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Session 11. 1912. NEW ZEALAND.

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES AND TRADE-UNIONS. THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT BY THE REGISTRAR OF FRIENDLY SOCIETIES, FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1911.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to the Friendly Societies Act, 1909, Section 9, and the Trade-unions Act, 1908, Section 16.

The Registrar of Friendly Societies to the Hon. the Minister. Sir,— I have the honour to submit herewith, in accordance with the Act, the annual report of this Office for the year ended 31st December, 1911. I have, &c, Robt. E. Hayes, Registrar of Friendly Societies. Wellington, 20th June, 1912.

INTRODUCTION. The past year has been a satisfactory one for societies, taking into consideration the increase in branches and in membership. There were 49 new lodges opened, the greatest number for any year on record. The Independent Order of Rechabites holds first place for activity in this respect as compared with the other societies, and its superiority has been evident for the last two years. The success of this society would appear to be contemporaneous with the general advance of total-abstinence principles. The net returned membership of all societies (71,771) shows an increase of 3-67 per cent. —slightly ahead of last year's rate, 3-29. The Rechabites' order also leads with the highest percentage of increase in membership. The gross funds of these societies increased during the year by £91,964, and reached the total sum of £1,441,333, representing an average capital per head equal to £20 Is. Bd., the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows holding the highest amount per member. The interest earned on the capital moneys of the benefit funds amounted to £59,599, equal to a rate over all societies of 4-90 per cent. These general facts indicate the steady progress of the societies, which are still able to maintain their pre-eminent position as the popular insurance establishment for the industrial population. REGISTRATION OF SOCIETIES AND BRANCHES. There were registered during the past year 49 new societies and branches, distributed among the various orders as follows : M.U.1.0.0.F., 5 lodges ; 1.0.0. F., 6 lodges ; A.0.F., 6 courts ; U.A.0.D., 11 lodges; 1.0. R., 11 tents; H.A.C.8.5., 4 branches; isolated friendly societies, 5; special authorized societies, 1. The registration of the following was cancelled by dissolution : A.O.F.—Pride of Awarua (United Otago District). The registration of the following was cancelled at its request: I.O.R.—Sir Wilfred Lawson Tent (New Zealand Central District).

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