DEFAULTING COUNTY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23376, 6 December 1945, Page 4

DEFAULTING COUNTY

Hospital Rate Struck iN.Z.P.A.) WHANGAREI, Dec. 5. The Mangonui County Council, at a special meeting to-day, considered its attitude in view of the Government’s current proposal to compel the collection of hospital rates which the Council has not struck for two years. After a discussion lasting all day, in which representatives of the Farmers’ Union which had taken a leading part in the derating campaign spoke, the following motion was carried:—

“In view of the finding and recommendations of the Parliamentary Select Committee on local body affairs which so definitely substantiates long standing cialms of hardship in Northland counties, this Council expresses grave disappointment al the Government’s action in taking drastic powers under the Statutes Amendment Bill to enable the enforcement of what has new been recognised olllcial.v as an injustice. The forcing through of such legislation ahead of Ihe consideration and implementation ol Ihe Bel »( t (tom mittee’s report, is most untimely and must undermine public faith in the sincerity of th" Government’s intentions regarding II at report.” The Prime Minister is lo be Inlorincd that, followin'’ I,he bringing down of the Parliamentary Committees recommendations. ihe council is now prepared imrnedtntelv to lew n hospilal rate for the current year on Ila’ basis of the Commil 'ee's rei ommendal lons, namely, the IT.!> 1939 averarc of ‘”1346. and lo Dav l.h<‘ proceed: to Ihe Man gcnill Hospl';'! Board The Comu-il mad" il clem ilm' U i taking these slci" m he belief (hit the Government will I'lmc the findings of the Select f’onuuitlee on the Slu"i (’ Pock 'lhe Cimnci! 'uvr notice of nIcd! pm lo strike a into of T.d on in Imnroved rateable value lot hospi'a! m i r poses ...