13

H.—l9

In most cases the lowest payment in the graduated scale is equal to the old uniform payment. In these cases, therefore, the improvement is very considerable. In Schedule VI. to this report are shown, so far as could be ascertained from a perusal of the rules, which are in some cases not very clear, the most recent scales of contributions and benefits adopted by the various societies and branches, registered and unregistered, in existence in the colony. Only the most salient features have been given. The initiation fees and other features of secondary, though very material, importance have been omitted for the sake of brevity. VII.—TRADE UNIONS. No application has been made during the twelve months under review for the registration of any trade union, nor have there been any duties performed under the provisions of " The Trade Union Act, 1878," to report upon. Wm. E. E. Brown, Eegistrar of Friendly Societies.