AN IMPORTANT DECISION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2263, 7 August 1908, Page 2

AN IMPORTANT DECISION.

CLAIM AGAINST A FRIENDLY SOCIETY. [Pbess Association.] DUNEDIN, August 0. At the Magistrate’s Court this morning, Mr. Widdoweon, S.M., gave judgment in a case of some importance to those interested in Friendly Societies. William Winnton proceeded against Wm. Crawford, on behalf of the Antidote? Division, No. 118, of the Sp»s and Daughters of Temperance, claiming £lO as due to him by that society. _ Plaintiff was a member of the Antidote Division of the Sons and Daughters of Temperance. He married about eight years ago, his wife being then over 40 years of ige. Ho gave the notice required for having the marriage registered, hut the secretary wrote declining to register his wife on the ground that she was over age. Plaintiff pointed out that she wa6 his first wife, and that the age limit for members’ wives did not apply to first wives, hut only to second wives. Plaintiff’s wife died in February, and ho made application to the Division for payment of £lO funeral benefit on her behalf. The Division refused payment, and the plaintiff took proceedings. The Magistrate overruled the objections raised as to his jurisdiction. He held that plaintiff was entitled to recover on the ground that ho had done everything that the rules of the Society required ;that the rules is to the age of members’ wives did not apply to first wives; and that it was the duty of the secretary to enter the name and all particulars in the hooks of the Society. Judgment was given for the amount claimed and costs (£1 16s).