INCREASED SUBSIDY SOUGHT

Southland Times, Issue 24755, 28 May 1942, Page 5

INCREASED SUBSIDY SOUGHT

HOSPITALS TAXATION

A resolution of the Waikato Hospital Board that the Hospital Boards Association be asked to make arrangements to call a conference of hospital boards and the municipal and counties’ associations to discuss the incidence of hospital taxation was supported by the Southland County Council at its meeting yesterday. It was agreed that the boards and associations be advised that the Waikato Board was of the opinion that in the meantime, and until the decision of the Government after the conference is made known, the subsidy payable to hospital boards should be increased immediately, or alternatively that the scale of fees payable from the Social Security Fund for the treatment of patients in hospitals be increased immediately.

Members expressed concern at the increasing cost of hospital administration and levies on local authorities, and it was agreed that the most satisfactory method of approaching the Government would be to take concerted action through a conference.

FIRE BOARD APPOINTS THIRD OFFICER

After a discussion the Invercargill Fire Board at its meeting yesterday decided to appoint Station Officer N. G. Bryce as third officer of the brigade. Mr A. Sharp voted against the motion. He thought that the size of the Invercargill brigade did not warrant the appointment of a third officer, and was of the opinion that consideration of the matter should be deferred for six months.