FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 142, 17 June 1937, Page 22

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

DOMINION COUNCIL

ANNUAL MEETING

I The seventh annual meeting of the Dominion Council of Friendly Societies was held at Wellington recently. The president, Mr. G. F. Rudkin, 1.0.0. F., New Zealand, presided, and other officers in attendance were: Vice-presi-dents, Messrs. W. J. Gregory, U.A.0.D., and S. McNabb, A.0.F.; secretary-trea-surer, A. G. Shrimpton, M.U.1.0.0.F.; associate secretary, H. S. M. Quigley, M.U.1.0.0.F,; auditor, A. W. O. Travers, A.0.F.; and the following delegates:— M.U.1.0.0.F., Otago, Messrs. W. R. Sellar, J. A. Robson; Lyttelton, G. C. Taylor; New Zealand branch, A. C. fcsiair, H. S. M. Quigiey, U.A.O.U. worm island, W. J. Gregory, A. L. Williams; Canterbury, F. E. 'ialbot, L. B. Freeman; Otago and Southland, D. A. Young, W. B. Steel. A.0.F., Wellington, W. F. Sanvig, A. W. O. Travers; Otago, J. K. Maciie, A. W. Jones; Canterbury, O. Jacobsen, D. Oonaldi Hawke's Bay, S. McJMabb, J. A. l\Jodwell; Soutli Canterbury, T. C. Baker; Auckland, W. E. Jones. 1.0.0. F., New Zealand, G. F. Rudkin, R. E. SUgo. H.A.C.8.5., J. T. Carr. Sons of Temperance, J. H. Jones, T. C. Parsons. 1.0. R., Central, F. G. Johnson, W. G. Carpenter; New Zealand District, D. M. A. Bodley. Weinngton Tramways, F. Twort, T. A. Christeson. Auckland Transport Club, G. Bell-Booth, A. Wainwright, J. Hughes. G.U.0.0.F.. A. J. Hooper.

A new affiliation was recorded, the Wellington Municipal Employees' Sick Benefit Society, being represented by Mr. E. Kemsley. The Registrar of Friendly Societies, Mr. R. Sinel, and, the consulting Government Actuary, Mr. S. Beckingsale, attended the conference. In replying to the welcome Mr. Sinel said that his Department had not only ideas for the welfare of friendly societies, but ideals for their advancement. He referred to the King George V Memorial Fund, and the wonderful support accorded the appeal by friendly societies, who had, according to the latest information, subscribed the sum of £3650. Mr. Sinel also touched upon the question of national health insurance, and confirmed the statements that the scheme was not yet complete, but he considered that friendly- societies should be givan the opportunity of discussing the merits of any scheme introduced. Mr. Beckingsale also supported the Registrar in respect to the humanitarian efforts of the society, and as consulting actuary would give full consideration to matters submitted for the welfare of the movement.

The president, Mr. Rudkin, referred to the council's activities in cementing the efforts of the whole of the societies in New Zealand, the affiliations now represented comprising 94.6 per cent, of the total membership. The increase during the last two years disclosed a net gain of 2904 members, indicating that the losses during the depression years had been retrieved. Reference was made to the departure of Mr. C. Gostelow, late Registrar and Actuary, who had during his term of office shown great consideration to the financial affairs of all societies. Referring to the extensive services rendered the community by the friendly society movement and the probable introduction of a national health scheme the president expressed the opinion that the friendly society movement of the Dominion would co-operate to the fullest extent in perfecting this scheme. REMITS. In dealing with remits submitted by the several societies, the question of inaugurating a fund to equaJise travelling expenses was referred to the executive for report at the next meeting. The proposal to print;a Friendly Society Gazette and the report by Past President Bro. C. H. Bascand, was received, and the matter referred to the executive. It was resolved to interview the respective Ministers regarding amendments to the Pensions Act, and asking that benefits paid by friendly societies be not assessed as income in connection with all State pensions. That an effort be made to induce the Government to resume the payment for making up the annual returns. That the Friendly Society year end on June 30, instead of December 31. That an effort be made to have an amendment introduced in the Friendly Societies' Act regarding section 50, subsection (4) to provide that any deficiency paid by the management fund in terms of the necessary guarantee by that fund should be recoverable out of excess income accruing in subsequent years. That the affiliated societies be recommended to use a uniform questionnaire in the body of their medical declaration form. That the executive review the matter of Public Works medical associations and the effect compulsory registration might have on friendly society members resuming their ordinary avocations. That the Government be urged to establish special sanatoria for the treatment of all severe nervous cases other than admitting them to mental hospitals.

RULES AMENDED. The rules of the council were amended to provide for the better administration of affairs during conference interims, and provision made to convene representatives in the case of any emergency affecting the movement arising. The severe drain upon friendly society funds as a result of motor and other accidents caused by the negligent handling of motor vehicles was fully discussed, and the executive directed to interview the Minister in Charge of Friendly Societies with a view to introducing legislation to meet the situation. Regarding the National Health Scheme proposals the conference resolved, for the information of the societies, to print in the report of the proceedings the data prepared by the secretary. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected for the ensuing twelve months: —President, Mr. W. J. Gregory; vice-presi-dents, Messrs. S. McNabb and R. E. Sligo; secretary-treasurer, Mr. A. G. Shrimpton; auditor, Mr. W. G. Carpenter; associate secretary, Mr. A. W. O. Travers. The conference resolved to accept the presentation of a collar of office presented by the first president, Mr. H. S. M. Quigley.