FRIENDLY SOCIETIES IN AMERICA.

Patea Mail, 23 January 1882, Page 3

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES IN AMERICA.

“ Jacob Terry ” (Mr R. J. Creighton), referring to a parade in San Francisco, in connection with the obsequies of President Garfield, says: But this parade was remarkable in another respect. It was largely composed of the members of benefit and mutual insurance societies. Oddfellows, Chosen Friends,' Knights of Honor, American Legion of Honor, Knights of ■Pythias, United Workmen, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Foresters, and half a score more; and the reflection that fully 10,000 men marching past to the strains of funeral music had made provision individually for those dependent on them in the case of death, might well give, rise to serious thought. This feature of 'American social life is Remarkable. . The regular insurance companies do not like the popular and inexpensive system of mutual insurance Which the American people have perfected by systematic organisation. It costs nothing to collect the dues and assessments —there are no commissions to be paid, or costly offices to be maintained. The money is levied and applied direct towards payment of claims as they arise.

The following appeared in a portion of the last issue. Tun Property Sale this afternoon drew a large attendance at Mr Cowern’s warehouse. The foreshore strips of land to be leased from the Harbor Board fetched remarkably high prices, averaging nearly £2 an acre. The five acre section comprising White’s brickyard near Patea bridge, fetched £ls an acre rental. Among the private properties offered only one leasehold section sold, next to McCarty & Hunger’s workshop, Egraont-st., at 10s a foot rental.