THE A.M.P. SOCIETY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 4978, 30 May 1903, Page 5

THE A.M.P. SOCIETY.

REVIEW OF THE PAST YEAR. (Received May SO 0.47 a.ni.) SYDNEY May 23. At the annual meeting of the Austro*, liaii Mutual Provident Society the chairman, in tiro course of Ms speech, said be was pleased to be able to report that hie prediction of last year—that it would be idle to expect during the current year any improvement on the conditions which had ruled during 1901 —had only been verified to a. limited extent during the past year. The, new assurances completed were only about fifty thousand potlmia less in value-than those of the previous year. That we have done do well under such! untoward circumstances, he said, is a matter for the warmest congratulation. I am pleased to observe that the, conditions for the future appear moat promising.” The speaker, expressed deep regret at the death ,of Dr Grace of Wellington, chairman of the New Zealand Board. Jn a lengthy review of the society’s business, be said a gratifying feature of the report was the remarkable stability of the business. The process of eS-eaigthening reserves for policy liabilities was still being pursued. After the adoption of the report and balance-sheet a meeting of policyholders was held. .

Mr G. R. Campbell moved that tho society’s Bill now, before Parliament be amended to provide for a referendum vote in Australia, and Now Zealand to ascertain the views - of riienxbers oh . the Bill, tho present mode of voting by proxy being unsatisfactory, and that none of the powers in the Bill be enforced unn less approved by tho necessary . present majorities. . * ' After debate the chairman put the motion and declared- it lost.

_ Mr Campbell* demanded a bail-lot, and having secured the necessary supporters the ballot was fixed for Monday next. The meeting then adjourned to Friday, when the result of the ballot Will be made known. „ , - , . 1