PUBLIC HOSPITALS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 126, 29 May 1936, Page 6

PUBLIC HOSPITALS

CHARITABLE AID SYSTEM Nationalisation or finance HEALTH INSURANCE FAVOURED PALMERSTON N., May 28. Nationalisation of the financing of lhe public, hospital and charitable aid »ystem was advocated in a remit put forward by the Feilding branch at the interprovincial conference of the Farmers’ Union in Feilding yesterday. Discussion on the subject drew an amendment urging the establishment of State lotteries. Moving the remit Mr. J. H. Mason (Feilding) said the burden of financing ; the institutions was outgrowing the ( •apability of the county councils. The ! country provided most of the finance, ind the city the patients. Mr. Howe (Fordell i advocated financing hospitals through State lotteries, i At unions and tatalisators were permitted, but not State lotteries. Mr. J. T. Kent (Waikanae) moved a a amendment that instead of permit T.ng art unions, the Government be asked to conduct State lotteries to finance hospitals and charitable aid. Mr. J. Boyce (Glen Oroua) said ratepayers could not bear the steadily increasing burden. They were carrying a staggering load, and there was no possibilitv of its being reduced. The Palmerston North Hospital Board had this ■’ ear increased its levy by over 25 per cent., and every penny of the expenditure would be required. Sufficient inonev could be raised from State lotteries without increasing the gambling spirit. to finance every phase of hospital activities. Mr. H. J. Mcl.eavey (Ohan) supported the remit, but Mr. Doyle < Hawke’s Bay) condemned it. He felt ashamed of the arguments advanced in its favour. Several delegates protested at this statement. Mr. Lynch (Parsparatimu) said art unions and other forms of gambling were legalised already. Money must be found for urgently needed increases in hospital facilities. With the permission of the conference. Mr. Mason amended the remit by adding the words, “by means of a na-