in opposition. I It is only those who have come in daily contact with Mr Brown, and had an oppor- ; tunity of observing his work, that can tell how much has been required of him, and how well he has answered such requirements. I respectfully ask-j-Does any mdi- : vidual member of the Board possess this . personal knowledge ? I trow not. Does any such member know Mr Brown's worth , at a post mortem? Or, in fact, in any ; capacity in which services like his are invaluable and well recognised? Again I ' say I trow not. The cheeseparing system I have alluded > to is, as must now be confessed, gradually ' working out our very best men from our ' midst to the advantage of other more appreciative Colonies. [ This being purely and simply a public ; matter — the Hospital being a public in- , stitution — I hope that such a sturdy . remonstrance will be made as will induce the Board to at once reverse its decision This will " bell the cat." If this be not : done, Canterbury is not true to heraelf or her best interests. — I am, &c, MICHAEL HAET.