SETBACK FELT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 43, 21 February 1939, Page 9

SETBACK FELT.

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

ENROLMENTS FALL OFF.

SOCIAL SECURITY CHANGES,

"Our fate still remains to be known, but we are carrying on," said an Auek' land representative of the friendly

societies' movement to-day, when questioned regarding the probable effect of the racial security scheme.

Generally, he said, the attitude was one of wait and see. It was stated that the influx of new members had fallen off, and instead of a constant stream of inquiries about the benefits to be obtained from membership of the societies little information had been sought for several months. At the same time few members had resigned, and there was a widespread feeling that the usefulness of the societies would continue although the scope of the benefits might be somewhat reduced. °

One reason given for the desire of members meantime to retain their friendly society benefits, was difficulty which the Government was experiencing in organising the health and medical Mde of the scheme. At the best, it was expected that a number of months would pass before the Government was in a position to operate its hospital and medical services.

Payments Through Lodges. "The societies are prepared to continue as long as it is necessary their arrangements with their medical officers—that is, with the doctors and chemists who provide for the needs of members during sickness," said Miss R Darlow, secretary of the Foresters' lodges, this morning. "There is nothing definite yet aboufr the hospital benefits' and the maternity benefits, which are an important part of the service the friendly societies give to their member* do not seem likely to be available for some time. The position is therefore very indefinite."

As it was the intention of the Government to pay the sickness benefits to the societies' members through the lodges, added Miss Darlow, it appeared that the Government must first arrange for the issue of certificates through the doctors. This involved an understanding between the Government and the medical profession on the working of the proposed new system.

Members had stopped joining the lodges during the past six months, she stated, as it was necessary for them to pay in to the societies' funds for several months before they became eligible for the full benefits. With the social security scheme in the offing those who had contemplated membership had revised their views, and considered that, in the circumstances, such a step was wot worth while.

"The effects we have felt already have given a definite setback to the lodges/' Mise Darlow remarked, "and the consequences may be much more far-reaching when the Government's scheme comes into operation."

Negotiations With Government. Auckland executive members of the friendly societies are not in close touch with the negotiations which are proceeding with the Government, it was learned, ae these are being dealt with in Wellington by the Friendly Societies Council.

Circulate issued Iby the societies to their members point out that if doctor, hospital and dispensary benefits are provided for out of the Social Security fund, they will consequently not be a charge on lodge members. The consequent reduction in dues would go far towards paying the extra Government taxation of 4d in the £ to gain benefits from the State scheme.

Members are also being reminded that continuation of the usual lodge sick pay will not restrict the State benefits, provided the total amount ■ received from all sources does not exceed £5 a week. This ie a concession to friendly societies members as the amount to ibe received by non-members is restricted to £4 a week.