ROTORUA AND FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12239, 12 June 1909, Page 5

ROTORUA AND FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

PROTEST AGAINST INCREASED CHARGES.

(Per Press Association),

WELLINGTON, June 11. A representative deputation of Auckland members of Parliament waited upon the Hon. T. Mackenzie this morning to make representations on behalf of the Friendly Societies of New Zealand in regard to the increased charge at the Rotorua Sanatorium from 21s to 30s. ' .

MrJPoole said there was a feeling: of/ dissatisfaction amongst the societies at the increased charges, which would: be a handicap to institutions which save the Government considerable expenditure.

Mr W. T. Jennings, M.P., said there, were 56,817 members of Friendly Societies representing,. with dependents^ a population of 250,000. The funds of the Societies amounted to £1,118,217. The sum of £58,939 had been paid in sick benefits and £11,085 for funeral expenses. Only six members at a time were admitted at the Sanatorium, and no member was admitted unless the lodge certified that he needed relief. Under the circumstances the Government might consider the question of maintaining the fee at 21s. The Minister, in reply, said the cost to the Department for each patient over and above the 30s paid was 1.2s a week. However, he fully - recognised the good work the Friendly Societies were doing. He desired to assist them ill every way he could. He had had some conversation on the subject with Dr. Valentine, and wanted the Sanatorium to be as useful as possible. (Hear, hear.) The representations of the deputation, would be submitted to the Cabinet.