SICK BENEFIT

Evening Star, Issue 19844, 18 April 1928, Page 9

SICK BENEFIT

PROPOSED GOVERNMENT SCHEME UNSOUND BREACH OF FAITH WITH FRIENDLY SOCIETIES [Per United Press Association^ HASTINGS, April 17. The biennial conference of the Manchester Unity Oddfellows was continued this morning, when a discussion took place ou tlio proposed Government railway sick beuelit scheme. The matter was referred to in tlio grand master’s report, and it was explained that the Hoard of Directors had carefully investigated the question from all angles. The chief objection to the proposal was that the contribution provided in the scheme was totally inadequate for the benefits stated. According to the information possessed by the society, it would appear that an annual deficit of £B,OOO is expected in the functioning of the fund, This would necessitate the granting of a subsidy of this amount from the State purse. The principles embodied in the scheme were in direct violation of the Government requirements in the registration and certification of similar funds controlled by friendly societies. The board was of opinion "that the trangression by the Government of legislative enactments by the introduction of financially unsound sick benefit sschcmes in tlio dominion would result in destroying the confidence of friendly .society members warranted by Dio provisions of the Friendly Societies Act. A protest was immediately lorwardeil to the Prime Minister directing his attention to the promise he had given in the House regarding sick benefit schemes.

The election ol officers ami directors for tlie ensuing two years resulted as follows: Grand master, Bro. F. Pritchard. P.D.G.M. (Ashhnrton); deputy grand master, Bro, H. S. At Quigley, P.D.G.M. (Hawke's Bay); grand secretary, Bro. A. G. Slmmpton, P.G.M. (Nelson); grand treasurer, Bro. G. Road, P.DiG.M (Wellington); auditor, Bro. K. W, V'ellow; grand trustees, Bros. W. H. Madelcy, P.D.G.M (Wellington), and W. .(. Clark, P.D.G.M. (Wellington); directors Bros. T. <)■ Archbold (North Canterbury), P. M. Smith (Wellington), C. H. Ambridge (Auckland), C. W. Bell (Ashler), J. W. Watt (Ashburton), and W. M'Mi I lan (Auckland). The question ot again approaching the Government advocating the adoption of the cheque system for friendly societies‘through the Post Office Savings Bank was voiced by the conference, and the incoming Board of Directors was instructed to consider tho matter at the earliest possible moment.