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ment fund, although in some instances there may be funds representing surpluses which have been retained by the branches. On the whole, however, the machinery required for the administration of branch sick-funds when they were self-controlled is now unnecessary, and consolidated societies could probably effect some economies in general expenses if the legal changes were made to conform with the present practice. The number of annual returns to the Registrar, for instance, could be reduced to one from the society as a whole. These consolidated societies are now practically in the condition of what is known as " centralized " societies, and the. branch members in the various parts of the country outside the central body have more or less the characteristics of agency groups. Prosecutions. Two prosecutions for neglecting to furnish the statutory annual returns were made during the year. Court Egmont, Taranaki District, A.0.F., and the Immaculate Conception Branch, Stratford, H.A.C.8.5., were convicted and fined. Registrations. There were registered during the past year eight new branches, as follows : Alberta Lodge, Geyser Lodge (1.0.0.F.); Court Aroha (Auckland District, A.0.F.) ; Star of Huntly Lodge (Grand Lodge. of the North Island of New Zealand, U.A.0.D.) ; Hope of Green Island Tent (New Zealand Central District, 1.0.R.) ; St. Mary's Branch (Hamilton), Sacred Heart Branch (Spreydon), St. Joseph's Branch (Dannevirke) (New Zealand District, H.A.C.8.5.). There were also six isolated friendly societies registered. The following registrations were cancelled by request: —M.U.1.0.0.F. : St. George Lodge (Wellington District) ; Mangapai Lodge, Te Puke Lodge (Auckland District); Hunterville Lodge (Wanganui District) ; Waimairi Lodge (North Canterbury District). U.A.O.D. : Star of Rodney Lodge (Grand Lodge of the North Island of New Zealand). 1.0.R. : Hope of Frankton Tent, Hope of Morrinsville Tent, Primrose Tent, Rohe Potae Tent (New Zealand District) ; Pahiatua Tent, Lily of the South Tent, Pride of Wallace Tent, Pride of Roslyn Tent (New Zealand Central District). S.A.S. : Star of Newtown Lodge, 1.0.G.T. The following amalgamations were registered :— M.U.1.0.0.F. : Waipori Lodge, Waitahuna Lodge, and Bluespur Lodge, with Tuapeka Pioneer Lodge (Otago District). Court Blenheim, A.0.F., seceded from the Wellington District, A.O.F. The secession of Court Clarendon, A.0.F., from the Wellington District has also been notified. The following changes of name were registered:—U.A.O.D.: "The Grand Lodge of Otago and Southland District, New Zealand " to " The Grand Lodge of Otago and Southland, New Zealand." W.M.C. : " Richmond Working-men's Club " to " Richmond Working-men's Club and Mutual School of Arts." S.A.S. : " Waimate Brass Band "to " Waimate Silver Band." The position of the orders in respect of registration is shown by the following summary as at the beginning and end of 1921 : —

The list of societies and branches on the register as at the end of 1920 as published last year should be amended in accordance with the above changes. Rules. The rules of 56 societies and branches came, under revision in one form or another for amendment during 1921. Complete Amendment of Rules registered. Complete amendments were registered during the year, viz. : — M.U.1.0.0.F. —Ruahine Lodge (Hawkc's Bay District); Gisborne Lodge (Auckland District) ; Excelsior Lodge, Waitara Lodge (New Plymouth District). I.O.O.F.—Star of Avondale Lodge. B.U.O.O.F.—Aorangi Lodge. U.A.O.D.—Grand Lodge of the North Island of New Zealand. W.M.C. —Kaiapoi Working-men's Club ; Richmond Working-men's Club and Mutual School of Arts ; Napier Working-men's Club.

Name of Order. Registrations at 1st January, 1921. Established. Registrations Closed. at 31st December, 1921. 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 Anoient Order of Druids Independent Order of Rechabites Sons and Daughters of Tomporanoe Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society Protestant Allianoe Friendly Society of Australasia Isolated friendly societies Working-men's olubs Independent Order of Good Tomplars Specially authorized societies .. .. ■ 224 108 3 1 156 1 135 76 11 63 13 42 10 11 19 *2 i i 1 8 216 110 3 1 157 1 1 135 8 09 11 I 66 ..1 13 48 16 11 1 18 '3 (3 Totals 879 14 18 875