FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3005, 16 February 1917, Page 6

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

i SCHEME OF STATE BENEFITS. Speaking to a representative of this •paper yesterday, the Hon. 'Arthur M. Myers, Minister in Charge of the- National Provident Fund, stated in reply to an inquiry that the scheme of extra State benefits and concessions for niemoers of Friendly Societies came into operation on January 1 last, and applied to almost all the societies iu the Dominion. Iu the course of some further remarks, the Minister stated that supplies of inforniativo literature for distribution to all members throughout the Dominion had been issued by the Department, which had also provided the necessary machinery to enable the members to obtain the benefits. In some instances, however, it appears that this literature has not reached tho members, many of whom are no doubt unaware of the benefits they are entitled to, and it would bo as well, therefore, said the Minister, if I mention what these benefits are:—First, there is a maternity allowance of £4, payable to the wife of any member of an approved Friendly Society whose income was for the preceding year under £200 on account of any birth after January 1, 1917; and, secondly, any member up to a given age may become a contributor for an annuity at ago 60 at very much reduced rates and on exceptionally favourable terms, particularly in regard to present members. These concessions aro only possible owing to. the liberal Government subsidies provided. There is no contribution payable by the member for the maternity allowance, which is claimable whether the member is an annuity contributor or nob. . Mr. Myers went on to state that the finance of the scheme was guaranteed by the State, and tho obligations required of the Friendly Societies are certified by the actuary as financially sound, and in order.that the members may derive tho benefits of tho Act it is proposed to take further steps in the direction of bringing these matters directly before the members themselves.