HEALTH INSURANCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22435, 3 June 1936, Page 14

HEALTH INSURANCE

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' PART INTERESTS NOT TO SUFFER [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON. Tuesday An assurance was given to friendly societies by the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. Lee Martin, when he addressed the Dominion Council of Friendly Societies 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 bo formulated by the Government they would not suffer, and that full opportunity would bo given to them to make representations regarding the part their organisations would fill in the national scheme.

Tho experience of tho recent depression, said the Minister, had indicated tho danger that might result when members woro unable through forces outside their control to continue their contributions, and thus lose the benefits for which they were covered. Ho referred to the growth of friendly societies, and paid a tribute to tho work they were doing. In his presidential address, Mr. C. H. Basnand, of Christchurch, expressed some concern as to the future of friendly societies if the Government proceeded with its suggested scheme of health insurance.