HOSPITAL RATES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 1, 28 August 1945, Page 5

HOSPITAL RATES

FARMERS' EMPHATIC PROTEST

r DEPUTATION TO COUNTIES' CONFEIIENCE The objection of farmers, to the payment of hospital rates was brought before, the N,Z. Counties' Association at its ajinual conference held in Wellington last month when a deputation from the N.Z. Fanners.' Union consisting of Messrs R. .J. Glasgow and W. J. Thomas attended. "Everybody," said Mr Clasgo\v? "knew what a tremendous burden hospital rating put on the rural ratepayer. During the last 25 years the Union had protested against its injustice. The position, had become accentuated lately because of two factors. One was the. so-called free hospital treatment in connection with the Social Security plan which

had thrown a very much highc burden on the hospitals and tli second factor—the amendment to tli Local Election and Polls Act las session, the enlarging of the frar was the last straw." "So far as the Union was con cerneel they had come to the stag where a section of the organisatioi in Mangonui County had alread; taken action and got some reliel but it was apparent tbey would g. under unless they got some suppor now. The Union was now asking tb Counties' Association to give con sideration and support." Mr Thomas supported Mr Glasgov and said "the brake must be put 01 by the people who pay $ and hospita cost was the only thing under th< Social Security scheme that was noi being paid by everyone. We an perfectly entitled to see that the} were paid for by every man womar and child who received the benefit.'

Later the Union was advised'that the Counties' Association had decided to defer action in this matter until the Select Parliamentary Committee which took evidence on Hospital Rating and other matters, had made its report to the Government.

Reporting to the executive meeting of the N.Z. Fanners' Union Mr Hallyburton Johnstone said that at the Counties' Conference he had been surprised at the strength of the support voiced for the union's stancl-

point. All had agreed that the. tax was unjust though a majority was not prepared to take direct action.