HOSPITAL RATING ISSUE

Chronicle (Levin), 20 July 1946, Page 4

HOSPITAL RATING ISSUE

-Press Association

— COUNTIES VOICE DISAPPROVAL

By Telegrayh—

WELLINGTON, July 19. Strong disapproval was voiced -todav when a meeting of tbe executive of the New Zealand Counties' Association discussed the attitude taken by the Prime .Minister, Hon. P. Fraser, toward the recent combined deputation reprcsenting the Municipal and Counties' Associations, which asked for inimediate relief from the crushing burden on ratepavers imposed through hospital ation."The fact that several vears ago, in reeognition of the rapidiy mouiiting costs incidental to hospitalisation, the Prime Minister gave tlie association to understand the position would be reviewed as soon as the war was over, is an indieation of his awareness of the position," it was stated in a report subsequently issued by the association. "During the last few years costs have further advanced rapidiy and the fact that the Parliamentary Committee in its report stronglv emphasised the necessity for relief from such ini position. s, eonfirms the attitude taken by contributing local bodies. Since the Committee received its evidenee, further substantial increases in hospital levies have taken place. In some instances over a period of two years, up to as much as 80 per cent. increases have been made. "Concern was expressed at the present attitude of the Prime Minister when on a number of occasions, in replv to a previous deputation, he intimated the necessity for the stabilisation of hospital costs when they were on a substantially lower basis than those existing today. The refusal of Ihe Government to give an indieation of its policy, has not abated but rather aecentuated the very grave dissatisfaction and resentnicnt among county eouncils. "Concern was expressed by various ipemliers of the executive as to what may eventuate should the Government pcrsist-in its refusal to state its policy. Emphasis was made that in any relief which may be granted, it should not be made at the expense or neglect of the sick or those needing liospital treatment. Any suggestion that the sick may be prejudiced is unwarrantcd. It was decided to liold a conferenco on August 22 and 23 when the matter is expeeted to be taken further in yonjunction with other organiSations. There is a strong feeling that the rights of minoi'ities are not being respected. In view of the important services rendered to the eomniunity by Ihe iMuiucipal and Counties' Associations, the attitude taken bv the Govermnent towards their representations is sirongly deprecated."