NATIONAL PROVIDENT FUND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4475, 16 February 1917, Page 5

NATIONAL PROVIDENT FUND.

BENEFITS FDR FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. ' (Press Association Telegram.) _ AVELLINGTON, Feb. 15. Hon. Mr Myers (Minister m charge of the National Provident Fund) stated to-day that a scheme of extra State benefits and concessions for members of friendly societies _ came into operation on January 1 last, an applied to almost all societies in A n ® Dominion. The Department provided the necessary machinery to enable members to obtain benefits. in some instances, however, it. appeal s that literature has not reached the members, many of whom are no dou it unaware of the benefits they aie en titled to;” said the Minister and it would be as well, therefore, if I mention what these benefits are. Firstly, there is a maternity allowance of payable to the wife of any member of ah approved friendly society whose income was for the preceding year under £2OO on account of any birth after Ist January, 191/, and. secondly. any member up to a given age may become a contributor for an annuity at the age of sixty at very much reduced rates and on exceptionally favorable terms, particularly ’in regard to present.members, these concessions are only possible owing to liberal Government subsidies. Provided there is no contribution payable, the maternity allowance is claimable., whether the member is an annuity contributor -or not-