FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 153, 1 July 1931, Page 8

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

m STRENGTH OF MOVEMENT. LARGE SUM PAID IN BENEFITS. Some interesting figures, relating to the numerical strength and. available funds of friendly societies in Australia and New Zealand were quoted at a gathering at Takapuna this week. In advocating the closer co-operation of the North Shore branches of the various orders, Bro. D. R. Cooper, of Melrose Lodge 1.0.0. F., said the total membership and financial worth of the various societies were amazing. In New Zealand there were approximately 1000 lodges, with a total membership of over 100,000, and their combined funds exceeded £4,000,000. In Australia and New Zealand the figures there were 6077 lodges, with accumulated, funds of £17,325,000. At the 1929 actuarial examination, the average capital per member in New Zealand was £37 7/, an increase of £6 l/o in nine years. In 1929 the total paid for sick pay was £136,000, while funeral benefits exceeded £37,000. Had friendly eocieties not existed, the State and charitable aid boards would of necessity have had to meet a good portion of those payments. Bro. Cooper said that- he hoped these statistics would give the necessary stimulus to the movement to form all the North Shore branches of all orders into a united friendly societies conference.