DOMINION NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 February 1917, Page 5

DOMINION NEWS.

PROVIDENT FUND BENEFITS. By Telegraph.—Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Hon. A. M. Myers, Minister in charge of. the National Provident Fund, stated to-day that the scheme of extra State beenfits and concessions for members of friendly societies caine into operation on January 1 last, and applied to almost all societies in the Dominion. The Department provided the necessary machinery to enable members to obtain benefits. "In some instances, however, it'appears that the literature has not reached the members, many of whom are, no doubt, unaware of the benefits they are entitled to," said the Minister, "and it would be as well, therefore, if I mention what these benefits are. Firstly, there is a maternity allowance of £4, payable to the wife of any member of an approved friendly society, whose income was for the preceding year under £2OO, on account of any after January 1, 1917; and, secondly, any member, up to a given age, may become a contributor f or an annuity at the age of 00 at very much reduced rates, and on exceptionally favorable terms, particularly in regard to present members. These concessions are only possible owing to the liberal Government subsidies provided. There is no contribution payable by a member for the maternity allowance, which is claimable whether the member is an annuity contributor or not."