Hospital Levy Alarms County Council

Northern Advocate, 19 August 1938, Page 2

Hospital Levy Alarms County Council

Concern at the rise- in the hospital levy for the present year was expressed by several councillors at yesterday’s meeting of the Otamatca County Council and it was decided to bring the matter before the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, during his projected visit to the county. The clerk, Mr E. G. Aickin, reported that the levy had risen from £3091 last year to £3745 this year. In 1932-33 the total levy was £ISBG and the present figure of £3745 represented a rise of 135 per cent in six years. , ••Quite a lot of councils are not keen on the levy," commented Cr. Preston (RuaWai) “and they would be less keen still were they in my position, as my riding has to pay 25 per cent of the whole amount.” “The levy is based on the capital value.” explained the clerk. “Of course none of us like it,” commented M l ' R. Coates. *T know we don’t,” said Cr. Preston, “but I think it is the duty of the council to bring it before the authorities, and now that Mr Savage is coming up we should discuss it with him personally. Ruawai pays one quarter of the whole levy.' I think the coupcil will agree that is not right. I will move the question be brought before the notice of Mr Savage when he is

in Paparoa.” The resolution was carried and the levy was adopted by the council.