FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' RULES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 277, 29 November 1897, Page 2

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' RULES.

DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Sunday. Representatives from the Foresters, t_» Manchester and American Oddfellows' tlie Rechabites, Druids, and Hibernians were introduced to the Premier by Mr J Hutcheson, M.H.R., on Saturday, and brought under his notice in detail their complaints as to delay and irritation ex. perienced by the friendly societies in fcbe matter of the registration of their rales, Mr T. G. Reid, the revising barrister, whc was present, pointed out that'many of the rules submitted by the societies were not in accordance with the Act, and therefore he could not pass them. Much of the irritation experienced Avas due to ignorance on the part of the societies of the provisions of the Act. Several members ol the deputation complained that there wa_ no appeal from the decision of the revising barrister except by taking the case to the Supreme Court, the expense of which prevented the societies having any remedy where they considered they were suffeibig an injustice. They suggested that some inexpensive board of appeal should be set up. Mr Seddon said that in future the representatives of the Friendly Societies Avould be given every facility to interview and communicate direct with the revising barrister. When a society objected to the decision of the reviewing barrister, he would undertake to pursue the same course as had been taken recently, whereby the society's barrister would state its case, and the revising barrister would state his, and both cases Avould be submitted to independent and impartial counsel. Several members of the deputation considered that the societies should nominate one of the persons to Avhom the cases were submitted. Mr Seddon said the matter might as well be taken to the Supreme Court as be submitted to arbiI tration. Mr Reid pointed out that as the statutory officer he could only take cognisance of the decision of the Supreme Court, but he was prepared to abide by the decision arrived at by the course proposed by Mr Seddon. The proposal of the Premier after this explanation was received with general appoval, and Mr Seddon was asked to introduce an amending measure go give effect to it, and also to the various details dealt Avith by the deputation. Mr Seddon said the Government had been remiss in not sending out the standing rules after the passage of the Act of 1882, and he -would give instructions that new standing rules be sent out at once. It has also been made clear that the law was defective and required amendment, and this would he done.