SOCIAL SECURITY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 April 1939, Page 3

SOCIAL SECURITY

ATTITUDE OF DOCTORS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) HASTINGS, April 4. Inquiries made today indicate that Hawke’s Bay members of the British Medical Association are unanimously opposed to the Social Security scheme in its present form, the opposition here being probably stronger than in any other district in the Dominion. However, the Hawke’s Bay division has decided to abide by the decision of the central council of the New Zealand branch of the 8.M.A., which up to the present has refused to come under the scheme. The central council is to hold a meeting in Wellington tomorrow, when it is expected that replies will be received from most of the divisions, all of which have recently had under consideration proposals put forward by the Government, chiefly concerning maternity benefits. It is stated that doctors in this province hold no objection to social security but are definitely opposed to the principle of a universal scheme. They are ready to support a scheme requiring them to help those who need help, but. do not believe in forcing everyone to come under the scheme. MATERNITY BENEFITS. GREYMOUTH, April 4. The West Coast division of the B.M.A. decided that that portion of the social security legislation relating tc maternity benefits is not acceptable as set out by the Government and must remain so pending further details. No details of the health scheme, to which the profession is opposed in principle, have been received.