FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 32, 1 November 1929, Page 10

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

OBJECTION TO HIGHER HOSPITAL FEES At -the meeting of the Wellington Hospital Board yesterday, the General Committee recommended that all friendly societies having agreements with the board be notified that from January 1, 1930, the fees for maintenance of patients will be increased from 9s. to 12s. per day, and that the board is prepared to grant an allowance of 50 per cent., as in the past. . ... Mr D. Campbell said it was possible that some of the societies would cease contributing if the increase was made. They would take the risk and come in as ordinary patients. Some of the societies were well off and had funds, and would like to help the others, but they were controlled bv the Government, and could not take money from one fund to help anoIn replying to Mr. J. Glover, the chairman (Mr. C. M. Luke) said it was optional for the Friendly Societies to contribute. Ho described the services which were available to Friendly Societies, and asked if it was fair that the ratepayers — and especially the small ratepayers—should be called upon to bear the whole of the increased cost of maintenance. He believed an interview was desired with the committee, and the matter would probably come before the board again. The report was adopted.