H.—l

6

Sickness. The number of members sick during 1916 was 10,947, equal to 15-38 per 100 members at risk. The sickness experienced during 1916 was 1.1.6,468 weeks, equal to 10 week's 4 days per sick member, and 1 week 4 days for each member at risk. Mortality. The following statement of average mortality experienced during the years 1912-16 is given herewith, but it takes no account of age incidence: —

The striking rise in the average death rates is an indication of the effects of the war on societies. Sich and Funeral Funds. The contributions and entrance fees paid to Sick and Funeral Funds in 1916 amounted to £108,661. Divided by the mean number of members the average was £1 10s. 4d., as compared with £1 10s. 7d. in 1.915. The interest and rent received by the lodges and central bodies amounted to £82,1f lin 1916, equal to £1 2s. lid. per member, as against £1 Is. 6d. for .191.5. The amount of sickness benefit paid was £75,677 in 1916, equal to £6 18s. ,3d. per member sick, and. £1 Is. Id. per member, as against £6 9s. Id. and £1 os. 9d. respectively for 1915. Viewing the amount paid in relation to the weeks of sickness, the average benefit per week is found to be 13s. in 1916, as compared with 13s. 6d. in 1915. The funeral benefit paid amounted to £26,855 in 1916, equal to 7s. 6d. per member, as compared with ss. 4d. for 1915. The total worth of the Sick and Funeral Funds of 727 lodges at the beginning of 191.6 was £1,641,969, and at the end of the year £1,727,583. The balance of gain for the year was £85,61.4, or £1 3s. lid. per member in 1916, as compared with £94,542 or £1 ss. Bd. in 1915. Investment of Funds. The net income from investments credited to the Sick and Funeral Funds for 1916 amounted to £82,141, the average rate being £5 per cent, as against £5 2s. in 1915. Table showing the Total Worth of the Sick and Funeral Funds of 727 Lodges as on the Ist January 1916, and the 31st december, 19.16, inclusive oi'- the accumulations held by the central bodies, also the Amount and Average Kate of Interest earned.

Trade-unions. One trade-union was registered during the year-—viz., The New Zealand Workers' Union, Wellington. The following registrations were cancelled : By request —The New Plymouth Waterside Workers' Union ; The Oamaru Waterside Workers' Union. •There were 31 unions on the register at the end of the year.

Mei ibers. Wi res. Year. Number who died. Number per 1,000 Members at Risk. Number who died. Number per 1,000 Members at Risk. 1912 1918 1914 1915 1916 471 523 506 767 077 0-80 7-38 7-02 10-03 13-08 24.1 158 238 240 232 3'48 2-23 3'30 3-33 3-26

Total Worth of Sick and Funeral Fund as on Name of Society. Average Rate per Cent. of Interest. January 1,1916. Deoembor 31,19: December 81,1916. M.U.I.O.O.F. I.O.O.F. .. N.I.O.O.F. .. B.U.O.O.F... A.O.F. A.O.S. U.A.O.D. .. I.O.R. S.D.T. H.A.C.B.S. .. P.A.F.S.A. .. Other societies £ £ 703,385 735,791 104,541 111,938 5,181 5,228 3,327 3,489 390,309 407,090 1,191 1,200 247,323 268,332 79,558 84,107 21,388 22,349 33,028 35,361 22,995 24,553 29,143 28,145 £ 735,791 111,938 5,228 3,489 407,090 1,200 268,332 84,107 22,349 35,361 24,553 28,145 £ 35,577 5,011 183 157 19,130 00 12,962 4,050 1,111 1,240 1,294 1,360 £ 5-07 4-74 3-58 4-72 4-92 5-68 5-10 5-07 5-21 3-66 5-60 4-86 Totals .. 1,041,969 1,727,583 82,141 5-00