MEDICAL SCHEME AND LODGES

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 March 1941, Page 3

MEDICAL SCHEME AND LODGES

o FUTURE PROSPECTS DISCUSSED. The Social Security problem is still causing us some concern,” said the chairman, Provincial Grand Master Brother Watson Rhodes, in an address at the annual conference of the Southland district of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (reports the “Times”). “What far-reaching results the Medical Benefits Regulations 1941 will have upon friendly societies in the future we do not as yet know, but I am of the opinion that a large majority of the doctors cannot be forced into attempting to do what they consider an impossibility, even in peace time, let alone now, when a great number of them are serving with the forces overseas. I would strongly advise you all to think long and carefully before throwing away the substance for the shadow, no matter how promising the shadow may look,” he said. “Once we have lost our present organisation we may never be able to come to such a satisfactory arrangement with our doctors and chemists again. We have a lot to thank these fine men for, because without their co-operation we would not be in the sound position we are in to-day. It is up to us to see that they are encouraged in every way to carry on, because I am convinced that any health insurance scheme that is to be successful must take into consideration the great work of the friendly societies and co-operate with them. I see no reason why this could not be done with the Government’s Social Security scheme to the great advantage of all.” '