FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 12, 9 October 1919, Page 3

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

EEPRESENTATIONS TO THE MINISTER. A deputation' comprising the executive of the North Island Grand Lodgo of Druids, accompanied by Mr. J. S. Dickson, interviewed the Hon. J. B. Hine. Minister in charge of Friendly Societies, yesterday, to represent grievances connected with tho Government's schemo to assist friendly societies in bearing the special sickness claims from soldier members oue lo the strain of war service. The deputation objected to the Friendly Societies Department requiring friendly societies to contribute 3d. per week per mrouber out of the general fund in respect of ouch' soldier during the time ho was absent on active service. The speakers pointed out that while tho Government was prepared* to pay' half the excess of the sick- benefit paid to tho soldier-members, any deficiency would have to be paid' from the society's general funds. When the soldier-mcm-bers ioined the society they represented it.-i best asset, as they were young, robust men. Owing to the necessities of the country, these men had been turned into n, liability instead of an asset, and the deputation contended that the friendly fiOi-ieties had been so projudiceo: through the calling up of young men for war service that the State could fairly bo asked to boar the whole burden of the sickness cilia to active service. Mr. Hine promised to look into the whole subject, and bring the matter before Cabinet. He said ho would consult the friendly societies before taking any action.