DROP IN LODGE MEMBERSHIP

Southland Times, Issue 24353, 6 February 1941, Page 6

DROP IN LODGE MEMBERSHIP

Decline Of 300 In Two Years EFFECT OF WAR AND SOCIAL SECURITY It is estimated that the total membership of the friendly societies in Invercargill has decreased by more than 300 during the past two years. Inquiries made in the city yesterday showed that approximately 150 members had been lost in 1939 and it was stated that the membership rolls had decreased by about the same number last year. In comparison with previous years, the number of initiations has been much smaller and most of the lodges have had difficulty in recruiting young members. “This loss in membership is probably due to two causes—the introduction of the Social Security Scheme and the outbreak of war,” stated a representative of one lodge yesterday. “It is difficult to say which of these factors has had the greater influence, but there can be no doubt that the membership of the lodges has been greatly affected in the past two years. One of the most serious aspects of the position is the drop in the enrolment of young members. It is obvious that if young blood is not introduced, the management funds must decrease.” An official of another lodge said that the membership of his order showed a decrease of 77 in 1939, and he thought there would be a similar decline last year. The war had undoubtedly had a big effect on the membership, but he anticipated a greater falling away if the medical practitioners came under the Social Security Scheme. FUNDS WELL INVESTED “The funds of the societies have been well invested,” he continued, “and as a result of these investments the funds are still increasing, although the membership is declining. This is illustrated by the fact that in the first six months of last year the total assets of the Southland friendly societies increased by approximately £2OOO. However, if the membership goes below a certain figure the lodge funds must suffer. New members are essential if the management fund is to be kept solvent, and it might even be necessary to increase the levies if this fund were to show a serious decrease."