DEFINITE SETBACK

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 45, 23 February 1939, Page 8

DEFINITE SETBACK

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME

FEWER ENROLMENTS

(Special to the "Evening Post.") AUCKLAND, February 22. The comment that their fate still remained to be known, but they were carrying on, was made by an Auckland representative of the friendly societies' movement yesterday, when questioned regarding the probable effect of the Social Security scheme. Generally, he said, the attitude was one of wait and see. It was stated that the influx of new members had fallen off, and instead c: a constant stream of inquiries about' the benefits to be obtained from membership of the societies, little information had been sought for several months. At the same time, few members had resigned, and there was a widespread feeling that. the usefulness of the societies would continue, although the scope of the benefits might be somewhat reduced. One reason given for the desire of J members meantime to retain their friendly society benefits was difficulty which the Government was experiencing in organising the health and medical side of the scheme. At the best, xt was expected that a number of months would pass before the Government was in a position to operate its hospital and medical services. PAYMENTS THROUGH LODGES. "The societies are prepared to continue as long as is necessary their arrangements with their medical officers—that is, with the doctors and chemists who provide for the needs of members during sickness," said Miss R., Darlow, secretary of the Foresters' lodges. "There is nothing definite yet about the hospital benefits, and' the maternity benefits, which are an important part of the service the friendly societies give to their members, do not seem likely to be available for some time. The position is therefore very indefinite." As it was the intention of the Government to pay sickness benefits to the societies' members through the lodges, added Mjss Darlow, it appeared that the Government must first arrange for the issue of certificates through the doctors. This involved an understanding between the Government and the medical profession on the working of the propbsed new system. Members had stopped joining the lodges during the past six months, she stated, as it was necessary for them to pay in to the societies' funds for several months before they became eligible for the full benefits. With the Social' Security scheme in the offing those who had contemplated membership had revised their views, and considered that, in. the circumstances, such a step was not worth while. "The. effects we have felt already have given a definite, setback to the lodges," Miss Darlow remarked, "and the consequences may be much more far-reaching when the Government's scheme, comes into operation." NEGOTIATIONS WITH GOVERNMENT. Auckland executive members of the friendly societies are not in close touch} with the negotiations which are pro-, ceeding with the Government, it was learned, as these are being dealt with1 in ..Wellington by the Friendly Societies Council. : Circulars issued by the societies to their members point put that if doctor, hospitalj or dispensary benefits are provided for out of the Social Security fund,, they will consequently not be a charge on lodge members. The consequent reduction in dues would go far towards paying the extra Government taxation of 4d in the £ to gain benefits from the State scheme. Members are also being reminded that continuation df the usual lodge sick pay will not restrict the State benefits, provided the total amount received from ail sources does not exceed £5 a week. This is a concession to friendly societies members, as the amount to be received by non-mem-bers is restricted to £4 a week.