THE HOSPITAL LEVY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19799, 21 November 1927, Page 10

THE HOSPITAL LEVY.

BASIS OF CONTRIBUTION. DISCUSSION IN TARANAKI. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Saturday. A conference was held at Stratford of tlie executive of the Taranaki Local Bodies' Association and representatives of three hospital boards in Taranaki to discuss the proposal recently made by Mr. J. S. Connett, chairman, and supported by the association, that contributions to all hospital board funds should be levied on a basis of 50 per cent, on capital value and 50 per cent, on population basis, instead of entirely on capital value basis, as at present. The reason advanced in support of tlie proposal was that towns should contribute more to the maintenance of hospitals in their midsu and so. lighten the heavy burden at present inflicted upon county residents Mr. Connett said that when the suggestion had been made to the Minister he replied that the Hospital Association was opposed to it and Mr. Connett desired to get tlie direct opinion of Taranaki boards. Mr. M. Fraser (New Plymouth Board) said three Taranki boards could not answer for the association. It was not for them to suggest how the money should be provided. However, he thought the time was coming when the Canadian system of paying patients would have to be introduced" into the hospitals in New Zealand. The view was expressed by Mr. W. G. Ralkl'ay, for the Hawera Borough, that if the incidence of the hospital rate was altered the whole system of taxation would have to be reviewed. Finally it was agreed that a thorough investigation was desirable before a definite opinion could be expressed and (be matter was left with the suggestion that the Local Bodies' Association should go into the question and place its case before the Hospital Boards' Association Conference to be held early next year.