HOSPITAL LEVY

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 2560, 18 December 1924, Page 2

HOSPITAL LEVY

GREATER SUBSIDY POSSIBLE. Some few weeks back, the Kiwitea County Council decided to go into the question as to whether it was entitled to a greater Government subsidy on account of hospital levy, where this payment Included general revenue, as well as rates. The Council docs not levy a hospital rate, but makes an annual contribution from the genenal account. The county also receives revenue from reserves outside of rates, and an opinion was sought on the point whether if this revenue were applied in part payment of the hospital levy,, the county could thereby claim a greater contribution from the crown. At yesterday’s meeting a letter was received from legal advisers, who gave the opinion that the council could claim a greater contribution in the circumstances, but should any of the special revenue outside rates be directed by any Act to be applied in a specific manner, then that direction would have to be complied with. The council was further advised that it could apply any general rates collected after June 30 in part payment of itho hospital levy in tlie same way as the special revenue referred to, ns the Legislature made no provision for dealing with the unpaid rates in the computation of ths subsidy. The only bar -to the claim for additional subsidy would be by way of the council resolving to pay its hospital levy out of general rates alone. The opinion quoted supports the council’s view and steps arc to be taken to apply for the additional grant.