FUNDS OF LODGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22579, 18 November 1936, Page 16

FUNDS OF LODGES

HEALTH LEGISLATION " WILL NOT BE ENDANGERED " "The impending legislation for national superannuation and health schemes must have far-roaching effects on all friendly societies," said Mr. W. J. Gregory, grand president of the North Island Grand Lodge of Druids, at last night's jubilee social of the Ponsonby Lodge. "We have been assured by the Cabinet that what it is desired to achieve is the amelioration of the lot of the afflicted and the aged, thereby maintaining an improvement in the standard of national health," ho added. "Having considered tho matter, the lodges are prepared to cooperate with the Government, and with any other responsible organisation, in an endeavour to bring about sucj! a state of affairs. "In the organisation of tho scheme the possibility of using the existing channels—the established friendly societies—for the distribution of bcnefjts will no doubt receive the fullest consideration," said Mr. Gregory. "There is, however, the possibility the legislation may be a purely State schemu, or, alternatively, may produce a large augmentation to the memberships of the friendly societies. 1 personally can assure members that the accumulated funds of the societies will not in any way be endangered. They will be available for distribution in the interests of those members to whom they belong."