COST OF HOSPITALS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19128, 24 September 1936, Page 15

COST OF HOSPITALS

RELIEF IN THE FUTURE

SOCIAL LEGISLATION

A memorandum from the Minister of Health, the Hon. P. Fraser, relative to the incidence of the costs of hospital 'board administration Was placed .before the Auckland City Council. The Minister stated that several measures, already or shortly to be inaugurated bv the Government, would undoubtedly have, the direct effect of relieving local rates and of increasing the charges upon the consolidated fund in respect or social services. He mentioned 'as an illustration the extension of pensions benefits, including alterations in the rates and qualifying conditions of old age, widows', miners' and war pensions, and the introduction of pensions for invalids. As councils were probably aware, an important question at present receiving the Government's attention was that of national health insurance and proposals ih this connection were regarded as haying a definite bearing on tho question of both local body and Government contributions for hospital purposes.

SEEKING- AN ALTERNATIVE

The increased hospital levy was discussed at a meeting of the Port Chalmers Borough Council, when member* strongly advocated the revision of the hospital rating system. It was contended thtit the present rating was an undue burden oh the ratepayers, and the suggestion was made that the necessary nuance should be raised by a national .lottery. The council unanimously decided to instruct its representative on the Otago Hospital Board to urge local members of Parliament on the board to bring the matter before Parliament with the object of having a lottery sanctioned.