UNION CRITICAL OF DOCTORS

Southland Times, Issue 23792, 14 April 1939, Page 8

UNION CRITICAL OF DOCTORS

ATTITUDE TOWARDS SOCIAL SECURITY

“DIRECT CHALLENGE TO GOVERNMENT” (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, April 13. “That this union considers the obstinate refusal of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association to co-operate in implementing the Social Security Act a direct political challenge to the Labour Government and inimical to the best interests of the people of New Zealand as a whole. This resolution was carried after discussion at a largely attended meeting of the Auckland Carpenters’ and Joiners’ Union. The secretary of the union, Mr J. G. Kennerley, said that he had been instructed to elaborate on the resolution in his letter to the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) pledging support in any action necessary to implement the social security legislation even if necessary, by the importation of specialists from overseas. FRIENDLY SOCIETY MEMBERS ARRANGEMENTS TO GIVE BENEFITS CHRISTCHURCH, April 13. Arrangements for administering sick benefits to friendly society members under Section 50 of the Social Security Act have been tentatively agreed to as a result of the conference between the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) and representatives of the Dominion Council of Friendly Societies. The decisions are subject to amendment as experience may dictate and are open to review by a general meeting of the Dominion Council. It is stated that a circular has been issued to friendly societies throughout New Zealand. The circular states that pending the introduction of Part HI of the Act (medical, hospital and related benefits), the department will accept a medical certificate or signed duplicate of form used by friendly societies in payment of the lodge sick benefit for immediate present applicants for social security. Temporary sick benefit will be limited to members entitled to lodge sickness benefits.

DOCTORS’ ATTITUDE TO HEALTH INSURANCE

“GOVERNMENT WILL SEE THAT LAW IS CARRIED OUT”

A short, but pungent, statement concerning the British Medical-Association and the Social Security Act was made by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. Mr J. Savage) at the conference of the Labour Party, reports The Standard, the party’s official paper. A questioner asked if Mr Savage, in view of the [refusal of the committee representing the medical profession to co-operate in the working of the Act, would give the conference some indication ,of the attitude of the Government. “The Government will see that the law as passed by Parliament is carried out,” said Mr Savage. A prolonged outburst of . applause greeted his reply.