POLITICAL NOTES.

Feilding Star, Issue 325, 24 July 1907, Page 4

POLITICAL NOTES.

— ■ — [By Telegraph.] (Our Own Correspondent.) MESSENGERS. Wellington, July 23. The Government have issued a circular giving rules and regulations concerning messengers. The circular contains the following provisions: — Appointments. — All messengers to be appointed on probation for three months. If they are reported on favorably at the end of that term, then appointment to be confirmed. Salary. — Messengers will start with a salary of 7s per diem (Sundays included) j if their record ie good at the end of three years tney should receive an increase of 6d per diem, and at the end of five years a further increase of 6d per diem (Sundays included): this to be the maximum. Drunk while on duty. — For first offence deduct 6d per diem for three months ; and for a seoond offence, dismissal, j Annual leave. — Fourteen days per annum. Mr Hogg is asking a question as to whether these provisions are based upon the cost of living. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. The Friendly Societies report presented to Parliament to-day shows a total of 500 lodges, with a membership of 63,759; total funds of £1,057,---821; and an average capital or £19 13s 6d. The number of members sick during 1905 was 8103, and during 1905, 9253; equal to 17.38 and 18.84 respectively per 100 members at risk. The total worth of the sick and funeral funds of the different societies on 31st December, 1905. was as follows:—M.U.l.O.F., £427,375; 1.0.0. F., £45,000; U.1.0.0.F., £4576, B.U. 0.0. F.. £1772, A.0.F., £232,991, A. 0.5., i 1146, U.A.O.D. £85.698, 1.0. R. £44,861, S.D.T. £12,052, H.A.C. B.S. £.4,354, P.A.F.S.A_ £13,031, R.E.B.S. £3022. The opinion is expressed that recent cases of embezzlement will have the effect of bringing home to those responsible for the safeguarding of benefit funds the desirability of providing for a thoroughly efficient audit. JOTTINGS. The number of original selectors occupying their holding on 17th July last on the Cheviot estate was 106. Thos. Finch, of the Post and Telegraph Department, is to get a pension of £160 per annum From April next. G. C. Chapman, of the same Department, will get a pension of

£166.