HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 124, 25 May 1920, Page 7

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID.

■A3I INEQTfITABLiE £EVX.

The present system of imposing a levy, on local bodies for the purpose of pro* viding revenue for hospital and charitable aid purposes was described as inequitable, end as unduly taxing the holders of town properties, in a, circular from the . tnwience Borough Council, received by, the Mt. Albert Borough Council last evening. The circular stated that at a recent meeting of the southern council the question of this levy -was fully considered and dkcusßed, the outcome being, that the council agreed that tho present system of raising each revenue we* inequitable, inasmuch as-it unduly taxed property-holders, while allowing those possessing wealth in other forms to escape contribution. A resolution along these lines was made, and it was decided to urge the Government to amend the act in the direction of making the cost of euch institutions a charge on the consolidated fund of the -Dominion. "Rather a Jrig order," was the Mayor's criticism of this letter, after it had "been read. He.then went on to say that though they "would like to foe relieved of this levy, especially now that' it is assuming eueh proportions, yet he questioned whether it would be to the interests of the community to have the Government take over the cost of eueh , institutions. "We prefer to leave things as tney are," he said, "and we ehouM • probablyhave to pay it indirectly,- in anyj case." \Ehe letter was received.