Hospital Representation.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 14 May 1918, Page 3

Hospital Representation.

HGROWHENTTA WANTS THREE,

The question of representation on the Hospital Board was beforo the Hoio.vhcuua County Council on Saturday, when the letters on the subject, which Have already been published, were dealt with, also the resolution from the Levin Borough Council promising support to any . action that might be taken. The county clerk (Mr P. H. Goldsmith) said a great deal was to be said on both sides in regard to the proposal to rcduce the size of the Board, but as far as Horowhenua "was concerned it was put down for very unfair representation. After reading the proposed new representation to the Council, Mr Goldsmith said that the Palmeiston Board had decided to ask the Minister to increase the size of the Board. He did not think the Minister had treated the County at all fairly either on a population or financial basis. The chief argument against a reduction of members was that there could be no fairness of representation. As an instance, at one time Foxton and Feilding were represented by one member, with the result that Foxton never really had any representative on the Board, the member elected being a resident of Feilding. Cr. Broadbelt proposed: "That this Council strongly protests against the proposed reduction in the membership of the Palmeiston North Hospital Board at the present stage; it requests the Minister to make the Horowhenua district one combined district ' with threa members as agreed upon when the decision was made to join the said Board, and that the election bo held as soon as possible." Cr. Broadbelt strongly supported the motion, considering that if the combined .district could agree on suitable men they vronld have proper representation.

Cr. Ryder, in seconding, gave his hearty support to the motion. Cr. Murray also strongly supported the motion, stating that the next step should be an alteration in the ivho'e system of controlling hospitals. The motion was carried unanimously.

The Palmers ton Hospital Board wrdie stating the amount of the levy on tihe Council! for the year for maintenance was £122-1 15s 4d, and for capital expenditures £102 16s '10d. The first instalment (£612 7s 8d) was due on May 1. The reason far the reduction on the fir*'; assessment was that the Governmeint Statistician .hud supplied incorrect popualtion figures.