HOSPITAL TAXATION

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 66, Issue 5599, 31 March 1943, Page 2

HOSPITAL TAXATION

NOT TO BE ALTERED INTENTION OF GOVERNMENT At a conference of Waikato local bodies held in Hamilton, in February in connection with hospital taxation it was decided to make representation to the Prime Minister and Minister of Health, seeking relief from the increasing levies placed on local bodies. At this conference the borough of Te Awamutu was represented by the mayor, Mr L. G. Armstrong. At Monday night’s meeting of the Borough Council a copy of the letter in reply from the Prime Minister was received from the Piako County Council, who acted as convenors of the conference. In his reply Mr Fraser, stated that at the present time it is not possible for the Government to assume liability for any substantial increase in respect of hospital costs. There is no surplus in the Social Security Fund against which any increase could be charged, the letter stated, and the present is not an opportune time to make any sweeping changes in regard to the source of taxation for hospital purposes. It will also be appreciated, Mr Fraser added, that if the Government is to accept full responsibility for finance, it must also assume responsibility for control, or appoint some central controlling authority to administer a hospital system financed wholly by the Government. This, coupled with the question of finance, raises a major problem, and the consideration of what is admittedly an involved and, difficult matter will have to posponed to a more opportune time.

In a brief discussion the chairman, Cr. de Coek, said it was noticeable that the Government pleaded war conditions as the main reason why consideration should not be given to a change in the system of taxation, but war conditions did not prevent them from going ahead with other civic matters. He felt that there was room for further representations to the Prime Minister.

Cr. Clarke said the matter was a serous one, and he moved a letter be sent to the Piako County Council assuring them of the Council’s support in any steps they may take to obtain a review of taxation for hospital purposes. This was seconded by Cr. Spiers and carried.