HOSPITAL BOARD ESTIMATES

Hokitika Guardian, 30 June 1931, Page 5

HOSPITAL BOARD ESTIMATES

ALLYLSTEIUS DEFENCE OF POLICY

WELLINGTON, June 27.

A vigorous defence of the reductions offeetted in hospital board estimates wax made by the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy in the House this morning, when replying to the criticism ot Auckland and southern members. The- Minister said that no one regretted more than he the necessity for the alterations, and he admitted that the demands made had been almost cruel in comparison with the experience of the past. However, 95 per cent, of the boards were co-operating in a magnificent way, and a large proportion of the boards had been able vo budget this year for -some- hundreds J:\ss than the arbitrary figure submitted by the Department. The Alinister said that he knew the boards were being asked to do what was almost an impossible task. It- was suggested to the Auckland Board that the amount of tne difference between the Department’s estimate and that of the board, which was about £6OOO, could be met at the discretion of the board, if a 10 per cent, reduction in wages and salaries were applied. “I don’t suggest that- the Minister has power, to determine that the board shall so adjust its finances by making the reductions in wages,” said the speaker. Air P. Fraser (Wellington Central) : ! Wits it then just mere bluff on the Department’s part ?

The .Minister: No, it was a matter of Bard fact and a matter of the finances av. liable. AN hen the Budget proposals come forward no doubt the extent of the gigantic task ahead of the House will be better understood, and, perhaps, economies in which we are asking the co-operation of the hoards will he bettor appreciated. Whether I am in the House or out of it will be to me next year a tremend-

ops relief to know that the economic position will be such as not to make absolutely necessary a further serious reduction in the social services we now enjoy. I shall be more than relieved, indeed.