HOSPITAL COSTS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1928, Page 4

HOSPITAL COSTS

rfy Telegraph—Press Assn , Copyright. WELLINGTON, September 13. hollowing a meeting of representatives o| local bodies, a deputation waited on the Health .Minister, urging alterations in hospital control, and placed the following resolution before him:— This meeting of representatives of local bodies draws attention to the great increase of expenditure in hospital administration, and urges that Hospital Boards should be given power to strike and collect a rate, /ailing which the contributing local bodies should have representation on Hospital Boards; also that an additional subsidy on hospital and charitable aid contributions should he paid out of the Consolidated Fund. The Minister said it would cost fifty thousand a year to give the Hospital Boards the right to levy rates. He defended the Boards against charges of extravagance. There, appeared some

confusion in the country districts as to' ivlmt was wanted in regard to the basis of levies. It bad been suggested that levies should bo flot on capital alone, but on population and capital in equal proportions. If local bodies wore able to reach an agreement, be would ask the Government to bring down legislation to that effect. The Department did not Intend to sacrifice efficiency to economy, it would be impossible to grant representation to every local body; that would moan setting up miniature parliaments. Local bodies were merely machinery for collecting the rates. If, there was a general demand for a change in the system the matter would have to he considered. Me had taken a note of the representations made, and would discuss the matter with Cabinet.