WORK OF FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23263, 25 February 1941, Page 8

WORK OF FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

EFFECT OF SOCIAL SECURITY A plea that friendly societies, whose ranks might be threatened by a misunderstanding of the'' Social Security Act, should stand together for their common good and the maintenance of their work was made at the public reception to him last night by Bishop Brodie. He was replying to a presentation from the Hibernian Society a Roman Catholic friendly society. Hibernians, with ether friendly societies, were faced with serious problems. perhaps the chance of extermination, because of a misunderstanding o f the Social Security Act. he said. There was a need for friendly societies to stand together now as never before, “If 70 years ago we wanted friendly societies we will want

them more in’ the future,” said the Bishop. Members of friendly societies should not be discouraged by the effect of the Social Security Act. As he understood the act it was to guarantee a minimum to save beneficiaries from poverty and distress. It was not a full allowance.

In years gone by before there was workers’ compensation, and the hat was taken round after every accident, friendly societies had been a source of great strength. ‘They must retain their identity and stand together to face the future without discouragement. He was sure that it was not the intention of those who drafted the Social Security Act to endanger the friendly societies; if its promoters foresaw that this might be threatened, he was sure that they would amend the act.