NEED FOR ECONOMY.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17277, 13 December 1927, Page 8

NEED FOR ECONOMY.

HOSPITAL EXPENDITURE.

CLOSE WATCH ADVISED. BIG BURDEN ON RATEPAYERS. Speaking at the opening of the new wing of the Waikato Hospital, yesterday, the Minister of Health, Hon. J. A. Young, remarked that while the Government did not seek to curtail expenditure at the expense of efficiency, there was yet a necessity to keep down capital expenditure to the lowest amount possible without impairing effleienty. As a. result of maintaining a watchful eye on things during the past year the Department had been able to reduce expenditure by no less than £250,000, which it was not considered should he spent at present. There was, no doubt, added the Minister, that there had been an undue demand for new hospitals. There was no doubt, also, that the finance of Hospital Boards was easily assured; perhaps too easily so; but it was presumed that people who had pressed for these hospitals wanted them and were ready to pay for them. It behoved boards, however, to watch closely their finances at present. The burden on the - ratepayers and the consolidated fund was especially heavy 'this year, but he trusted it would be found to have reached the peak and that next year the burden would be lighter. The economy of £250,000 which he had mentioned had been effected largely by a revision of plans.