PAYMENT OF SUBSIDIES TO HOSPITAL BOARDS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19118, 10 July 1930, Page 16

PAYMENT OF SUBSIDIES TO HOSPITAL BOARDS

That the Government edict that subsidies on voluntary contributions would cease probably meant a cessation of subsidies on contributions for work that the authorities did not think necessary was the opinion expressed by Mr W. S. Wharton, secretary to the North Canterbury Hospital Board, when the Dannevirke message was referred to him. Mr Wharton said that he had received a notice that subsidies on voluntary contributions in excess of those disclosed on the estimates, or of what might be expected, probably would not be given, unless for a purpose of which the Government approved. “ We have received voluntary contributions for necessitous unemployed and I do not anticipate that an application for a subsidy for this will be turned down,” he said. “It was given distinctly for the benefit of the poor. People have given money to do work of a minor nature, such as putting coping stones on buildings. I think it is for work of this kind that the Government will not give subsidies.” Air Wharton certainly did not think that the subsidising of all contributions would stop, the decision depending on the manner of the contribution and the way in which the money would be spent. Only recently Mr Wharton put in an application for a subsidy and so far has not heard of any refusal.