STRONG OPPOSITION

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 42, 13 November 1937, Page 8

STRONG OPPOSITION

Increased Hospital Loan Proposals MAKARA COUNTY COUNCIL Strong opposition to the increased loan proposed by the Wellington Hospital Board was voiced at a meeting of the Makara County Council yesterday when a letter referring to the loan was received. “There seems to be a certain irresponsible section of the hospital board which is very keen on spending money.” said Cr. R. W. Bothamley. “Further expenditure should be strongly opposed. You may be sure that this extra expenditure will not end at £159,000. Half a million pounds would cover all the requirements of the hospital without this additional sum. ’ Agreement with these views was expressed by Cr. J. Purchase, who said they should adopt the same attitude as the Wellington City Council. “I agree that wo should protest, said Cr. C. H. Phillips, “but we shall be up against the Government. Ibe Minister is keen on this loan, and, he is receiving a good deal of support.” Cr. Bothamley: Hospitals are used by everybody, but it is only the ratepayers who pay. Basis of Taxation Wrong.

“The increase in hospital expenditure is most alarming,” said the chairman, Jir. E. Windley. “The whole basis of taxation for hospital expenditure is sadly in need of revision. Previous Governments would never take any action in the matter,' and this Government is just the same. The Government should tackle the problem, and not dilly-dally while protests are coming forward from all over the country. There is no comfort in the fact that the Government pays a subsidy, as that, too, comes out of the pockets of the taxpayers. If all local bodies put up a strong protest some notice must be taken.” It was resolved, on the motion of the chairman, to draw the Minister’s attention to the need for revision of the basis of taxation for the support of public hospitals. It was also resolved that if the opinions of local bodies are to be heard by the council when the hospital board next discusses its proposals the Makara County Council should be represented by Mr. Windley.