HOSPITALS AND MEMORIAL DONATIONS
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sm,—It is the custom to send a wreath to the funeral of a dear friend in memory of, and out of respect and sympathy for relatives of, the deceased. It is with great diffidence, therefore, that one cares to question the practical side of such an age-long custom, actuated, as it is, by such high-minded and human motives. Would not the same sentiments be expressed, however, were memorial donations to be given, instead, to some central charitable organization, such as the King Edward's Hospital Fund ?
When it is realized that ten pounds now spent on flowers at forty funerals every day (and surely this is a very moderate estimate) would bring in over £140,000 to our hospitals every year, surely we may well ask ourselves the question, " Are we being practical ? "—I am, Sir, &c.,
A. C. OPPENHEIM, Major (Retired). 61 Cleveland Square, IV. 2.
[We agree. In Sweden a very successful charitable organiza- tion has been started by Miss Hedin, sister of the explorer. Large sums of money are given to it for the purpose of support- ing rest-homes for the aged. Miss Hedin asks all public- spirited persons in Sweden to give to charity the sum which they would have spent on wreaths and crosses at the graveside. At the same time each contributor is provided with a specially printed card, which is given to the family of the bereaved, informing them of the donor's act.—ED. Spectator.]
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