FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7821, 14 June 1909, Page 1

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

A representative deputation of Auckland members of Parliament waited upon the Hon. T. Mackenzie on; Friday morning to make representations on behalf of the friendly societies of New Zealand in regard to the increased charge at the Kotorua Sanatorium from 2ls to 30s. Mr Poole said there was a feeling of dissatisfaction among the societies at tho increased charge, which would bo a handicap to institutions, which save the Government considerable expenditure. Mr W. T. Jennings,-M.P., said there were 56,817 member^ esr,friendly societies representiiteU'wHl&'dependents, a population 23$i$&$. Tile furids of the societies amoilrntiirif''&mt£l ,118,217; the sum ■of dCoS,9SioVbad', befen paid in sick bep^fit^Vond £1-1,085 lor funeral, expfei^s* Only six members at a .time werfc admitted at th© sanatorium, and no member was adinj^fd unless his lodge certified that lMf^eeded relief. Under the eircUnls;tanee| the Government might confaider the question of maintaining the fee at 21s. , The. Minister, in reply 1, said the cost to the department for each patient, over and above the 30s paid, was 12s a week. However, he fully recognised the good work the friendly societies were doing. Ho desired to assist them in every way he could. He had;had some conversation on the subject with Dr. Valentine, and he wanted the sanatorium to bo as useful a& possible. (Hear,, hear). The representations of the deputation would be submitted to Cabinet.