RATING RELIEF URGED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19622, 4 May 1938, Page 7

RATING RELIEF URGED

MUNICIPALITIES' CLAIMS STATE PENSION PLAN COMPULSORY IN SURANCE (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. A statement was presented to the Parliamentary committee investigating the national health superannuation scheme this morning, on behalf of the Municipal Association of New Zealand, representing 120 cities and boroughs in the Dominion, as well as 30 town boards. • Dealing with the national health insurance proposals, the statement says that from the resolutions passed by the association from time to" time, it can be seen that the association is a strong supporter of national health insurance. It was submitted, however, that the rating position was an integral part of any national health insurance scheme and consideration should be given to granting some relief, from the burden of hospital and charitable rating. It was contended that the national health insurance fund should be compulsory, and should be financed by the employer, the employees and the Consolidated Fund. Kererring to the superannuation scheme, the statement contends it would be unjust to force upon the servants of local bodies, who are already in some cases paying contributions on salary or wages, a further charge inrespect of the national pension or superannuation scheme, from which they can hope to derive no benefit.