THE GOVERNMENT AND THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4289, 18 December 1874, Page 3

THE GOVERNMENT AND THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

A meeting of the various Friendly Societies in 'Wellington, was held at the Odd Fellows’ Hall last eveiung, for the purpose of giving the Commisioner of Insurance, the Hon. Mr. Gisborne, an opportunity of explaining the scheme of industrial insurance that it is proposed to inaugurate in connection with his department. The meeting was well attended. On the motion of Mr. M. Quin, seconded by Mr. Smith, Mr. Thomas McKenzie was voted to the chair. The Chairman explained the objects for which the meeting had been convened, enlarged upon the benefits to be derived from it, by members of Friendly Societies taking the opportunity.of insuring their lives, and bespoke a careful consideration of the facta that would be submitted. Mr. Gisborne then rose and explained the intentions of the Government in having established the industrial branch of Government insurance. The scheme was intended specially to meet the requirements of the working classes, the premiums being payable weekly in email sums. This necessitated an increase in the rates of payment, owing to the greatly augmented cost of collection, and the •special risk incurred by the department, as compared with the ordinary branch. He showed by the tables published by the Prudential Company in London, that, although their area was more extensive than could be found in the colony, the Government rate was from 33 to 36 per cent, less than was charged by that company, whose profits were retained by the shareholders, whilst those of the Government industrial branch were divisible amongst the insured. It was proposed that the secretaries of the various societies should become the agents of the Government. This would enable members, when they were paying their weekly contributions into their courts or lodges, to pay the premium on their insurance policiesat the sametime. Members who allowed their policies to lapse might revive them within twelve months on payment of arrears and a nominal fine. The Government had made a provision by which the insured could nominate, within certain degrees of relationship, any person to receive the benefit of his insurance, by the signing of a form, without the necessity of executing a will. This nomination could be revoked and a fresh one made at any time during life. Persons ceasing to be members of friendly societies or changing their residence for any part of the colony nr England, would still be enabled to keep up their policies by arrangements that could be made to meet the circumstances of each case. The Commissioner suggested that the various members should make themselves fully acquainted with the details of the measure, and in their several societies agencies could be formed to carry out the scheme. He was prepared to answer any question that would tend to elucidate the subject, and invited discussion. Several questions were asked by gentlemen in the meeting, and they were satisfactorily answered. It was intimated that the wives of members of friendly societies were eligible for insurance in the industrial branch. The following resolution was moved by Mr. Byrne, seconded by Mr. S. Levy, and carried unanimously :—“ That the thanks of this meeting be accorded to the Hon. the Commissioner of Insurance, for the clear and lucid explanation he has given of the industrial branch of Government Insurance ; and that this meeting recommend that the Societies discuss the schemes in their several courts and lodges.” A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the business, and the meeting separated.