HOKITIKA HOSPITAL.

West Coast Times, Issue 1290, 10 November 1869, Page 2

HOKITIKA HOSPITAL.

To the Editor of the West Coast Times and

Observer.

Sir — I was surprised on hearing, to-day, that a young woman, in a state of sickness and destitution, was refused permission by the Hospital boatman to go in his boat to the hospital, because her recommendation card had not been signed by the Hospital secretary; although the poor girl had obtained a letter from an eminent medical practitioner of Hokitika, recommending her case to the Hospital Committee two of whom, well known here as truly benevolent men, signed the card, with what result you are already informed. Timely relief frequently saves life. Now I should like to know where and when a sick and indigent girl is to find the secretary referred to If she learns perchance that his office is on Gibson's Quay, she may go there, and have as little chance of seeing him as she would in seeking for a needle in a stack of hay. I think the sooner Rule 70 of the General Rides (so far as the Secretary's signature is concerned) is abrogated, the better ; especially considering the fact that many young women in Westland are without friends or relatives here, and are ut'erly ignorant of the whereabouts of Mr Wilkinson, and do not know his name. I suggest that the signature of any medical gentleman, backed by two signatures for one, as the case may be) of the committee or subscribers, should be sufficient to authorise the Hospital boatmen, to take the sick to the Hospital, thereby relieving the Secretary from the performance of a duty, which none but a medical man can properly fulfil i CITIZEN. 1 . November 9, 1869.