HOSPITAL LEVY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21473, 22 April 1933, Page 10

HOSPITAL LEVY

The estimates of the Auckland Hospital Board are based on a levy upon the local authorities similar to that of last year. In view of the fact that the burden of unemployment relief has been lifted from the board, it is difficult to understand why last year's balance-sheet should have showed a deficit of £28,000. However, the board has expended the money and the ratepayers must pay the debt this year. Unfortunately there is no assurance that the board will not again have an expenditure beyond its income. It is important, therefore, that the contributing local bodies should examine the estimates before the levy is definitely struck. This should be done by the incoming councils and boards. The general body of ratepayers in all districts' is by no means satisfied that the present levy is justified. The opinion is widely held that the authority which distributes charitable aid should be directly answerable to those who find the funds. The existing system makes that impossible and that is its greatest weakness. There is no real check upon the relief activities of the board, which is particularly vulnerable to the importunities of all sorts and conditions of people. The incoming authorities should investigate the position and appoint a representative committee to impress upon the board the duty it owes to the ratepayers, whose interests in the past have received scant consideration.