MEDICAL SCHEME

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 September 1941, Page 4

MEDICAL SCHEME

PROTEST MEETING HELD IN WELLINGTON LAST NIGHT. LEGISLATION STRONGLY CONDEMNED. (Bv Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. One of the greatest protest gatherings ever seen in the Toavo Hall, Wellington, assembled last night to give an enthusiastic reception to speakers against the Social Security Amendment Bill. The Town Hall has a total sealing capacity of 2700 and fewer than 100 seats were unoccupied. There were not more than 20 people who interjected unfavourably against the seven speakers, who al] gave their addresses to an accompaniment of loud applause and cheering. The speakers were the mayor of Wellington, Mr Hislop. Avho presided. Mrs Annie Down. Sir James Elliott, Mr Stronach Paterson, Mr B. V. Cooksley, Mr Will Appleton and Mr E. P. Hay, who strongly condemned the Government legislation. The meeting finished on a wave of applause lasting several minutes. Amid the greatest enthusiasm, these resolutions were carried unanimously:— “That this meeting of Wellington citizens condemns the Social Security Amendment Bill before the House for these reasons: (a) It has not a mandate from the people for such a measure: (b) it infringes the rights of the subject, is dictatorial and coercive and unjust to members of the medical profession now serving overseas: (c) it spells nationalisation of the medical profession and means abolition of private enterprise; Cd) it does nothing to promote national health or provide specialised treatment.” “That the conveners of this meeting be authorised to arrange for a monster deputation to wait on the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, to place the first resolution before him, and that the Government be asked to suspend the contemplated legislation pending further consideration with a view to providing a service that Avill meet more effectively the full requirements of the community.”