PASSING THE ESTIMATES

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 October 1931, Page 5

PASSING THE ESTIMATES

HEALTH DEPT. ECONOMIES ART UNION TAXATION [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] WELLINGTON, October 27. The State Advances vote was passed when the House resumed at 7.30 p.m., and the Estimates of £220,859 for the Health Department was next considered. Mr. Fraser asked whether the Minister of Health intended to stand by the recent increase in the St. Helen’s hospital fees, or whether he would review it. Mr. Young said he had no authority

to say on behalf of the Government

that the present policy would be altered, and so long as he remained Minister, the policy already laid down would bo faithfully carried out. This policy was that those who could not afford to pay would not be expected to pay. The maximum which had been fixed would remain. He added that since the charge had been increased from three to five guineas, the patronage of hospitals had not been affected in any way, the average number of patients remaining about the same as before. Mr. Young gave an assurance that the Department and institutions would be sympathetic in their attitude to those who could not pay. The vote was passed. When the vote of £270,743 for the Mental Hospitals Department was under consideration, members urged that no economy should be effected at the expense of an unfortunate section of the community, and also urged that the institutions should not be overcrowded.

The Minister said that every effort was being made to cope with the problem of overcrowding. The position was not as bad as the Departmental report indicated, because 600 square feet was allowed per patient. He gave an assurance that there would be less economy in this department than the others. Referring to the reduction in the vote for rations from £84,000 to £BO,OOO, the Minister said that this was brought about by reduced prices and better buying. No patient would suffer as the result of any economies that might be effected. Replying to an interjection, he said that the rations were based on recommendations of a dietitian, and were adequate. An estimate of £194,267 for the Printing and Stationery Department was passed. Labour members complained that too much Government work was being done by outside printing firms, and suggested that electoral rolls and the Railways Magazine should be printed by the Department. Mr Young said that there had been a cutting down of the work done in the Government Printing Office, but this was due to economy rather than granting contracts to outside firms. The Railway Department had called tenders for its magazine, and the Government Printer had not been successful. It had in the past been found cheaper to get the electoral rolls printed outside. The Department could easily print main rolls, but it could not cope with the supplementary rolls. When these had been let to outside firms, local printers had charged as much for them as they would for main rolls. The Stamp Duties Amendment Bill, introduced by Governor-General’s message, was read a first time.

Mr. Stewart said the measure gave effect to two proposals in-the main budget, by imposing a tax on steamer tickets for tourists and people going abroad, and by taxing the proceeds of art unions. He hoped the Bill would be passed to-morrow, because the Government was losing revenue every day, until it was put into effect. The House rose at 10.30 p.m. DETAILS OF BILL. [special to “star.”] WELLINGTON, October 27. The proposals contained in the original Budget, introduced by Mr. Forbes for the taxation of overseas steamer tickets and art union tickets, are given effect in the Stamp Duties Amendment Bill, brought down by Governor General’s message, in the House to-night. Steamer tickets of persons leaving the Dominion are to be taxed to the etxent of five per cent, of their value. If the duty is not paid within two months of date on which due, it will be increased by 10 per cent, as penalty. Where a return passage from and to New Zealand is booked in New Zealand, half of the amount paid, or payable, is to be deemed to be in respect of the passage from the Dominion. The overseas passenger duty will be recoverable on the last day of every quarter, and shipping agents and owners are required to furnish to the Commissioner of Taxes a written statement showing the total amount paid, or payable, in each quarter in respect of booking of passages overseas. Proviisou is made for a refund of taxes paid in respect of cancelled passages. An impost of 10 per cent, of their value is to be made on all lottery tickets issued under license, and the tax is required to be paid within fourteen days after the drawing of the lottery. Where a license, is granted to a company or cohporation, the lottery duty payable will be recoverable from it, and also severally and jointly from the directors. Trustees, or other persons acting in management of its affairs, including the secretary and treasurer. If the duty is not paid within fourteen days, interest will accrue at the rate of £1 for every month, or part of a month, during which default is made.