Where We Did Not Lead the World

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 221, 17 September 1943, Page 6

Where We Did Not Lead the World

(To the Editor.) Sir,-—Cpl. Oliver, Labour candidate, was reported as saying at Feilding on Monday, in reference to Social Security, “New Zealand has tho honour of placing this wonderful'piece of legislation on tho Statute Book long before the people of the Old World thought about introducing it, and takes pride of place in the humane legislation of the world.’ ’ In case someone may get the mistaken impression that the people ot the Old World are backward, at least in comparison with the New Zealand perpetrators of * ‘ this wonderful piece of legislation,” may I mention a few points concerning one of tho several schemes which have operated in various European countries for several years. In Sweden, unemployment insurance has been in partial operation since 3921, and full operation since 1531. Note that the funds are not allowed to be subjected to Trade Union control but are administered via a channel of the Ministry of Social Affairs. Insurance against illness is similarly handled with the important , difference that State membership is purely voluntary, and the people can therefore take policies with private companies if so desired. The consequent competition results in low premiums. Invalidity and old-age insurance has been compulsory since 1913. New Zealand social reformers please note that under the Swedish scheme the amount of pension paid out is proportional to the amounts of annual instalments paid in. If and where necessary pensions are State subsidised to a level considered in reasonable relation to living costs. The medical scheme has bias toward preventive treatment to give the population a chance of maintaining health and working capacity instead of becoming premature burdens on the insurance schemes and filling the hospitals. State-employed doctors practice everywhere, and the legislation covering their functions was laid down away back in 1744. Additionally, a 3 a stimulus to maintaining a high professional standard, there are private practitioners and specialists, some worldfamous. Their fees are regulated to reasonable levels. Free school dental attention has been operative for many years as part of the organisation towards preventive treatment. Far from being a shining example to the world, the New Zealand scheme is one of the most auomalous, lopsided and expensive in existence. Verification of the above'facts may be obtained by reference to “Sweden, Ancient and Modern,” a copy of which is probably obtainable in the Municipal Library.— I am, etc., C. E. TAYLOR, Junr. Palmerston North, September 15, 1943.