LODGE DOCTORS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 565, 1 December 1915, Page 2

LODGE DOCTORS.

DISPUTE WITH FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. « Prcaa Association. WELLINGTON, November 3G A peculiar position; which unless a compromise is arrived at between the parties concerned, will probably result in what are known as "lodge doctors'\ceasing to exist in Wellington after the end of this year, has arisen between the Friendly Societies and. those 17 or 18 doctors 'who have been engaged in friendly society work. It appears that the present rate of levy per member of Friendly Societies, for medical expenses, is 15/-, a year, arii the doctors some time ,pgo demanded an increase to 24/- a year. The societies contend that, with bettveen 3000 and 4000 members, the present rate is sufficient, and,that the doctors are amply repaid for their set-vices. Further,, they take up the .attitude that nothing has arisen to justify , the' increased demand, and so they declined to pay it. The result is a deadlock, and from to-morrow some of the lodges will be without doctors, while others will not have the doctors after the end of December. .

The medical view, it seems, is that the present rate was formulated some 20 years ago, when things were on a very different basis from what they are to-day. It is pointed out that the cost of transit has increased, and it is contended that it is unfair to expect a medical man to attend a man who is a Friendly Society member, his wife, aged dependents, and children under 16 years of age, for 15/- a year, an amount less than thte average working family spends on picture, shows and other amusements.