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Hokitika Guardian, 12 September 1928, Page 2

The subject of hospital' administration is being revived by a strong municipal deputation to wait on the Prime Minister this week. The two chief objectives is to obtain direct representation for local bodies and to seek some adjustment of the administrative costs by practically placing the whole of the charge on the consolidated fund, or in the alternative, readjusting the system of allocation, so that instead of levying solely on capital values of local bodies, half should he on capital valuations and half on population basis. The matter of representation should not he a burning question. The system at present is that the Board is elected by the electors of the respective local bodies in proportion to their quota of representation on the Hospital

Board. The nominee system was in operation previously, but was changed, apparently for some good reason. Locally, it is not always easy to secure enough candidates to fill the elective number, so that virtually the position is not changed. Actually, the alteration would be of little moment here, but it is moVe in keeping with the trend of democracy to make these positions elective, as at times circumstances might arise when the electors would desire to voice their opinions. It does so happen in some centres that this occurs, and it would appear 'it were wise to have the law in this inspect as it is. There is of course the obligation not in the Hospital Board, but on the contributing local body, to find what funds are required and there would he more reason in altering this system than in touching the represen- ‘ taiive system. If Hospital Boards had to collect their own revenue thero would be a surer safeguard against extravagance than at present, where some Boards are carrying out considerable capital expenditure at the cost of the ratepayers to whom of course the members of the Board are not directly responsible. At the same time it must be borne in mind that the Government is a largo contributor to the funds of the Boards, and that is a quarter where any reasonable cheek or undue expenditure coukl be made, if thero was any real foundation to the charge of undue extravaganco. As regards passing the whole of the cost of hospitals and charitable aid administration to the Government, we may lie sure there is not any hope of this at present. It is now sought to apportion the local body cost fifty-fifty—half 011 valuations and half on population. This is part of the town v. country war, and it remains to !>c seen how far the Government will he disposed to act in the matter. It •would appear with the session hastening to a close the Prime Minister will find a difficulty in adding another very controversial question to his urgent list, so that most likely, after much talk, the matter will ho. shelved till ; more convenient date later.