OHIRO HOME.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8188, 1 August 1912, Page 1

OHIRO HOME.

EXEMPT FROM RATES.

A HOSPITAL WITHIN THE LAW. The Full Court has decided that tlio Ohiro Home is an institution exempt from rating, coming within the scope of tho exemptions—‘‘public asylum, hospital or lighthouse.” The case ' was heard before their Honors the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout), Sir .Joshua Williams. Mr Justice Chapman, Mr Justice Denniston, and Mr Justice Edwards. ;■ ■The action came before Sir Robert Stout in the Supremo Court at the end of last year, when the Wellington Hospital Board applied for -a declaratory judgment deciding whether or not the board was liable to pay rates to the city council in respect to tho property. By a demand made on August 15th, 1919, the council sought to obtaiu from the board 3239 8s Id for rates, being the first of. two equal instalments for the year ending March 31st, 1911. Tho institution was formerly vested in contributors to tho Wellington Benevolent Institution. It is now controlled by the Hospital Board, and is used to provide a refuge for such aged people of both sexes as are in needy circumstances. Inmates of the home are treated free of charge by the board’s permanent medical staff, and, if their health require it, are removed to the general hospital, where they aro attended free of charge.

His Honor gave judgment for the Hospital Board, hut the decision was based on the assumption that rates had not previously been paid. ■ Rates had been paid, however, and his Honor afterwards directed that, the matter-should be brought before the Full Court,

In giving the decision of the court yesterday his Honor ‘Mr Justice Chapman said the term ”hospital” should not be read in a restricted sense. The decision of the court was that the institution was exempt from rates. No order was made as to costs.

At the hearing Mr J. O’Shea (city solicitor) appeared for the corporation, and Air W. F. Ward for the Hospital Board.