H—l

The position of the various orders in respect of registrations during 1947 is as follows :

Amendments op Rules The rules of thirty-six societies and branches were amended during 1947, four by complete amendment, and thirty-two by partial amendment. Statistics op Membership and Funds The following table shows the membership of 890 lodges* of the Dominion for the year 1947 : Number of members, Ist January .. .. .. .. 80,446 Number admitted by— Initiation, &c. .. .. .. ..2,467 Clearance .. .. .. .. .. 535 3,002 83,448 Number who died .. .. .. .. 1,158 Number who left by — Clearance .. .. .. .. .. 566 Arrears, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 3,218 4,942 Number of members, 31st December .. .. 78,506 The above figures show a decrease in membership equal to 2-41 per cent., as compared with 3-10 per cent, for 1946.

* The word " lodge" when applied to all societies is to be understood as embracing the synonymous terms " court," " tent," &c, as used in the various orders.

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Registrations Registrations Name of Order. at 1st January, 1947. Established. Closed. at 31st December, 1047. Manchester Unity Independent Order of 260 1 259 Oddfellows Independent Order of Oddfellows 202 3 199 National Independent Order of Oddfellows.. 1 1 Ancient Order of Foresters 152 2 150 United Ancient Order of Druids 144 144 Independent Order of Rechabites 67 67 Order of Sons of Temperance 10 10 Sons and Daughters of Temperance 1 1 Hibernian-Australasian Catholic Benefit 80 1 79 Society Protestant Alliance Friendly Society of 12 12 Australasia Grand United Order of Oddfellows 14 4 10 Isolated friendly societies 70 70 Working-men's clubs 14 1 15 International Order of Good Templars 11 11 Specially authorized societies 19 19 Totals 1,057 1 11 1,047