HOSPITAL COSTS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 52, 25 November 1941, Page 10

HOSPITAL COSTS

Mr. Butler Replies To Mr.

O’Shea "The Labourers’ Federation conference unanimously condemned the proposal to shift, the cost of publie hospitals from rating on land to taxation of labour,” said the general secretary of the federation, Mr. P. M. Butler, when replying yesterday to the comment of the secretary of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, Mr. A. P. O’Shea, on the resolution. “The treatment and cure of ailments or disease is a question for the community as a whole,” Mr. Butler said, "and those who benefit mostly from community created benefits should, in ■justice, be required to meet the cost of such treatment. It is absurd to suggest tliat large estates, whose value is due to community effort, should escape their responsibilities. Mr. O’Shea says that previously the patient had to pay portion of the cost directly, ‘and there was some check on the use of hospitals.' "This statement,” said Mr. Butler, "indicates the unsocial nature of those who would put the earnings of land against the health of the citizens. One should note the use ot the words ‘a check on the use of ’hospitals.’ Mr. O'Shea apparently, is untouched by the social and economic effects of disease ■ and pain on the community and consequently approves of the previous 'check on the use of hospitals,’ and now that that check is somewhat reriioved he proposes that land earnings should be relieved of payment and the cost be taken from the pay envelopes of family bread-winners. “Mr. d’Shea, by pointing out that the small ratepayers (those who own mortgages), with their dependants, greatly outnumber the large landowners, emphasizes' the point of the Labourers’ Federation,” said Mr. Butler. "Today the small ratepayer-homeowner in Wellington pays on an average of about 25/- to 30/- a year for hospital rating.” “Should the incidence be transferred from rating it will mean that the large estates will go scot free and the homeowner will pay more in wages taxation than he now pays in rates, and also each member of rds family who is subject to the Act will be compelled to par. The nature of the move is thus ex'posed and we trust that the people will take tm interest tn these proceedings before the shift of the cost is quietly achieved.”