SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21155, 30 September 1938, Page 15

SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME

POSITION OF LODGES COMMENT BY LABOUR CANDIDATE The “secret” pamphlet in regard to Friendly Societies and the Social Security Scheme, which has aroused so much controversy, was again referred to by the Rev. Clyde Carr, Labour candidate for Timaru, at a meeting of electors at Highfieid last night. “You may have seen an advertisement published by Court Southern Cross, .A0.F.," said Mr Carr, repudiating the circular. “However, Jihat advertisement was very inadequate. I do not know the political beliefs of whoever was responsible, but I understand his instructions were to publish the resolution, which reads: ‘This Lodge repudiates the incorrect and misleading statements contained in the pamphlet on Social Security sent to its members.’ ’’ Mr Carr added that one of the head lodges in Wellington sent down urgently for copies of the “yellow” and “green” pamphlets, as they took strong exception to the statements and desired the copies In order that they might deal appropriately with the position which had arisen. At question time the candidate was asked what would be the fate of the Friendly Societies when the Social Security Scheme came into operation and Mr Carr explained that although there would be offices of the new department in the larger towns the Friendly Societies would co-operate in the administration of the scheme in the smaller towns, as had been agreed at a conference with the heads of the societies and the Government. The Intention of the Government was to make the fullest use of the societies. The societies would have nothing to fear if, In the course of years, by a natural process of evolution, it was found that the Social Security Scheme was operating for the benefit of everyone, including lodge members. No one realised more fully the value of the work the societies were carrying out than he did. A woman's voice: A Dunedin Friendly Society has passed a resolution opposing the Social Security Scheme. Mr Carr: The only explanation is that some section has abrograted from the agreement made in Wellington. There has been some dirty work somewhere. They are trying to create opposition to the Security Scheme among Lodge members as has been done here.

A woman: As a matter of fact we thank you for the full publicity that you have given that pamphlet, as we have been asked to send copies to people in Invercargill. (Applause.) In reply to a question by another woman in the audience, Mr Carr said that he was sure that the national health scheme would take in the Plunket nursing and district nursing schemes.

Two members of the audience had a fairly long argument with Mr Carr, In which they contended that the diHerence between the amount contributed by the Government to the cost of treating patients in the hospitals and the actual cost would have to be borne by the ratepayers.

Voices: More taxes! More taxes! Mr Carr replied that the scheme would be subsidised from the Consolidated Fund.