HOSPITAL LEVY

Evening Star, Issue 25769, 16 April 1946, Page 7

HOSPITAL LEVY

CRITICISM OF METHOD PORT CHALMERS COUNCIL'S MOTION The matter of hospital rates was discussed at length at the monthly meeting of the Port Chalmers Borough Council last night. The matter was introduced by a letter from the Otago Hospital Board advising the council that the maintenance and, capital levies Ifor the current year would be £1 A1,1M3, which was an increase of approximately £41.538 on last year's figures. The estimates would be subject to adjustment und approval by the Minister of Health (Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer). " This is a matter which comes up overy year," said the mayor (Mr H. S Watson), who continued by stating tliat the increase was 50 per cent, on last vear's figures. He felt that he was unable to criticise the Hospital Board on its large building programme. That was its own business. The Government itself had recommended through the Parliamentary Committee's report that there should be a change in the method of raising hosnitaTrates. They were sitting as the representatives of the people and they would not be doing their duty if they did not protest against the method of levying hospital taxes. In the view of the speaker it should be a responsibility of the taxpayer, and not only of the ratepayer, which would mean a more equitable distribution of the burden. Under the present method the ratepayers paid for an amenity which was available to both, ratepayer and taxpayer. Replying to a question by a councillor, the Mayor said that in 1944 a hospital rate of 7d had been struck before the levy was made. This had been found to be too much, and last year the rate was reduced to 6d. This year, however, the rate would have to be no.

The Mayor then moved—" That the letter be received and that the Government be urged to implement at an early date the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee in its report in the matter of hospital finance; and further, that a copy of the resolution be telegraphed to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health." The motion was seconded by Cr A. L. S. Cassie. , , Cr W. D. Campbell claimed that there was no one more able to bear the burden of the tax than the ratepavers. • An effort should be made to have the situation clarified, urged Cr Matthews. . ■ The motion was carried, Cr Campbell voting against it.