MUNICIPAL BODIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 May 1938, Page 8

MUNICIPAL BODIES

VIEWS ON SUPERANNUATION & HEALTH ASSOCIATION STATEMENT TO COMMITTEE. RELIEF FROM RATING BURDENS DESIRED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. WELLINGTON, This Day. A statement was presented to the Select Committee on National Health and Superannuation this morning on behalf of the Municipal Association of New Zealand, representing 120 cities and boroughs in the Dominion, as well as thirty town boards, etc. Dealing with the national health insurance proposals, the statement says that from resolutions passed by the association from time to time, it can be seen that the association is a strong supporter of national health insurance. It submitted, however, that the rating position was an integral part of any national health insurance scheme and that consideration should be given to granting some relief from the burden of Hospital and Charitable Aid rating. It contended that the national health insurance schemes should be compulsory and should be financed by employers, employees and the Consolidated Fund.

Referring to the superannuation scheme, the statement contends that it would be unjust to force upon the servants of local bodies, who are already in some cases paying contributions on salary or wages, a further charge in respect of a national pension or superannuation scheme from which they can hope to derive no benefit.

At noon the hearing of evidence was interrupted for the submission of statements to the committee by the New Zealand Farmers’ Union.