HOSPITAL LEVIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 58, 3 April 1946, Page 6

HOSPITAL LEVIES

DE RATING CAMPAIGN

The Auckland Province of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union has embarked on a publicity campaign in regard to hospital levies, particularly in connection with Mangonui Hospital. Advertising has been conducted in the Auckland city press and principal country newspapers. There is increasing evidence that this campagin may be productive of some beneficial result to the ratepayers in question.

At the March meeting of the Auckland Executive of the Farmers’ Union, Mr G. R. Walsh (Clevedon), a staunch supporter of hospital derating, made some valuable suggestions. Mr Walsh said that one or two economists should contribute in the drawing up of a policy which would clearly define what was meant by derating and just what was intended to be de-rafed. Mr Walsh considered this vital, namely, that a clear idea should be given of how the money necessary to carry on the hospitals should be raised, and the same could apply to general rating. Mr Walsh considered that a proposition should be put up which would prove economically sound and would ultimately benefit the whole of New Zealand. Mr C. B. Michie (Bay of Islands) spoke appealingly in support, as it is from that area particularly that the effect of the alleged iniquitous taxation is felt. Mr Michie was the mover in a carried resolution which complimented the Secretary on the conduct of the campaign to date, and it was suggested that an endeavour be made to ascertain the exact proportion allocated from Social Security for hospital purposes.