The genesis of New Zealand’s social welfare

IN ‘‘Today in History’’ under the date 1938 (ODT, 14.9.18) it states ‘‘The Social Security Act passes into law. It is designed to provide a welfare programme for New Zealanders from the cradle to the grave. It was devised by Otago men Dr David Gervan McMillan and the Rev Arnold Nordmeyer.’

In actual fact there were three men from Kurow involved in the planning — the two mentioned but also my father Mr A. M. Davidson, who was the headmaster of Kurow School at the time and the three men became known as ‘‘the three wise men’’. They were also supported in their endeavours by other Labour Party stalwarts.

The Waitaki dam was built during the Great Depression by about 1200 men. The conditions were extreme, there was very little money and sickness was a problem.

These three men were so concerned about the health and wellbeing of the men and their families that they devised a scheme where a small amount was taken from everyone on the site each week and used to maintain the health and wellbeing of all.

The Rev Nordmeyer and Dr McMillan went on to become Labour members of Parliament and under the leadership of Michael Joseph Savage the ‘‘cradle to the grave’’ system was established.

In Kurow, outside what was Dr McMillan’s house, there is a small memorial and plaque to these three men which was placed by the Otago branch of the NZ Historic Places Trust and it states: ‘‘From 19291934 this was the home and surgery of Dr D. G. McMillan who, with the Rev. A. H. Nordmeyer, A.M. Davidson and other Labour Party stalwarts, adapted the medical benefits scheme devised for the Waitaki hydro workers, into the basis of a social security scheme for all New Zealanders.’’

Margaret Hall Wanaka

BIBLE READING: He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death. — Philippians 2:8.