ROTORUA SANATORIUM.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 138, 11 June 1909, Page 2

ROTORUA SANATORIUM.

FRIENDIiY SOCIETIES' PROTEST, I (By Telegraph.—Parlla men tsxy Reported j WELLINGTON, this day. A representative deputation of Auckland members of Parliament waited upon the Hon. T.. Mackenzie this morning, and made representations on behalf ol the Friendly Societies of New Zealand' with regard to the increased charge at Rotorua Sanatorium from 21/ to 30/.: Jir. Poole introduced v the deputation,] which, included Messrs. Lawry, Glover, Lang, Jennings, Mac Donald, "and Greenslade. Apologies were received from J Messrs. Massey, Herries, and E. H. Taylor. Mr. Poole said there was a feeling of j dissatisfaction amongst the societies at the increased charge, which would be a handicap to institutions which saved the I Government considerable expenditure. Mr. Jennings said there were 56,817 members of Friendly Societies, repre-, senting, with, dependents, a population of 250,000. The funds of the societies amounted to £1,118,217; £_58,939 hal been paid in sick benefits, and £11,085 for funeral expenses. Only six members at a time were admitted at the Sanatorium, and no member .was admitted unless bis lodge certified that be needed relief. Under these circumstances the Government might consider the question of maintaining the fee at 21/. Other members of the deputation also spoke. The Minister, in reply, said the cost to the Department for each patient, in addition to the above 30/, was 12/ a week. However, he fully recognised the ' good work the Friendly Societies were doing, and desired to assist them in every way he could. He had had some | conversation on the subject with Dr. Valintine, who wanted the sanatorium ,to be as useful as possible. The representations of the deputation had been couched in moderate terms, and he would submit them to Cabinet.