H.—i

The following statement shows the disposal of the total funds (including those of the central bodies) as at the 31st December, 1944 : —

The number of members sick during 1944 was 16,631, equal to 19-6 per 100 members at risk. The sickness experienced during 1944 was 308,798 weeks, equal to 18 weeks 3 days per sick member, and 3 weeks 4 days for each member at risk. Mortality The number of members who died during 1944 was 1,350, equal to 15-48 per 1,000 members at risk. The number of wives of members who died was 383. Sick and Funeral Funds The contributions and entrance fees paid to Sick and Funeral Funds in 1944 amounted to £160,861. Divided by the mean number of members, the average for 1944 was £1 17s. 2d., as against £1 15s. 9d. for 1943. The interest and rent received by the lodges and central bodies amounted to £210,863 in 1944, equal to £2 Bs. 9d. per member, as against £2 6s. Id. for 1943. The amount of sickness benefit paid was £174,757 in 1944, equal to £10 10s. 2d. per member sick, and £2 os. sd. per member, as against £10 2s. sd. and £1 19s. sd. respectively for 1943. Viewing the amount paid in relation to the weeks of sickness, the average benefit per week is found to be lis. 4d. in 1944, as against lis. sd. for 1943. The funeral benefit paid amounted to £68,892 in 1944, equal to 15s. lid. per member, as compared with 14s. 6d. for 1943. The total worth of the Sick and Funeral Funds at the beginning of 1944 was £4,757,050, and at the end of the year £4,854,299. Investment of Funds The net income from investments credited to the Sick and Funeral Funds for 1944 amounted to £210,863, the average rate being £4 9s. 9d. per cent., as against £4 9s. 4d. in 1943. PART lI.—TRADE-UNIONS The registration of one trade-union was cancelled during the year —viz., Puponga Coal Miners' Society. One partial amendment of rules was registered—New Zealand Glass Workers' Union. There were four unions on the register at the end of the year.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (620 copies), £4.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l94s.

Price, 3(2.]

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Funds. Assets. £ £ Sick and Funeral Funds .. .. .. 4,854,299 Investments at interest .. .. .. 5,354,189 Surplus Appropriation Funds, &c. .. .. 645,983 Value of land and buildings .. .. 407,292 Management Funds, goods, &c. .. .. 271,257 Cash not bearing interest .. .. 207,875 Widow and Orphans'Funds .. .. 32,723 Value of goods .. .. .. .. 19,194 Distress, Benevolent Funds, &c. .. .. 214,569 Other assets .. .. .. .. 27,947 Owing by Management Funds .. .. 2,334 Total .. .. .. •• £6,018,831 Total .. .. .. .. £6,018,831