Decline Request Not To Strike Hospital Rate

Northern Advocate, 22 August 1945, Page 2

Decline Request Not To Strike Hospital Rate

(Special) KAEO,' This Day. A petition signed by 85 ratepayers was presented by four members of the Kaeo branch of the Farmers’ Union to the Whangaroa County Council against striking of a hospital rate In the county this year. The deputation consisted of Messrs J. C. Ogle. H. R. Leslie. O. Pinches? and E. Blumhardt. Messrs Ogle. Leslie and Blumhardt spoke to the petition, pointing out the inequality and injustice of hospital rating. The deputy-chairman (Cr. C. Martin), who took the chair in the absence of Cr T. H. Hayes, delayed in Auckland through holiday train difficulties, thanked the deputation which, he stated, had the full sympathy and support of the councillors. Their representations would be forwarded on to Wellington. He had kept faith himself with his promise that no rate would be struck until the objections ■had been heard and considered. Brighter Future Seen However, the council unanimously resolved to strike a rate, at least for this financial year, but it was decided also that the total rating figure would not exceed that of last year. The council had every hope that the hospital rate - would be considerably reduced in the future and it was in the county’s real interest to strike a rate for this year at least. Members of the delegation thanked the council for its kindly reception of their representations and withdrew. The council then formally struck a general rate of 12d in the £ and special rates amounting to 2 4-1 Id in the £.