FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' DISPENSARY.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 October 1919, Page 8

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' DISPENSARY.

TO BE OPENED SHORTLY. At the Foresters' Hall last evening Mr W. S. Gilbert presided at the annual meeting of the New Plymouth Friendly Societies' Dispensary share holders. The attendance was rather disappointing, there being only a handful present. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet the chairman expressed his disappointment at the lack of interest shown by members. It was astonishing how indifferent members had become to their own in- j terests. Tn endeavoring to establish a dispensary in Xew Plymouth members should realise there was really no danger or risk attached to the venture. Several dispensaries were now fully sot up in various parts of the Dominion and from the balance-sheets submitted lie was satisfied they wen great assets. He stressed the point that the establishment, of one in New Plymouth was purely for. the benefit of members. Looking at the directorate they would find that the gentlemen filling the positions could very well pay foi their own medicine,, but they 'were acting in'the interests of the other brethren who were not so fortunate. An effort should be made to create mor* interest in the dispensary amongst the working classes m it was desired to get the men of smali means to take up say i two to fire sh;'-e=. He would like to see the present number of shares im proved from 1300 to 2500. As it was they had sufficient in hand to move for ward, but if a canvasser was instructed to get in touch with members the share list would be considerably increased. The directors were fortunate in securing very central premises in Devon Street, and he hoped they would be well established in December. Unfortunately, after selecting Mr Hanafin as manager, a telegram had been redeived that day regretting his inability to accept, and the directors were now in negotiation with another gentleman. ! Regarding the premises, they afforded ample accommodation for their requirements and probably they might be able to let the upstairs portions as offices. He also wished it understood that the directors did not desire to make big jirofits, but Tather to see that members secured what the doctors prescribed. In the past there were instances where patients had been unable to get what was prescribed. He recognised that they would meet with opposition, but that should not disturb them. He expected they would find the doctors and nurses nationalised, and probably also they would find it necessary to combine the friendly societies' forces for their own protection. He then moved the adoption of the report and balancesheet, which, after a brief discussion, was carried. Messrs Bellringer and Chatterton. retiring directors, were reelected, and Mr Foote, auditor, was also re-eleeted. Appreciative references were- made to the good work accomplished by the secretary, Mr A. J. Tunbridge, and also to the directors, the chairman, on their behalf. 'acknowledging the vote of thanks passed. At a subsequent meeting of directors Mr W. S. Gilbert was re-elected tfhairraaa fMLtte.jratiugg jwar.