COUNCIL'S CONCERN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 229, 23 October 1940, Page 5

COUNCIL'S CONCERN

HOSPITAL FINANCE DISCUSSED IMPORTANT QUESTION OF AFTER CARE OF SOLDIERS Some concern at the Government's attitude respecting the after care of soldiers and hospital finance generally was expressed by members of the Wha katane County Council at that body's meeting yesterday. It was agreed that the care of soldiers on their return should be a State responsibility and not a matter for local Hospital Boards. It was resolved that the Counties' Association be requested to indicate its attitude towards hospital finance and the after care of soldiers and that it be asked to ad'vise what steps have been taken tc. bring its views of such policy matters before the Government. The • recommendation of the Finance Committee, in reply to the Bay of Plenty Hospital Board, was that no objection should -be lodged in respect to the increase in the loan, Gr Luxton rising to say that he would like to see some protest made to the responsible quarters against the delay which, it seemed, had made the increase necessary. Increase Statistics. Cr McGready observed that the Hospital Board had far from a pleasant job in financing matters, Cr McGougan adding that no one would be more pleased than the Board if the authorities could be moved. The Hospital Board had not anticipated an increase, for which, in his opinion, the Social Security Scheme was largely to blame. The councillor quoted figures relating to the number of occupied beds per day. In March, 1937, the average was'2l.l; in March, 1938, it had risen to 36.4; twelve months 1 later the figure stood at 40; by - March, 1940, the average was 50 and by September of the present year ' }t was 61.

It was impossible to do without the additions, said Cr McGougan. The ratepayers would have to 'foot the hill,' but they should not be burdened in that way. The burden should be on the State. Replying to Cr Spenee, the Chairman said that the Hospital Board had spent £600 and £700 on blankets and equipment in case of emergency Treatment of Soldiers. Cr Burt, speaking on the care of soldiers and the statement made that local Hospital Boards would have to be responsible for them, said that the men were at present away fighting for democratic principles, which should be maintained in New Zealand. If they were they would be 'in full bore' when the men came back 7 but it seemed as though things were slipping. The Chairman said that there was no complaint against the Hospital- Board, but on whom should the responsibility of the care of troops fall? Local bodies or the State? Why was the State 'shirking' this responsibility? A protest should be made. The motion, as quoted, was carried.