HOSPITAL LEVY

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 439, 21 May 1937, Page 4

HOSPITAL LEVY

COUNTY PAYMENT Concern Expressed At Increase 1 Alarm at the yearly increase in the Stratford Hospital levy was expressed by Councillor S. Pitt at to-day’s meeting of the Stratford County Council, when the estimates were before the meeting. He pointed out that this year's levy was £3230, an increase of £l2OO in the pest four yehrs, and ( ii was a question where it would end. As far as the hospital expenditure or collection of fees was concerned, tlie council knew very little. v-r. L. Stanford: It is very nice to have a good hospital, but it it' a big drain on the ratepayers. Cr. Pitt said that people went into the hospital and did not pby. With sustenance payments there was no. body who could not afford to pay. The chairman, Mr T. R. Anderson, who Is also chairman of the Hospital Board defined the policy of the Board. He emphasised that there had been no extravagant expenditure and that the levies compared very favourably With Other boards. During the depression the board had assisted a great many who were unable to pay. Another factor that accounted for the present increase was the increase in costs generally.