THE ENGLISH FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7337, 25 February 1902, Page 2

THE ENGLISH FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

INTERESTING STATISTICS. The English Friendly Societies now have in round numbers 12,000,000 members and an aggregate capital of £40,000,000. First ami'ong them, of course, is the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, which, is also the largest and wealthiest society of its kind' in the world. It has about 1,000,000 members, anidi its funds amount' to £10,750,954. f The present position of the other leading societies is as follows: — Ancient Order of Foresters has 921,386 members, and about £7,000,000. funds ; the Hearts of Oak Benefit Society has 256,000 members, and £585,000 ; the Grand! United' Order of .Odd-' felloAvs hais 265,407 nuemibers, and £1,018,418; the Independent Order of Rechabite& has 278,000 members, amd £1,250,000; the Loyal Ancient Shepherds has 220,627 members, and £679,736; the United Ancient Order of Druids has 87,322 members (including 33,331 in Australia and ' New Zealand), and £495,025. The most notable developments in 1901 were made by the Foresters and Rechabites. These two societies are opening deposit branches, by which they will be enabled to undertake a savings bank business on behalf of their members. The scheme is only experimental, and its pltogress is being watched with much interest. The Foresters are also responsible for arootLier important innovation, having^ decided to establish an " Order Insurance Fund " to provide endoAVlnent and life assurances up to £150. The premiums axe based on the Institute of Actuaries' healthy male life experience,