FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1733, 26 April 1906, Page 2

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

i THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. (Per Press Association.); WeiliDgtoD, last night, The first conference of Friendly Societies in the colony will be held on May 21st, the chief objects being—(l) Division of the colony into districts for election of Friendly Societies’ councils; (2) the periodical holding of conference of delegates to discuss matters dealing with legislation and other proposals conducive to interests of Friendly Societies generally; (3) the election of a colonial executive to act as a vigilance committee. Several remits from Societies and branches are in tho direction of amending the Friendly Societies Act. The chief of these are settingjup an authority to say what should be the amount,of contributions payable to ensure any stated benefits payable to members of such societies; that quinquennial valuations be made in the registrar’s office compulsorily; that in calculating the assets of a Friendly Society for valuation purposes the question of valuation of Societies' interest in any property should be based on ar amount fixod by the Governmer Valuer, not on book value fixed ’ tho Society.

The appointment of a public aud is also urged. ■ : ’wmi The Otago Council desires thatttuT registrar should be restrained from interfering with the U<^i B j o^o^^ eß ’ 'that secretaries should be allowed to receive contributions outside lodge roomsi and other than on “Lodge” nights. The. New Zealand central district has this, that moneys of the sick and funeral fund of registered Friendly Societies be exempt from municipal taxes.

The Nelson district will urge consideration of the relationship between Friendly Societies and wodical profession, J