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the few returns so far received a preliminary examination discloses rather a wide diversity of experience, a result, however, which may be much modified when the massed data of the membership involved has been investigated. Maternity Benefits. The National Provident Fund Amendment Act, 1919, authorized an increase in the amount of maternity allowance to £6 for members of "approved" friendly societies, making the sum equal to the benefit provided for contributors to the fund under the main Act. The income qualification for this benefit was also raised from £200 to £300 in view of the change in wage rates. The same amending Act also empowered "approved" societies to deduct from pension payments to members any amount due by way of contributions to the society for sick benefits; and the conditions for becoming "approved" societies for (he purpose of the Finance Act, 1916, were enlarged to allow all registered benefit societies to adopt the special rules as required under the latter Act. Valuations . The Actuary's staff completed a larger number of valuations than usual during the year, and this side of the Department work, which was affected by staff difficulties during the war, is now in a fair way to overtake all arrears. The attention of societies is directed to the Actuary's report (attached hereto), and his references to the attempts to establish funds based on insufficient contribution liases should receive careful consideration. Registrations. There were registered during the past year 6 new branches as follows: Lily of Clutha Rebekah Lodge (1.0.0. F.); Court Auzac, Court Pride of Henderson, Court Victory (Auckland District, A.0.F.); Court Pride of Clutha Valley (United Otago District, A.0.F.); Kiwi Tent (New Zealand Central District, 1.0.X.). The following registrations were cancelled by request:—A.O.F. : Court Star of Levin, Court Pride of Foxton and Court Alexandra (Wellington District). The following society was dissolved by instrument : 1.F.5., The Wakamarina Miners' Accident Relief Association. The following change of name was registered: " S.A.S. Ivy of Linwood Co-operative Money Club " to " Linwood Co-operative Money Club." The position of the orders in respect of registration is shown by the following summary as at the beginning and end of 1919: —

The list of societies and branches on the register as at the end of 1918 as published last year should be amended in accordance with the above changes. Rules. The rules of 24 societies and branches came under revision in one form or another for amendment during 1919. Complete amendments were registered during the year, viz. : — M.U.l.O.O.F.—Ashburton District. A.O.F.—Court Pride of Alexandra (United Otago District). S.A.S. —Linwood Co-operative Money Club. Partial Amendments of Hides registered. Partial amendments for the following were made: — M.U.1.0.0.F. —Wellington District; Auckland District; Motucka District; United Westland District; North Canterbury District; Otago District; Hearts of Oak Lodge (Southland District). A.O.F.—-Wellington District (2); Court Charleston (Nelson District); United Otago District; Court Star of the Forest (United Otago District). U.A.O.D. —Grand Lodge of the North Island of New Zealand. 1.0.R. —New Zealand District. I.F.S. —Christchurch United Friendly Societies' Dispensary; Otago Daily Times Mutual Provident Society; The Fountain of Friendship Lodge Friendly Society (2); Wellington United Friendly Societies' Medical Institute; Te Akatea Miners and Settlers' Medical Association. S.A.S. —Wellington United Friendly Societies' Dispensary.

Name of Order. Registrations at 1st January, 1919. Established. Closed. Registrations at 31st December, 1919. Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows Independent Order of Odd Fellows National Independent Order of Odd Fellows British United Order of Odd Fellows Ancient Order of Foresters Ancient Order of Shepherds United Ancient Ordei of Druids Independent Order of Rechabites Sons and Daughters of Temperance Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society Protestant Alliance Friendly Society of Australasia Isolated friendly societies Working-men's clubs Independent Order of Good Templars Specially authorized societies 226 105 3 1 154 1 133 77 11 73 13 40 16 11 19 1 4 i 3 226 IOC 3 1 155 1 133 78 11 73 13 39 16 11 19 i Totals 883 885