DIVIDED OPINION

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 82, 5 October 1915, Page 3

DIVIDED OPINION

THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES . BILL CONSOLIDATION OF FUNDS. Proposed amendments of the Friendly Societies Act, which the Hon. J A. Hanan has introduced to Parliament, were earnestly discussed in the House of Representatives last' night. It appears from the differences of opinion that the friendly eocieties are not unanimous upon the proposals. The chief feature ,of the Bill is the proposal it contains ' (clause 4) to permit consolidation of societies' funds, if so desired, a- right denied under clause 40 of the Act of 1909. Mr. T M. Wilford asked if the societies had requested the BilL The Minister said there was some dif-* ference of opinion among the societies. He continued that in regard to section. 4, the Auckland United Friendly Societies and some of the Otago Societies desired it, though it was true a "number of members also opposed consolidation of funds. However, the minority in such a case should bow to the desire of the majority. He might consider the advisability of holding section 4 over and allow the societies themselves to fight it out. Mr. W. T. Jennings suggested that the Bill be held over until it had been submitted to a conference of friendly societies, and Mr. R. A. Wright supported this view. The Prime Minister interjected that it was only intended to take the , second reading that night. Mr Wright -continued that the societies had not yet had a chance of being heard upon the Bill. He objected also to clause 5, which, he said, would deny to soldiers who left New Zealand their sick pay. Mr. T M. Wilford, while congratulating the Prime Minister upon his endeavour to improve the friendly societies' legislation, suggested that it should be made to apply to those societies which unquestionably required relief , Mr. (X J Parr said that a number of societies had already consolidated their funds, and if clause 4 was not passed they would be id an awkward fix. By an overwhelming majority, mem- j bers of five societies in the South Island had decided by vote to concrete their funds. He explained that the purpose of consolidation was to enable the weaker branches to amalgamate their funds with the stronger branches to meet the extra strain of the war. Mr. J. S. Dickson said that he had received a number of protests from members of friendly societies, and he hoped the Bill would be held over for the time being. He could not agree with all that had been said by Mr. Parr. Mr. Talbot supported the Bill.. Mr. A. H. Hindmarsh thought it unjust thai an important Bill such as this should be treated in this rough-and-ready style. He had had representations from influential members of the friendly societies that the Bill was most undesirable. The societies should be heard upon its provisions. Mr. t R. Fletcher remarked, that the Bill did not by any means cover the requirements of the majority of the friendly societies. In any case the societies had not had an opportunity of considering the proposals, and he suggested that' it should be held over to enable a conference to be held in the recess The lodge to which he belonged favoured consolidation, and he hoped in time they would he able to' persuade other societies to see matters as they saw them, but that would not induce him to vote for the Bill. Prominent friendly societies' representatives had urged him to endeavour to have it held over. Mr. A. Harris said' that the Bill was not mandatory, but merely gave lodges the power to consolidate their funds should > they so desire. He added that two-thirds of the members of friendly societies had declared for consolidation. Mr. A. Walker said that with the principle of consolidation he had no fault to find, but he objected to the proposal to do away with clause 40, which sought to do away with the fundamental principle of friendly societies' work. There should be provision in any amending Bill to_ enable friendly societies to obtain a fair share of any district fund retained by the order ' The Hon. J. A. Hanan, replying, . said that all the Bill sought to do was to confer upon friendly societies certain discretionary powers It was not sought to force any society to consolidate its funds, .but was simply to give 'them an opportunity of consolidating their funds. The Minister added that he only intended to take the second reading just then a,nd then see what he could do to meet the objections raised The Bill was read «i recond time without further debate.