LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12385, 4 December 1909, Page 5

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

WELLINGTON, Decembsr 3. .1 no Council met at 2.30. ■The Imprest Supply Bill was put through all stages. Leave of absence for the remainder or tho session was granted to the Hon. Holmes, on account of ill-health. It was agreed that the Council sit on Monday afternoon next. In Committee of whole on the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Bill, 'lisous-ion^was resumed at tho, postponed c!au:-e 72, lirovicling that Boards may make' agreement for special terms as to tho maintenance in Hospitals of members of friendly societies The Hovi. Callings took strong exception to the clause, which he said should not have been introduced into tho Bill. He pointed out that the medical profession had not had an opportunity of considering the clause, which was one that was likely to disorganise the. institution. Tho Hon. Mr Sinclair agreed that the clause ought not to be retained. The Hon. Samuel objected to friendSy societies or any other body being treated exceptionally under this Bill. The Hon. G. J. " Smith thought if friendly .societies wanted special advantages the question ought to be deal! with in a separate Bill, not in a general, measure of this kind Tho Hon. Callan said there was not tho slightest- necessity for invoking legislation in favour of friendly societies. The Hon. MeGowan hoped they would not destroy a good Bill by_ introducing such a clause as this one into it. The clause would mean the foisting of friendly societies chronic cases on to hospitals and charitable institutions. The Hon. Baldy considered the clause exceedingly unfair tr> doctors Tho Hon. Dr Findlay said at present more than a third.of'the members, of friendly societies in hospital paid nothing at* present. They were unable to pay, and this claulro would nrocuro payment for such patients. It the clause enabled arrangements- to be made between friendly societies and the Board to pay something for every member in hospitals surely that was a good bargain. The Hrm. Mr Sinclair said that so far from being a good bargain for the hospitals it would be the very worst that could be made. It put the /whole thing down on a. money basis, which was contrary to the spirit of the Act. The Hon. Paul could see no wrong in looking at the financial side of the arrangement. The clansa would benelit tho poorer classes. • The Hon. Collins to test the question moved +o delete th© opening words of the clause. t On a division, after further discussion, tho clause was lost by 18 to 23. A new clause was inserted on the I motion of the Attorney-General, providing for the union of hospital disr tricts, • ■ , ~, i 1 Tho Bill was reported with amendments and read a third time and pass;ed. The Council rose. . . „ „ ri .„. < -«.,