N.Z. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25784, 21 April 1949, Page 3

N.Z. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

MR NASH KEEN TO ASSIST WORK LEGISLATION FORECAST “The Press" Special Service NEW PLYMOUTH, April 20. The preparation of legislation to assist friendly societies was forecast yesterday by the Acting-Prime Minister (Mr Nash), when addressing the twenty-third movable conference of the Manchester Unity, Independent Order of Oddfellows, at New Plymouth. He said that after conferring with friendly society representatives at Wellington he hoped he would be able to introduce legislation for the benefit of friendly societies as a whole, so that they could expand rather than stabilise their activities. Mr Nash was replying to the New Zealand Grand Master, Mr W. B. Brown, of Wellington, who said there were still some matters that were causing friendly societies concern. Mr Brown referred particularly to the loss of membership since the inception of the social security scheme. The society was, however, he added, pioneering a number of new benefits.

‘lt is entirely wrong to say that the day of the friendly society is past.” said Mr Nash. In spite of social security there were many avenues still to be explored by societies, and instead of their activities being retarded they could be extended. Although there had been a decline of something like 35,000 in the societies’ membership since the social security legislation was passed in 1938, then funds had increased by £1,135.000. In 1947, friendly societies paid out £176,642 in sick benefits and £63,478 in general benefits.

“Organisations that can link men and women together for them to do the things I have mentioned are organisations that are wanted in this country,” Mr Nash commented.

Mentioning that the membership of friendly societies had dropped from 113.709 in 1938 to 78,506 in 1947, he said that if he could do anything to help arrest the decline he would be pleased to do it. He would be glad to discuss with friendly society officers any points considered to be for the benefit of friendly societies and the Dominion.

“I am anxious to find a way in which that which you want can be achieved,’’ the Minister concluded.

Miss Elizabeth Fry, aged 24, the air hostess on the airliner, Kurana, which crashed on Mount Macedon, near Melbourne, on November 6, 1948, will be presented with an inscribed silver salver by Lloyd’s of London, in recognition of her courage. She displayed great coolness in directing the escape of the 19 passengers before the aircraft caught fire. She helped to extricate the pilot and co-pilot, both of whom died, and although herself injured, she assisted the injured passengers. Miss Fry is stated to be the first air hostess in the world so honoured by Lloyd’s.— Melbourne, April 20. The New Zealand Trade Commissioner in Washington (Mr R. W. Marshall) will visit Christchurch from April 26 to April 29, to discuss trade conditions with manufacturers, and will be in\ >ed to a luncheon by the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Associa tion.