HOSPITAL RATE

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24743, 7 December 1945, Page 2

HOSPITAL RATE

MANGONUI COUNTY'S DECISION (P.A.)' WHANGAREI, December 5. The Mangonui County Council at a special meeting to-day considered its attitude in view of the Government's current proposal to compel the collection of hospital rates, which the council has not struck for two years. After a full day's discussion, in which representatives of the Farmers' Union, which has taken a leading part in the derating campaign, spoke, the following motion was carried:

"In view of the findings and recommendations of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Body Government, which so definitely substantiates the long standing claims of hardship in northern counties, this council expresses grave disappointment at the Government's action in taking drastic powers under the Statutes Amendment Bill to enable the enforcement of what has now been, recognised officially as an injustice. The forcing through of such legislation, ahead of the consideration and implementation of the select committee's report, is most untimely and must u i ld £ rE si ne faitft in the sincerity of -the Government's intentions regarding that report." T . he f/ime Minister is to be informed that after the bringing down of the parliamentary committee's recommendations the council is now prepared immediately to levy a hospital rate for the current year on the basis of the ?S« m J.S? e s recommendations—the 1935-1939 average of £3346—and to pay the proceeds to the Mangonui Hospital ooara.

The council made it clear that it is taking these steps in belief that the Government will place the findings of the select committee on the Statute Book.

The council gave notice of intention to strike a rate of 2Jd on unimproved rateable value for hospital pur-