H.—l

4

Sickness. The number of members sick during 1928 was 19,336, equal to 21-2 per 100 members at risk. The sickness experienced during 1928 was ] 96,978 weeks, equal to 10 weeks 1 day per sick member, and 2 weeks 1 day for each member at risk. Mortality. A statement of the average mortality experienced during the years 1924-28 is given below, but it takes no account of age incidence

Sick and Funeral Funds. The contributions and entrance fees paid to Sick and Funeral Funds in 1928 amounted to £183,809. Divided by the mean number of members the average for 1928 was £1 16s. lid., as compared with £1 16s. lOd. in 1927. The interest and rent received by the lodges and central bodies amounted to £171,975 in 1928, equal to £1 Ms. 6d. per member, as against £1 14s. lOd. for 1927. The amount of sickness benefit paid was £128,897 in 1928, equal to £6 13s. 4d. per member sick, and £1 ss. lid. per member, as against £6 13s. 4d. and £1 ss. lOd. respectively for 1927. Viewing the amount paid in relation to the weeks of sickness, the average benefit per week is found to be 13s. Id. in 1928, as against 13s. 3d. for 1927. The funeral benefit paid amounted to £34,082 in 1928, equal to 6s. lOd. per member, as compared with 6s. lid. for 1927. The total worth of the Sick and Funeral Funds of 885 lodges at the beginning of 1928 was £3,036,670, and at the end of the year £3,214,131. The balance of gain for the year was £177,461, or £1 15s. Bd. per member, in 1928, as compared with £127,415, or £1 6s. 4d., in 1927. Investment of Funds. The net income from investments credited to the Sick and Funeral Funds for 1928 amounted to £171,975, the average rate being £5 13s. 2d. per cent., as against £5 16s. 7d. in 1927.

Table showing the Total Worth of Sick and Funeral Funds of 885 Lodges as at the 1st January, 1928, and 31st December, 1928, inclusive of Accumulations held by Central Bodies, also Amount and Average Rate of Interest earned.

Trade-unions. One trade-union was cancelled by request during the year —viz., the Otago Tramways Tradeunion, Dunedin. Three partial amendments of rules were registered during the year for the New Zealand Locomotive Engineers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association. There were twenty-five unions on the register at the end of the year.

Members. Wives. Year. i Number who died. I g Number who died. ! ■ 1 | | 1924 .. .. .. .. 674 8-09 295 3-54 1925 .. .. .. .. 648 7-22 328 3-66 1926 .. .. .. .. 748 8-02 323 3-46 1927 .. .. .. .. 776 7-98 320 3-29 1928 .. .. .. .. 756 7-56 x 341 3-41

Total Worth of Sick and Funeral Funds as at the .. Amount Average Hate Name of Society. interest. per Cent. January 1, 1928. December SI, 1928. £ £ £ £ MUIOOF .. .. •• •• 1,085,985 1,146,462 59,835 5-51 LO.O.F. .. .. .. •• •• 252,777 260,001 14,004 5-62 N.I.O.O.F. .. •• •• 5,916 5,991 281 4-83 BIT 0.0 F. .. •• •• 5,539 5,836 344 6-24 AOF . .. •• 651,583 685,395 35,568 . 5-47 4. OS .. •• 1,451 1,429 88 6-30 UAOP .. •• •• 680,509 735,058 40,711 5-92 IOR .. ■■ 147,570 156,009 8.604 5-83 OST . .. •• •• 23,445 24,682 1,380 5-90 SDT . 11,102 11,479 657 5-99 HACB.S .. •• •• ' 81,751 87,886 4.996 6-07 PAFSA .. •• •• 39,826 41,863 2,470 6-24 GTJOO.F. .. .. ■■ 1,287 1.685 29 1-97 Other societies I 47,929 50,355 3,008 8-31 Totals .. •• • ■ j 3,036,670 3,214,131 171,975 5-66