UNITED FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16822, 21 August 1920, Page 7

UNITED FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

THE HOSPITAL LEVY, At the annual meeting of the Taranaki United Friendly Societies’ Association at Strati ord on Thursday the question of tiie Hospital levy was considered. The rule dealing with the fees payable to Hospital Boards was amended by- striking out the provision lor tne payment ox 4s 6d per day. It was moved that the age-limit for benefits to children be reduced l from lb to 14. Mr. Ewens thought that the Association should cover children up to 16, at which age they became eligible to become members of friendly societies. The secretary said the reduction in age would make a good deal of difference to the finances. A delegate tnought the time had arrived when the friendly societies should have their own* medical men. Ha would like to see a committee set up to go into the matter. If thefsoeieties had their own doctorf the difficulty regarding children would bo overcome. The motion was lost on the voices. Mr. Peppered moved to increase the annual contribution from 14s to £l, and from 10s to 14s for unmarried females. Ho thought it would be a great pity if the Association went out of existence, but failing an' increase of the contribution he could not see how they could carry on. If Ms proposal were carried it would pay present liabilities, and the debit at the end pf the next year would bo composed of any increase made in hospital fees. Mr. Murray, moved that the annual contribution be £1 6s. It was necessary to keep the association on a financial basis, and £1 5s per annum would meet all claims and leave a credit balance. The chairman said that next, year the association might be in a better position. The influenza which had been prevalent during the past six or nine months had cost the association more even than the heavy attack of 1919. Mr Peppered said he recognised that to make the scheme financial a contribution of £1 5s would be necessary, but he favoured £l, as 25s was rather a, big jump, and might cause loss of members. The chairman said they must guard against any action which would lessen the unity of the societies. After further discussion it was decided that the annual contribution be £l, and 14s for unmarried females. The new rates will come into force for the December quarter. A long discussion arose out of a clause in the report dealing with failure of Egmont Lodge to collect the levy of 6s. made last year. One secretary said he did not know that the levy was compulsory, and probably many of his members had not paid it. It was shown, however, that the previous conference had laid it down that no benefits would be paid to members who failed to pay the levy. The meeting, therefore, declared that the com-, pulsory nature of the levy be once more brought under notice of all members. The chairman said it would bo good if the Association could have direct representation on the Hospital Boards, but it was hard to get anybody connected with the association to spare the time for the meetings of the board. Mr. Sole thought they should be able to find somebody who could spare a day a month for the purpose. Mr. Pepperell was re-elected auditor. Mr. H. R. Cattley was re-elected secretary and was given a substantial increase in salary. Mr. Sole and other delegates paid a tribute to the good work done by Mr. Cattley. Mr. A. J. Tunbridge was re-elected president, delegates paying tribute to his grasp of affairs. In returning thanks, Mr. Tunbridge said he had held the office for three years, and during that time the association had had a hard time. He hoped in 12 months’ .time to see things in a better state. Mr. Sage was elected vice-president. Messrs. W. S. Gilbert, F. Brabant, C. D. Sole, and P. H. Geddis were rjected as the executive.—Post. j