HOSPITAL LEVIES

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22457, 19 September 1944, Page 4

HOSPITAL LEVIES

WAIPA COUNTY COUNCIL

PREVIOUS DECISION AFFIRMED A motion discussed by the Waipa County Council at Te Awamutu yesterday revived the subject of the council’s attitude toward derating of farm lands for hospital maintenance purposes. Mr S. G. Russell (Newcastle riding) moved that support be accorded the Mangonui County Council in its refusal to strike a hospital rate as a protest against the unfairness of farmers through their county councils having to provide the bulk of maintenance. Mr Russell said he realised that Waipa could give only moral support, as it had already struck a hospital rate for the current year.

Mr W. S. Germann (Mangapiko), who seconded the motion, said that cnly two members had supported a motion at a recent meeting to decline to strike a hospital rate, although most of the councillors had opposed the principle of requiring the farming community to bear the burden. Mr F. L. Onion moved an amendment affirming the principle of derating for hospital purposes, and leaving councillors as individuals to extend appreciation to the Mangonui councillors.

Mr G. S. Hall (Rangiaohia), seconding the amendment, said he understood there was the factor of amalgamation of several hospitals in the far north, and that a large area of native land contributed no rates, entailing a heavy hospital rate on European settlers.

Both the amendment and the motion were defeated, only the mover and seconder in each case voting in support.

The previous decision of the council was to strike a hospital rate but to express the view that the system was unfair and that the matter should be taken up again after the war.