FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' CONFERENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 95, 21 April 1904, Page 2

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' CONFERENCE.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Friendly Societies' Conference, which resumed to-day, approved the short amending Bill introduced by the Premier last session, and withdrawn by request pending consideration by the societies. The Bill provides that before diverting surpluses of over 5 per cent, of the benefit funds on total capital and money property belonging to such funds, the branches must consult the district lodges and the district. The governing bodies must consult their branches. An amendment of the Stamp Act was suggested in the direction of providing that cheques drawn by friendly societies may he used for general purposes without imposition of duty. The conference saw no need at present for the proposed Royal Commission to inquire into matters relating to friendly societies generally, and to make societies co-operate in the necessary legislation. It was resolved to request the Government to allow the free use of the mineral baths at the Government Sanatorium to friendly society members being treated there at the expense of the societies The next conference is to be held at Chriatchurch three years hence.