HOSPITAL BOARDS CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 October 1924, Page 3

HOSPITAL BOARDS CONFERENCE.

MINISTER (»F HEALTH'S ADDRESS. [hy ti.i.i'.oi:a i' ii—mat vuuss ass.oci Armn.] WEI.I.INGTDN. Oet. 7. The Hospitals Boards’ Conference I'lii'lii'd to-day. Sir Maui Pi.inai- (.Minister ol lli alth) made a statement regarding (he various problems lacing the Det 111 it ills' n 1 and Boards, lie remarked upon the large number ol remits on tli" agenda nnper. including ma n v for the tightening of the burden of the ratepayers by (ho Government, lie reminded them that this mororly meant the profile paving in another form. The hospital problem could not be solved merely >v the transference of the burden. The prime motive of the Conference was the formation of a Hospitals’ Associaion which, he antieioated. would have results. Hospital finance had l.eeonio a verv serious problem. Inc loans and subsidies ibis year would exceed one million, which was too high for such a small country with no destitute class. Sir Maui Pomace suggested that Ini' Conference consider whether the oiesent svstem provided too many bells and whether the outpatients’ departments should he developed. Ihe multiplicity nf districts also involved a large expenditure. A great danger was the undue increase of the number ot base hospitals and the present 41 distncts should he reduced to less than hall. He rocuiniucnded tin*C clinches should increased to approximately the cost ol service, with reductions for inability to niiy. POLITICS AND HOSPITAL MATTERS. WELLINGTON. October 7. At the Hospital Conference, a remit from Whangarei Board, that tor the purpose of electing representatives to Boards, it was desirable the electors qualifications be similar to all contributory districts, and Government be urged to bring down the necessary amending legislation. There was some discussion on the suggestion that elections he on the basis of the parliamentary roll. Sir James Wilson strenuously imposed the idea. They did not want to bring polities into hospital matters. Mr Chapman (Wellington) said the culy way to get the people to take an interest in hospital affairs was to make the franchise ns wide as possible. Tlie Chairman. Mr Wallace said it would be a sorry day when party politics were introduced into Hospital Boards. \ motion by North Canterbury that the elections lie on the parliamentary franchise was lost on the voices.