HEALTH INSURANCE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 143, 2 June 1936, Page 7

HEALTH INSURANCE

Position of Friendly Societies (By Telegraph—Preu Association.) WELLINGTON, June 2. Au assurance was given to friendly societies by the Hon. W. Lee Martin when he addressed the Dominion council to-day that whatever national scheme covering sickness, invalidity, widows and old-age pensions, either separate from or combined with a national health insurance scheme, might eventually be formulated by the Government, they would not suffer, and that a full opportunity would be given them to make representations regarding the part their organisations would fill in the national scheme. Experience of the recent depression, he said, had indicated the danger that might result when members were unable through forces outside their control to continue contributions and thus lose tho benefits for which they were covered. He referred to the growth of friendly societies and paid a tribute to the work they were doing. In his presidential address Mr C. H. Bascand, Christchurch, expressed some concern as to the future of friendly societies if the Government proceeded with its suggested scheme of health insurance.