SOCIAL SECURITY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 May 1939, Page 7

SOCIAL SECURITY

PAYING FOR SERVICE NOT AVAILABLE FARMERS’ UNION DISCUSSION. "SOCIALISING THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.” There was a sharp difference of opinion between several members at yesterday’s meeting of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union during a discussion on the discrepancy between the Social Security contribution and the immediate benefits obtainable. Reference was made to the attitude of the doctors and it was contended that the aim of the Government was to socialise the medical profession. The discussion lapsed after the president, Mr Hugh Morrison, had suggested that they should leave the doctors and the Government to fight the 'matter out.

Describing the matter as a burning question, Mr W. J. Thomas said that the only benefit the farming community was. receiving under the Act was the maternity benefits. No medical service was yet provided. The doctors were in conflict with the Government and he thought that perhaps the former were missing the point. It was the duty of the medical men to give the public what they were entitled to. Whatever their opinion of the Social Security Act had been in the past it was now law and should be accepted just as the dairy farmers had accepted the guaranteed price. It was up to the doctors to settle their differences with the Government and give the public the service they were entitled to under the Act. There was not enough give and take between the doctors and the Government. From a financial point' of view the doctors were taking a pretty safe way out and it was an attitude that should not be supported by the union. In order to stop people rushing to doctors with every little ache and pain he suggested that the patients should be called on to pay the first £l. like car insurance, and then receive free benefits. FIGHTING UNIONISM. The medical men were fighting against restrictions, observed Mr A. B. Martin. The Government was endeavouring to force everyone into unions. The Government wanted the doctors to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week for 365 days a year and no holidays. No farmer or member of a union, governed by the. Arbitration Court, would stand for that so why expect the doctors to?

Mr J. H. \ Bremner said he did not agree with the tone of Mr Thomas s remarks. Mr Thomas had suggested that the doctors should make certain concessions and come to heel. He had a tremendous admiration for the doctors, who were fighting socialism. It was the aim of the Government to socialise the medical profession. Mr Martin: “They are trying to break the profession.”

Mr Bremner: “If we as an organisation, comprised largely of individualists, subscribe to the Government’s aim to socialise the medical profession then we should shut up shop. This Act is one of the silliest things I have heard of. The strong and healthy people are being asked to pay for the medical care of the delicate, weakly ones.” Mr A. Ross: "There is nothing new about that. What about your education system?” He suggested that an injustice was being done to Mr Thomas, who had only indicated that we were paying for a service which we were not receiving and that because of trouble with the doctors. The medical men had ever yright not to accept the terms, but against that the Governmen had every right not to accept the steps it thought necessary to implement its legislative programme. Mr A. Forsberg: “Are you in favoui of importing doctors?” Mr Ross: "I am in favour of Government rule.” Mr G. R. Thompson: “The people should rule through the Government. At present the Government is ruling for one section only.” Mr Ross:: "We are only asking for something that we are paying for.” REFUND SUGGESTED. Mr Martin: “What about a refund?" Mr Bremner suggested that the Government should be asked to suspend the payments until the benefits were available or else make a refund of contributions. A voice: “It is obtaining moneyunder false pretences." Mr H. Bennett said the Government made the mistake in not making its arrangements with the doctors before, putting the. Act on the Statute Book. Socialisation of the medical profession was the object of the Government. Mr Morrison said they should leave the Government and the doctors to fight the matter out. He moved that they pass on to the next business. Mr Thomas: "And keep on paying the shilling?” Mr Thompson: "Good luck to the doctors anyway.” The discussion then lapsed.