WAR LIABILITIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16847, 11 May 1918, Page 7

WAR LIABILITIES.

FRIENDLY SOCIETY FUNDS. GOVERNMENT AID - SOUGHT. A bequest that the Government pay all contributions of * members of friendly societies while on active service, also that the Government pay all sick pay payable by friendly societies to returned members after they have received their official discharges, providing that such sickness is occasioned by war service, was made to Sir James Allen yesterday by a deputation appointed by the Royal Arch Chapter, No. 1, of the U.A.O.D. The deputation consisted of Messrs.- G. H. Lethaby, Royal Arch. Druid; A. Thompson, P.G.P.; W. A. Knox, Royal Arch secretary j and J. B. Bell, Royal Arch treasurer, Mid was introduced by Mr. J. S. Dickson, M.P. Mr. Lethaby said the Financial Assistance Board would assist individual members in the payment of their contributions while on active service, but it was desired that secretaries of the various friendly societies might apply on , behalf of their members en bloc. The members of the Order were paying, by a levfy, the contributions of their brother members at the front, who probably numbered over 1500. In regard to the payment of sick benefits, only the fit men were taken for service abroad, and in many cases after discharge were thrown on the funds of the lodges. Mr. Thompson said the records showed that the average number of deaths 'had been increased threefold, owing to the war.

In replying, the Minister said that the' matter of paying contributions en bloc could not be undertaken by the Financial Assistance Board, but no" doubt Cabinet would consider the matter when he brought it before it. Regarding sick pay, the cases quoted by the deputation seemed to be cases of permanent disablement, and he thought the Government pensions should cover them. He asked if the deputation suggested that the Government should deduct the amount payable by friendly societies as sick pay from the pensions. The members of the deputation said this was not desired. In answer to a suggestion made by Mr. Lethaby, that a conference should be called by the Government similar to that in connection with the National Provident n-* 1 " James said that on his return to Wellington he would recommend to Cabinet the advisability of dealing with this matter. No one deplored more than he the fact of anything interfering with the good work friendly societies were doing on behalf of humanity.