H.—L

6

Mortality. The following statement of average mortality experienced during the years 1914-18 is given herewith, but it takes no account of age incidence : —

1| ■ The average death-rate is the highest in the history of the societies, the epidemic on top of war mortality being responsible for the abnormal increase. Sick and Funeral Funds. The contributions and entrance fees paid to Sick and Funeral Funds in 1918 amounted to £117,188. Divided by the mean number of members the average was £1 14s. 5d., as compared with £1 13s. lOd. in 1917. The interest and rent received by the lodges and central bodies amounted to £90,424 in 1918, equal to £1 6s. 6d. per member, as against £1 4s. 9d. for 1917. The amount of sickness benefit paid was £96,763 in 1918, equal to £6 lis. Id. per member sick, and £1 Bs. sd. per member, as against £7 14s. and £1 2s. respectively for 1917. Viewing the amount paid in relation to the weeks of sickness, the average benefit per week is found to be 13s. 9d. in 1918, as compared with 12s. lid. in 1917. The funeral benefit paid amounted to £66,042 in 1918, equal to J 9s. sd. per member, as compared with 13s. 9d. for 1917. The total worth of the Sick and Funeral Funds of 731 lodges at the beginning of 1918 was £1,829,531, and at the end of the year £1,873,510. The balance of gain for the year was £43,979, or 12s. lid, per member, in 1918, as compared with £87,319, or £1 ss. Id., in 1917. The outstanding points in these figures are (1) the increase of 26-2 per cent, in the amount of sick-pay expended as compared with. 1917 ; (2) the increase of 37-8 per cent, in the amount of death benefits as compared with the previous year. Investment of Funds. The net income from investments credited to the Sick and Funeral Funds for 1918 amounted to £90,424, the average rate being £5 os. Id. per cent., as against £4 18s. lOd. in 1917. Table showing the Total Worth of Sick and Funeral Funds of 731 Lodges as on Ist January, 1918, and 31st Decembeu, 1918, inclusive of Accumulations held by Central Bodies, also Amount and Averaoe Rate of Interest earned.

Teade-unions. The following registration was cancelled by request: New Zealand Federation of Labour. There were 29 unions on the register at the end of the year. Incorporated Societies Act. During 1918 there were 57 societies, clubs, or associations incorporated under this Act, and amendments of rules of 39 societies were accepted. Eight societies were dissolved, and one was wound up. On the 31st December, 1918, there were 1,143 incorporated bodies on the register. A classification of these societies gives : 440 sports clubs ; 327 automobile, social, and musical clubs; 193 professional, commercial, industrial, &c. ; 88 public-hall societies ; and 95 miscellaneous.

Members. Wires. Year. j Number who died. gSftMfJ-ffi Number who died. Number per 1,000 Members at Risk. 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 506 767 977 1,287 1,821 7-02 10-63 13-08 18-55 26-85 238 240 232 260 457 3-30 3-33 3-26 3-75 674

Name of Society. Total Worth of Sick and Funoral Fund as on Amount of Interest. Average Rate per Cent. January 1,1918. December 31,1918. d.U.I.O.O.F. .O.O.F. .. O.O.O.F. .. 5.U.O.O.F. .. V.O.F. LO.S. J.A.O.D .O.R. i.D.T. I.A.C.B.S. .. 3 .A.F.S.A. .. )ther societies £ 764,673 118,700 5,303 3,719 434,453 1,241 298,771 88,756 22,705 36,930 25,660 28,620 £ 787,911 122,594 4,966 3,831 438,650 1,289 305,912 93,301 23,225 37,092 26,269 28,470 £ 38,584 5,689 213 205 21,246 70 14,742 4,464 1,069 1,561 1,367 1,214 £ 5-10 4-83 4-24 5-58 4-99 5-69 5-00 5-03 4-77 4-31 5-41 4-35 Totals .. 1,829,531 1,873,510 90,424 5'01