Government Aid To Friendly Societies

Press, Volume C, Issue 29505, 5 May 1961, Page 12

Government Aid To Friendly Societies

(From Our Own Reporter)

GREYMOUTH. May 4. That the Government was prepared to assist the work of Friendly Societies throughout New Zealand, was announced by the Minister in charge of Friendly Societies (Mr Lake) who is also Minister of Finance, in an address to the twenty-ninth biennial conference of the Manchester Unity, Independent Order of Oddfellows, in Greymouth this afternoon. The Minister said it was proposed to approve of an increase in the life insurance limit of £lO5O established in 1957 to £l5OO. a condition of the increase was that 10 per cent, of the insurance fund be invested in Government stock, details of this to be discussed before the matter went before Parliament. The Friendly Societies had put forward such a good case in regard to the investment of shares that the Government was prepared to grant an extension of 5 per cent., said the Minister. This did not mean that the door was dosed against any further increase. In expressing regret that it had not been found possible at the present time to accede to other requests put forward by the societies, the Minister said it had been considered that the present deposit limit of £750 was fairly generous, and an extension to £ 1000

could not be granted in the meantime. In respect of special exemption, Mr Lake pointed out that members could receive a lodge benefit of £4 a week without affecting their social security benefit. The exemption of £1 a week, therefore, had not been acceded to. The Minister said he hoped that the Government proposals would go some way towards assisting Friendly Societies which had a proper and well-ordered place in New Zealand. Personally, he hoped to see their work extended. “I have always been interested in your organisation, and I shall appreciate any advice you are able to tender which will improve the lot of the welfare state in New Zealand." said the Minister “I regret to hear that your membership is decreasing, as you have always had a progressive outlook towards changing needs. I trust you are taking a new lease of life, and I shall always be pleased to help in any way 1 can for your organisation to expand its activities to cover anything not provided for under the social security scheme." Mr Lake’s remarks were greeted with loud applause This turned to laughter when he added: *‘lt is no good the Government saying 'yes’ all at once—after all, we hope to be the Government for many years to come." In returning thanks to the Minister for attending the conference, and for the Government’s offer of assistance the Grand Master for New Zealand (Mr G. S. Laws, of Napier) said the organisation would now be able to go on a little further.