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Taranaki Daily News, 28 April 1917, Page 3

MINISTER INTEHVmWHD. Speaking to a Taranaki Daily New." reporter last nig Tit, the Minister iri charge of the Friendly Societies, the Hon. J, A. Hunan, referred to a number of matters relative to friendly soeiety affairs, recently brought under his notice by an Auckland deputation..

The reinsurance of soldier members of friendly societies was brought forward, the point being raised as to the 'Government's fund orly covering a man on active service outside of New Zealand. While this was so, said the Minister, 111 fbe scheme as originally drawn np, he •was representing to ihe Administrative Board the desirability uf extending the cover from the time the member went into camp until bis discharge from the military forces. This would adequately secure against any risks while on active service.

Amongst other matters, the social insurance scheme, aB outlined in the Finance Act of last session, -was mentioned by the Minister, who said that a request was made bj the deputation for an increase in the 'benefits provided by the Government. In this connection, "Mr. Hanan said,, Tie had since informed th;Auckland Conference that the present •cost, of the maternity benefit was estimated at about £22;000 per annum for friendly societies alone, and in addition to this there was the 50 per cent, subsidy towards the annuities available for members of friendly societies at the very much reduced rates ofierfed to them. While agreeing that an increased maternity allowance would be a most important and valuable benefit, he pointed out that the question of amending the Act and materially increasing this large vote as requested, would require very careful consideration by the Government," particularly at the present time. While on the subject of the annuity subsidy, he wished to correct what appeared to be a misconception in certain friendly societies, where the impression apparently prevailed that the friendly society annuity member received only a 25 per cent, subsidy from the State. As a matter of fact the friendly society member received a 50 per cent, subsidy on all contributions paid by him, or for him, into the National Fund. It was of some importance that this advantage should be clearly understood, as it was granted the (toviromcnt -with -th£di>

roct intention of specially assisting members of friendly societies. In conclusion, yi_r. Hunan said Unit he j noticed witili pleasure that there was n ; growing appreciation in must of the loading societies of the Government's pclimnc, and a desire- to assist, the. Stale in its thrift efforts for the benefit of u;e people. A number of other matters were advocate;! by the Auckland Conference, aad i-e is at present lwikiiu: careful enquiry with a view to their further consideration,