LODGE MEMBERSHIP

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19881, 7 March 1939, Page 3

LODGE MEMBERSHIP

RENEWAL OF INTEREST POSITION IN' CISIIOUNK Friendly society lodges in Gis borne have suffered in the saint measure as that reported in a pres: telegram yesterday to exist through out the Auckland district in tin Manchester Unity Oddfellows order Additions of financial members n Gisborne, lodges during the past si: months have been almost nil, but ; renewal of interest has been notec since the announcement that tin health section of the Social Security Act will not become operative ot April 1. “That means,” stated one lodge official to-day, “that levies for mcdica and hospital benefits will be collect ed by the lodges from their morn bers until the health section of tin Act operates, so that the member: of the lodge will be protected so fa. 1 as those benefits are concerned. “The Government's delay n bringing its scheme fully into force lias had the effect of restoring in tcrest in the benefits offered by the friendly societies. Generally speak ing, present members realise the benefits of retaining their membership, more particularly as already the Government’s scheme has showi signs of being difficult to operate in part, at least." Officers of other lodges pointed ou that since last September there hac been a distinct slump in enrolments this being in direct contrast to tin position ruling previously, who: there was a desire on the part o young men and women to sc'cure ill; benefits the lodges were able to pro vide, and the initiation of new mem bers was frequent. The benefits pro vided by the friendly societies wen again being inquired into by a nurn ber of people, arid, judging by thi present position, it would not bi surprising to see a renewal of enrolments.