FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19859, 1 February 1928, Page 14

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

MEDICAL TREATMENT SCHEME EFFORTS TO SOLVE PROBLEM. The first committee meeting of the year of the Auckland City Tramways Club was held last week, when satisfactory reports were received of the activities of the club. The annual balance-sheet is to be submitted at a special meeting in February, and arrangements arc in hand for the annual election of officers. Keports were received from the conference delegates, and after some discussion the committee felt it would be to its interests to be represented in Wellington at the meeting between the societies and hospital boards. Mr. Pace was elected as delegate and left the following day. Wynyard Lodge, No. 57, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was well attended on January 16, particular zest being added to the proceedings by the fact that the past grands of the lodge were scheduled to conduct the initiation ceremony. A very happy evening was spent, and the newer members were delighted to meet the veterans, whose energetic and faithful service had done so much toward placing Wynyard Lodge in the position it holds to-day as one of the largest and most successful lodges). During the evening Bro. F. New bold, D.D.G.M., paid an official visit, and in his address to the brethren paid tributes to the services rendered by the many past grands present, and alluded to the fact that the evening was even more momentous as being practically the anniversary of the birthday of the founder of the order, Thomas Wildey, who was born in London, England, on January 15, 1782. His name, as the founder and father of 1.0.0. F., is held in grateful remembrance by millions. Short addresses were also given by many of the past grands present. Many friends in Auckland will be pleased to hear of the continued progress of the Island Bay, Wellington, Lodge, U.A.O.D. Last Thursday this lodge, at its ordinary meeting, was surprised to receive an extra numbor of visitors. The district president, Bro. Lawton, attended officially, and among those present were Bro. E. Mawhinney (Grand Lodge Trustee), Bro. R. Smith (of Wanganui), P.D.P. Bro. H. Pollock (Roskill Lodge, Auckland), P.S. Bro. Bell (Auckland), Bro. F. C. Pace (Light of Manukau, Onehunga). A hearty welcome was extended to these brothers by the Arch Druid, who said he trusted good results would come from the conference the visitors had been attending. Responses were made by all the guests, and Bros. 11. Pollock and Pace and R. Smith gave a number of facts concerning the order, which gave rise to a good deal of serious consideration. A very interesting meeting closed after light refreshments had been served. The most interesting event in the Friendly Society world at the present moment and the one, perhaps, to give rise to a large amount of discussion in all parts, is the recent conference held in Wellington between the societies and the executive of the Hospital Boards' Association. Delegates from all parts of the Dominion were present on both sides. The object of the meeting was defined as being to endeavour to formulate a scheme for indoor hospital treatment that would be acceptable to the Whole of the friendly societies and the hospital boards of the Dominion. Whether this object has been achieved or not remains to be seen. Certainly an honest attempt has been made by both sides, and a basis has been agreed upon, on which it is hoped a Dominion agreement may eventually be built up A feature of the deliberations was the spirit of goodwill prevailing on both sides, and the careful way in which each of the delegates was primed with all the necessary facts. If an agreement is eventually reached a spirit of give and take will be necessary, as at present every district in New Zealand has different conditions and a different way of working. Much of the success of the conference was due to the energy and tact of Bro. McLaughlin, of Wellington, chairman of the Friendly Societies' delegation, and the unfailing courtesy of Mr. W. Wallace, chairman, and Mr. A. Iveisenburg, secretary of the Hospital Boards' Association. It is not possible at this stage to give the exact details of the proposed basis of agreement, as a report has first to be made by the delegates to the united conference, and to their respectivs funds. It may be said, however, that Auckland at least will stand to gain more than it loses. An interesting discussion took place at the recent conference on the greatly increased number of patients sent to the hospital for treatment. The position was found to be general throughout New Zealand, and the hospital boards, as well as the friendly societies, are seeking a solution of the problem. Another point raised was the increase in the number of infectious diseases treated. A solution of this problem is also to be sought.