SUBSIDY “CUTS”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 4 March 1932, Page 4

SUBSIDY “CUTS”

GOLDEN BAY AND HOSPITAL BOARD TAKAKA COUNTY COUNCIL TAKES ACTION The Takaka County Council, at its monthly meeting decided to make representations to the Nelson Hospital Board to restore the “cut” made in tlie hospital subsidies last year. This decision was the sequel to a discussion which took place following a statement by Mr J. G. Page, Golden Bay representative on the Hospital Board, who waited on the Council, urging it to take -action in the matter. After being briefly welcomed by the chairman (Mr A. H. Barnett), Mr Page said that the Hospital Board was now framing the estimates for the coming year, and consequently the time was opportune for the restoration of tlie “cut” imposed last year by the Hospital Board. The present was not a suitable time for the formation of a Golden Bay Hospital Board, but unless the subsidies were restored, this was the only alternative. Golden Bay had not been treated fairly, and this was now realised by members of the Hospital Board, following their visit to Takaka. The speaker understood that Mr Smith, chairman of the Board, liad interviewed the Minister of Health in connection with Golden Bay, but no information had been forthcoming at the Board meetings. If strong representations were made, by the-County Council, on behalf of tlie ratepayers, Mr Page felt sure that the subsidy “cut” would be restored. At any rate, he would do his best as the district’s representative on the Board.

Councillor R. Sparrow said that representations should certainly be made in the direction indicated by Mr Page, and he considered that the Council should send a deputation to assist Mr Page in the fight he was making for the. restoration of the subsidies. The chairman said he did not think a deputation would be necessary, although the Council should certainly make representation to the Hospital Board to restore the “cut.” He moved along these lines. Councillor Sparrow seconded the motion. Councillor J. B. Reilly said that Golden Bay had received anything but a fair deal, and, in the circumstances, the least the Board could do was to restore the “cut.” On being put to the meeting, the motion was carried by a unanimous vote, and before Mr Page withdrew, he was assured by the chairman that ho would have the wholehearted support of the Council in the fight for the restoration of the subsidies.