HIGHER LEVY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 97, 27 April 1938, Page 22

HIGHER LEVY.

HOSPITAL COSTS. BOARD MEMBERS CONCERNED BURDEN ON LOCAL BODIES. There was brief discussion at a meeting of the Auckland Hospital Board yesterday afternoon when the levy on local authorities was increased 3.3 i per cent to provide for an increased cost this year of £90,285 to maintain existing services. Mr. K. H. Potter pointed out that the hospital was one of the largest training institutions in Australasia, and the expense would be greater a* time went oil. Mr. (!. T. Parvin said that it was a great blow to tlie small local bodies and there was a possibility of it being further increased. Mr. W. A. Bishop said that the position was viewed with alarm from the ratepayers' point of view, and it was unfair that ratepayers should bear all the cost. The only hope was to have the system altered. Mrs. A. Anderton said that she was amused at the sudden consideration for t lie ratepayers. Mr. W. G. Mulholland said that he viewed the position with alarm, but the board was not to blame. The whole burden fell on the property-owner. Mrs. M. M. Dreavcr considered that the case against an increased levy was weak, as the local bodies were now in a better position than formerly. Dr. J. P. Hastings said that if the health of the people necessitated a higher levy, then there was no escape from it. Mr. J. Waddell claimed that the burden was not distributed evenly. On the chairman's motion, the increased levy was approved. A motion by Mr. Parvhi that the board should point out to the Government the iniquity of the present system was defeated.