THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 619, 13 June 1876, Page 3

THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

lo the Editor of the Globe

Sir, —As usual, I read your leader of last evening on the Friendly Societies, and after the able manner in which you have handled most of the subjects you have discussed, I expected to find some valuable suggestions or useful criticisms; but I must confess I was grievously disappointed—so much so that it struck me there was a fresh hand deputed to write the leader for once, as last night's production showed the -writer knew little about his subject. Being an Oddfellow, and thinking when I saw Friendly Societies mentioned there would be something of interest to us, I took it to the Lodge, and it was read aloud ; but we failed to make anything of it. With your permission, I would like to point out a mistake or two. In the first place, Friendly Societies do not provide a fund for such emergency as want of employment—that seems more like Trades Union business. Then, again, in what way can secret signs, lodge meetings, use of regalia- adjuncts, as you call them—foster societies to enable then to sustain their financial position. 1 should be inclined to class them with the public demonstrations which you consider a waste of money, or at least as items of expenditure ; for I cannot see in what way they add to the finances. Your suggestions of having offices open during the daytime, to transact the business, would hardly he practicable, as nearly all the members of these societies are workingmen, who could not afford to lose the time to go and pay their contributions, whereas they lose nothing that way in the evening. To the majority of Lodges, here at least, offices would be an unnecessary expense, as nearly all have a hall for meetings, &c., and which is mostly self-supporting, being let for different purposes, in some instances even bringing in a good income into the Lodge funds. Hoping with your usual courtesy you will insert this in your valuable paper, and that it may correct any false notions which may get abroad respecting the points touched on. I am, sir, As Oddfellow. Christchurch, June 12, 1876.