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regards ourselves, wo being subjected to rates, that our poor shall not be thrown,
as they will probably be, more upon our rates, if they have not the advantages of
this Hospital; and we wish them to have all the same advantages they had
before. The parishes raise this case, which seems to be quite reasonable"—and
again " As regards the situation, I have no doubt this Hospital originally was
intended for the benefit of persons among whom it was immediately placed. We
have the charters to guide us in this matter , and it was intended originally for
the benefit of those inhabiting the city of London; and ,those inhabiting
Southwark. This was the original intention." And again, in the act "by
imposing the term, that the approbation of the Court of Chancery should be
obtained, and that the Attorney General should have notice of any application,
it was intended that all persons who have any objections to the site that might be
suggested should have a fair opportunity of being heard." These statements of
the learned Judge fully justify the parishes in the proceedings they have taken to
prevent this great charity from going astray; and the Committee feels that the
time and trouble have not been thrown away, notwithstanding the Governors
have, in the opinion of the Committee, chosen the smallest, most inconvenient,
and most doubtful and experimental, of the selected sites. The gentlemen
forming the Committee feel constrained to say, that whether they have succeeded
in satisfying the parishes represented or not, they have endeavoured with as much
patience and tact as they possessed, to do their" very best to secure the object of
their appointment: that although Stangate may not so well suit the parishes and
their poor, as some other of the specified sites; they feel a country _ site
would have deprived them altogether of the benefit of the Hospital; and this at
least, they believe they have prevented.
They consider that the suggestion of branch receiving houses was mainly,
perhaps only, put forth by the Governors with a view to a country site for the
Hospital; and they therefore could not lend themselves at the time to this
contrivance: but now assuming that the site is settled at Stangate, they consider
that two such receiving houses and places for out-patients in the outlying districts,
would be a great convenience to the poor, and would to that extent also relieve
the parishes. Bermondsey and Rotherhithe require one, Camberwell and
Newington another. The money can he spared, and not improbably may be
spent in some architectural extravagance if not so used.
In the course of the proceedings, it became necessary to employ a legal
adviser ; and as the Committee resolved that it would be better for one gentleman
only to act, Mr. Sturmy was appointed. Mr. Drew, of Bermondsey, in the
kindest and most courteous manner, acceded to the arrangement. The Committee
believes that the parishes could not have been better advised than they have been
by Mr. Sturmy.
The Committee considers it right also to acknowledge the courteous assistance
of the Borough Members, especially of Mr. Locke, in public meetings and
elsewhere.
The attention of the Vestries and Boards concerned, is also called to the fact,
that the Charity Commissioners are now conducting a public inquiry into tho
foundation, object, endowment, and present circumstances of St. Thomas's
Hospital, and as to what improvements may be made in the management thereof."
The Committee thinks it might be well for the different bodies represented, to
seek an interview, by deputation, with the Charity Inspectors. Among other
objects of the interview, one might be to recommend one or two branch receiving
houses or out-patients' Dispensaries, in the outlying districts, in connection with
the Hospital; and to suggest the appointment of a representative for each Vestry
south of the Thames, as a Governor of St. Thomas's Hospital.
Signed,
On behalf of the Committee of Parishes,
WILLIAM RENDLE, Chairman.