SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 99, 27 March 1939, Page 9

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.

LIKELY COMAfENCING DATES

AVELLINGTON, Alarcli 25

In a statement in regard to social security, Hon. W. Nash says that, naturally enough, a great deal of interest is manifested in the question of the commencing dates of the medical, hospital, and other treatment benefits. Benefits in respect of mental hospital care will commence on April 1 and anv fees that have accrued before that date will be recoverable in tho usual way. Maternity benefits are the next m order for introduction, and within the next fortnight it is hoped that the formal terms and conditions of service will bo placed before tho doctors and others concerned, and they will he invited to enter into a contract. An endeavour has been made to ensure that the terms, conditions, and remuneration out of the Social Security Fund will ho adequate and reasonable, and it is anticipated that there will be a prompt and favourable response from all eligible to enter into contracts. Tho commencing day aimed at is May 1. It is anticipated that hospital benefits will follow tho maternity benefits. Medical benefits and pharmaceutical benefits are. interdependent, and, therefore, will lie introduced together. However, the completion of arrangements for these benefits has necessarily to stand aside while endeavours are being directed to tiie other main benefits. FKTTTTDLY SOC'IETIES. CO-OPERATION OFFERED. Per Press Association. INVERCARGILL, March 20. A suggestion that the medical services embodied in the Social Security Act lie handled by friendly societies is contained in a motion passed as the hiormial session of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand of the Independent Order of Oddfellows. The resolution, n copy of which has been sent to the Prime Minister, is: “That the Grand Lodge, while in sympathy with the humanitarian principles expressed in the Security Act, respect fill ly suggests to the Goi eminent that the'Act is seriously detrimental to frien.lly societies and that the medical services as embodied in the Act could and should he handled through tho machinery provided by

tlio various friendly societies operating throughout New Zealand, thus honouring to some extent the many promises of the Government to preserve their wellbeing and future prosperity.” AGE BENEFITS. FOR SUBSIDISED MEN. Per Press Association. CLI It i.STCII UB CH, M arch 2G. It is officially stated that Scheme No. 13 men, GO years of age or over will he dismissed on March 31, a.nd they are exacted to transfer from sustenance or employment .pay to the age benefit under the Social Security Altogether, between 2000 and 3000 men are affected throughout the Dominion.