The Globe. SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 970, 4 August 1877, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 1877.

Tin*: Government liave lost no time in introducing the Friendly Societies Bill. They have shown a laudable desire to further the well-being of that large and rapidly increasing class with whose interests it deals. Last year a Bill was introduced and circulated among the various societies throughout the colony, in order that amendments might be suggested. The result was that a good deal of attention was bestowed upon the subject, and very many valuable suggestions made and forwarded to the Government. The Bill, however, from various causes, never passed the House, and finally had to be dropped towards the 03id of the session. On the whole, perhaps, it was just as well that such was the result, as the new Bill appears to bo an improvement upon that of last session in several important particulars. While every care appears to be taken to guard against risk, the amendments in the now Bill are in the direction of greater liberty. For example, with regard to valuers, it provides that they are to be appointed by the society and approved by the Governor, and the annual audit may be conducted by one of the public auditors, or by two or more persons as the rules of the society may provide. In the Bill of last session the employment of public auditors, and valuers appointed by the Government, was enforced. There are also many matters of detail, in which the convenience of the societies has been considered. For example, liberty is now given for the re-investment of funds in such bank or banks in the colony as the Governor from time to time may appoint. In the portion of the Bill dealing with insurance of tools against fire, that can be effected up to £3O, whereas, in that of last year the amount was fixed at £ls. Again as regards annuities, the limit of last year was £SO, but that has been raised to £IOO, and assurances can be effected up to £ ±OO, the limit in last year's bill being £2OO. The clauses dealing with the keeping of the money belonging to each fund separate are additions. But it is not our purpose to analyse the Bill and compare it clause by clause with that of last year. Our object is rather to call attention to the evident desire on the part of the Government to deal in a comprehensive manner with this important question. The various Friendly Societies are rapidly growing in numbers and influence in these colonies. If managed with care they will be productive of a vast amount of good. But the interests at stake are too vast to admit of any serious danger, and therefore the Government have shown a creditable desire to further the well-being of the community in taking the trouble they have done over the measure. In the establishment of the Life Assurance Department and the Post Office Savings Bank, the Government of this country have given every encouragement to habits of economy. Friendly Societies aim at the same results, they supply the means of securing aid in case of sickness, bodily or mental, in old age, or in widowhood, &c., and it is therefore of the highest importance that these bodies should be in a perfectly solvent condition. It has been the object of the Government, in the Bill now before Parliament, to provide the machinery for gaining this end, and we hope that nothing will happen during the present session to prevent it from becoming law.

All sorts of reports are abroad regarding the formation of an Opposition. Judging from last night's proceedings, Sir George Grey still takes upon himself the office of leader, and Government were not slow to accept him as such. Their great safety rests in his presence in the House. With another leader it might he different. Were Sir W. Jntzherbert, for example, to resign the Speakership, and place himself at the head of the Opposition the safety of Ministers would certainly he endangered. But that gentleman is not likely to act with precipitate haste. Itis well known that all through the recess negotiations hare been carried on with the ohject of inducing him to place himself at the head of the discontented, but hitherto with no result. The Wellington correspondent of the " Lyttelton Times " this morning states that a common platform has at last heen agreed on. to the effect—" First, that the waste lands of the colony should be developed by the State, and then sold ; not sold in blocks to be afterwards developed by Stats funds. Second. that the Customs' taxation on (lie necessaries of ordinary consumption should be relieved. Third, that pro.

perty should be improved not by expenditure out of borrowed money, hut by local taxation. Fourth, that hospitals should be supported by contributions from the 'State, aiiled by local endowments. Fifth, that separation be abandoned." The Hon. AV. Grisborne, Sir G. Grey, 'Messrs Sheehan, Montgomery, Bunny, Macanclrew, Stout, Travers, and others, are mentioned as belonging to the new party, and that Mr W". Fitzherbert is to be requested to take the lead. A\ r e would have more faith in the report if the " platform " contained any proposals for dealing- with the present financial condition of the colony, and other most pressing questions, which, however, arc not even mentioned.