HOSPITAL BOARD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 111, 14 May 1941, Page 4

HOSPITAL BOARD

Sir.—From your report of the last meeting of the Rangitikei Countv Council it appeared that a report on the finances of the Wanganui Hospital Board was given by Cr. Coleman and Messrs. Simpson and Gordon. The object of this “report” would have been missed had it not been noticed that I. the fourth representative of the council on the board, was not a party to the report. I should like to explain that this move was engineered by Cr. Coleman, who did not extend to me the courtesy of acquainting me of his intentions in the matter. I should not have heeded this had not opportunity been taken by Mr. Coleman to insinuate that I had not consistently supported economy on the Hospital Board, and this has resulted in some members supporting a “ticket” from which my name is excluded. After six years* service on the Hosnital Board I defy anyone to say truthfully that I have ever supported any move to spend money, which expenditure was unnecessary.

I have practised as a public accountant for many years and have at heart the welfare of a very large number of farmer clients whos° interests it Is my duty and pleasure to protect, besides being a fairly large ratepayer in Marton myself. Therefore I strongly resent the undemocratic attitude of these county councillors who accepted the unsupported hint from Mr. Coleman without troubling to verify his statements. On a recent occasion at a board meeting this councillor was challenged as to the veracity of a statement and his retort was “that he was not on his oath.” As a member of the board I refuse to be a puppet and claim Ihe right to use my own judgment. The reason Mr. Coleman has shown animosity towards me is that I have, on occasions. refused to support him in his endeavours to wrest the chairmanship from Mr. Broderick, a position for which, in my opinion, the former does not possess the requisite attributes. I feel sure that, in taking such an attitude I would have the sympathy of the county councillors who know him.

Must I remind the ratepayers that their sons are giving their lives so that we may preserve those democratic principles so dear to us, and surely such sacrifices will be in vain if. in our politics, both local and general, they forsake the principles of democracy in their dealings. I am aware that there is much intrigue going on—the extent of which will he known only after the election, but believe me. I would prefer defeat with honour than success with dishonour.

I have stated publicly relating to farm lands that I maintain the incidence of taxation regarding hospitals is ineouitable. and if re-elected my aim will be t o advocate the limitation of hospital levies to an amount not greater than at the date of the Social Security Act. the balance to be made up out of the Social Security Funds. —I am. etc.. A. J. B. SICELY. Marton. May 12. 1941.