Compulsory Insurance.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 64, 17 February 1885, Page 4

Compulsory Insurance.

[European Mail] ; OqjQ>ecember : lst was, inagurated m Germany one of the most interesting experiments ;m. industrial legislation ever attempted. We refer to the Compulsory Insurance Act, which became law eighteen months ago and has now come into force. The purpose of this act is to njake insurance against illness compulsory, not only on the part of the working class proper, but of a much more extended section of the industrial community than has hitherto been included m that denomination. The workman m Germany will now have to pay not less than 2 percent, and not more than 3 per cent, of his average daily wages towards this sys-, tern of national relief. The higher figure is fixed wheh 2 per cent, is not sufficient r to cover .the expenses of the relief, but cannot be enforced without the consent of both master and workman. Local funds must be organised for persons occupied m the same branch of industry, but when this number is below a hundred a local communal fund may unite other branches of trade m the same organiastion. The relief is to consist of gratuitous medical attendances, bandages, aud all necessary medicines and appliances ; while, after the third day, a money- allowance will be given equal to Half the daily average wage, so long as it does not exceed three shillings a-

day for thirteen weeks. Women will get help for three months before and after confinement, and death allowances will be made amounting to twenty times the average daily wage of the locality. In exceptional circumstances the benefit of the local fund may be extended, but it cannot be employed to aid widows, orphans, or chronic invalids.