UPKEEP OF HOSPITALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17794, 30 May 1921, Page 6

UPKEEP OF HOSPITALS.

THE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY.

DESIRE FOR FLAT RATE. [3T TELEQBAPH. —OWS COBSESPOKDEHT.] HAMILTON, Sato-day. The method of allocation of the Government subsidy to hospital boards was discussed yesterday by the Raglan County Council and the Waikato Hospital Board. At the meeting of the former body the following resolution was passed s—" That this council, in view of the ever-increas-ing amount of ih&, levy required for hospital purposes, is strongly of the opinion that the rate of subsidy paid by the Government to all hospital boards in the Dominion should be at a flat rate of £ for £, and to place all hospital boards on an equitable basis."

The chairman of the council, Mr. Campbell Johnstone, introduced the matter at the meeting of the board. Members agreed that an amendment of the present Act was highly desirable, and it was consid ered that local bodies should take united action to alter the system. The chairman," Mr. Bailey, thought they might even go further and secure the assistance of the four members of Parliament in the board's district. The present system of payment, he said, placed the board in a desperate position. Waikato was one of the largest hospital districts in the Dominion. Its liabilities in the matter of hospital needs were heavy and rapidly increasing, yet its subsidy was the lowest. The payment of subsidy should be in a fair an<j equitable basis of £ for £ on the money collected. The board unanimously supported the resolution from the Raglan County.