ATTACK ON B.M.A.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 86, 13 April 1939, Page 12

ATTACK ON B.M.A.

ACTION BY UNION.

STRONG RESOLUTION.

SOCIAL SECURITY PLAN. RESENTMENT AT ATTITUDE. The attitude of members of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association toward* the medical benefits under the Social Security Act was adversely criticised at a largely attended meeting last, evening of the Auckland Carpenters and Joiners' Union. Speakers, it is stated, expressed keen resentment at the alleged refusal by doctors to co-operate with the Government in connection with the scheme, and voiced assurances that support would he forthcoming from unionist* for the Government ill any action taken to facilitate the introduction of the proposed medical services under the Act, even should such action go to the length of arranging for the bringing of doctors from overseas to the Dominion. After discussion the following resolution was carried: "That this union considers the obstinate refusal of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association to co-operate in implementing the Social Security Act a direct political challenge to the Labour Government, and is inimical to the best interests of the people of New Zealand as a whole." Letter to Prime Minister. The secretary of the union, Mr. J. G. Kennerley, stated this morning that he had been instructed to elaborate oil the resolution in a letter to the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, setting out the attitude of members of the union towards the action being taken by New Zealand doctors. To sum up the position, he said, members felt very strongly on the subject. In accordance with this instruction he had written as follows to Mr. Savags:—

"Just as the members of the building trades' union have been prepared to sink their own immediate economic interests for the benefit of the people

at the time of the present national housing emergency, we consider that a large number of the members of the medical profession are equally willing to do the same in connection with the social security scheme, in view of the humanitarian nature of the legislation.

"Should the New Zealand members of the British Medical Association persist in their refusal to consider the reasonable terms that we' are confident the Government has offered and will continue to offer them, we assure you as Prime Minister of our wholehearted support in any action considered necessary to implement the social security legislation to which every worker in this country has looked forward with hope and great expectation.

"Wo would further endorse, if necessary, any action of the Government, even so far as the 'importation' of specialists from overseas, feeling as we do that the carrying into effect of this humanitarian legislation has the approval and backing of the great majority of New Zealand citizens."