FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8094, 26 April 1906, Page 2

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' CONFERENCE.

MATTEfiS FOB CONSIDERATION fee pbkss Association. Wellington, April 25. The first conference of the Friendly Societies in the Colony is to be held on May 21st. The chief objects are (1) division of the Colony into districts for tho olectiou of friendly sooieties' councils, (2; periodical holding of a conference of delegates to discuss matters dealing with legislation and other proposals conductive to the interests of friendly societies generally, (3) election of a colonial executive to act as a vigilance committee. Several of the remits from societies or branches are in the direction of amending the Friendly Societies' Aot. The chief of these are i Setting up an authority to say what should be the amount of contributions payable to ensure any stated benefits payable to members, of such societies j that quinquennial valuations be mac(e in the Begistrar's office compulsoriaiy; that in calculating the assots of friendly societies for valuation purposes tho question of valuation of societies' interests in any proporty should be based on an amount fixed by tho Government valuer, not on book value fixed by the The appointmont of a public auditor is also urged. The Otago council desires that the Registrar should be restrained from interfering with the management funds of lodges and that secretaries should be allowed to receive contributions outside tho lodge rooms and other than on " lodge " nights. The New Zealand Central district has this, " That the moneys of the sick and funeral fund of registered friendly societies be exempt from municipal taxes." The Nelson district will urge the consideration of tho relationship existing between friendly , societies and the medical profession.

A CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER PEB PBESS ASSOCIATION. Di'nedin, April 25. At the Police Court to-day, Bobert 1 ortcous Brown was charged with manslaughter m connection with the death of Elizabeth McConochie, 80 years of age, who was presumably knocked down by a horse and cart accused was driving. No one actually saw tho horse or cart strike the woman, and, according to accused's employer, deoeased told him that when she saw the cart approaching she got frightened and fell. She did not think she was knocked down. Acoused was committed for trial and admitted to bail, which was fixed at self £IOO, and two sureties of £SO eaeli.