DOCTORS AND LODGES.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14889, 31 January 1914, Page 12

DOCTORS AND LODGES.

.DISPUTE-IN MELBOURNE. (By Cable.—Prers Aaeociation.— Copyright.), MELBOURNE, January 30. The Lodges are indignant at the proposals, of the British Medical Association to increase the charges for Friendly Societies. At the Foresters' annual meeting/it was decided.to oppose any attempt by, the -Medical Association to dictate terms. Referring to thi6 annual meeting of the Foresters, the "Argus". says:—The district executive, in their report, refer to the new agreement submitted to the conference by the medical officers. Very strong exception is.taken to the clause whereby the doctors provide that no member shall be entitled to medical .benefits *if his income exceeds £208 per. annum. The district executive urge the society to take every legitimate moans to oppose any attempt by; the Medical Association to dictate to Friendly Societies: the wages or income the .members "shall be allowed to receive before being entitled to medical .benefits, for they contend that if such an agreement were entered intoit would mean the ultimate destruction of Friendly Societies. By this agreement the doctors not only demand •an increase of 50 per cent, on their present tees, but an extra fee of 2s 6d for attending members after 6, p.m., also a fee of 2s 6d per mile for every attendance made -to a member residing over one mile from the doctors-residence.. Fees, amounting to from 5s to 21s, are also to be paid for certificates, o ? g°°d health required by members, which have previously been supplied free. . '.;.