HOSPITAL LEVY

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20508, 26 May 1938, Page 6

HOSPITAL LEVY

INCREASE OPPOBED WAIPA COUNCIL DISCUSSION (Times Special Reporter) TE AWAMUTU, Wednesday When the increase in the Waikato Hospital levy last year came up for discussion at the annual meeting of the Waipa County Council yesterday several councillors expressed the opinion that efforts should be mkde to have *the levy reduced. “It is obvious that this iniquitous levy is increasing every year, and it seems that the lands will be rated as heavily under this system as they are for riding rates,” said Mr F. L. Onion. “We ought to make some effort to have the levy reduced.”

The chairman, Mr S. C. B. Macky, quoted figures taken from the estimates, and pointed out that the increase in wages paid by the hospital board had contributed to the increase. As long as the system continued the local bodies would continue to be levied. The proposed Government Health Insurance Scheme might relieve the local bodies to some extent. However, that would mean many more hospitals. When discussing comments on the proposed Government social security plan forwarded by the Counties’ Association M? Onion stated that if the scheme were introduced the rural ratepayers . would have to meet a higher levy from the increased hospital costs as well as the social security tax.