7

H.—l

Sick and Funeral Funds. The contributions and entrance fees paid to Sick and Funeral Funds in 1917 amounted to £117,999. Divided by the mean number of members the average was £1 13s. 10d., as compared with £1 10s. id. in 1916. The interest and rent received by the lodges and central bodies amounted to £86,147 in 1917, equal to £1 4s. 9d. per member, as against £1 2s. lid. for 1916. The amount of sickness benefit paid was £76,633 in 1917, equal to £7 14s. per member sick, and £1 2s. per member, as against £6 18s. 3d. and £1 Is. Id. respectively for 1916. Viewing the amount paid in relation to the weeks of sickness, the average benefit per week is found to be 12s. lid. in 191.7, as compared with 13s. in 1916. The funeral benefit paid amounted to £47,907 in 1917, equal to 13s. 9d. per member, as compared with 7s. 6d. for 1916. The total worth of the Sick and Funeral Funds of 730 lodges at the beginning of 1917 was £1,742,212, and at the end of the year £1,829,531. The balance of gain for the year was £87,319, or £1 ss. Id. per member in 1917, as compared with £85,614 or £1 3s. lid. in 1916. Investment of Funds. The net income from investments credited to the Sick and Funeral Funds for 1917 amounted to £86,147, the average rate being £4 18s. 10d. per cent., as against £5 in 1916. Table showing the Total Worth or Sick and Funeral, Funds of 730 Lodges as on Ist January, 1917, and 31st December, 1917, inclusive of Accumulations held uy Central Bodies, also Amount and Average Rate of Interest earned.

Trade-unions. One trade-union was registered during the year—viz., The Federated Agricultural and Pastoral Workers' Union of New Zealand, Wellington. The following registrations were cancelled : By request —The Patea Watersiders' and General Labourers' Union ; The Otago Artificers' Trade Union. There were 30 unions on the register at the end of the year. The following change of name was registered : " New Zealand Locomotive Engine-drivers', Firemen, and Cleaners' Association " to " New Zealand Locomotive Engineers', Firemen, and Cleaners' Association." Incorporated Societies Act. During 1917 there were 56 societies, clubs, or associations incorporated under this Act, and amendments of rules of 40 societies were accepted. Twelve societies were dissolved. On the 31st December, 1917, there were 1,095 incorporated bodies on the register. A classification of these societies gives : 434 sports clubs ; 299 automobile, social, and musical clubs ; 187 professional, commercial, industrial, &c. ; 84 public hall societies ; and 91 miscellaneous. EXPLANATORY NOTE OP TERMS USED IN REPORT. A.0.F... .. .. .. .. Ancient Order of Foresters. A.0.5... .. .. .. .. Ancient Order of Shepherds. 8.U.0.0.F .. .. .. .. British United Order of Odd Fellows. H.A.G.B.S. .. .. .. .. Hibernian Australasian Gatholio Benefit Society. I.F.S. .. .. . . .. .. Isolated friendly society. 1.0. G.T. .. .. .. .. Independent Order of Good Templars. 1.0.0. F. .. .. .. .. Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 1.0. R. .. .. .. .. . Independent Order of Reohabites. M.U.1.0.0.F. .. •• .. .. Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows. N.1.0.0.F. .. .. .. .. National Independent Order of Odd Fellows. P.A.F.B.A. .. .. .. .. Protestant Alliance Friendly Society of Australasia. B.A.S. .. .. .. .. .. Specially authorized society. S.D.T. .. .. .. .. .. Sons and Daughters of Temperance. U.A.O.D. .. .. .. .. United Ancient Order of Druids. W.M.C. .. .. .. .. Working-men's Club.

Total Worth of Sick and Fund as on Name of Society. Amount of Interest. Average Rate per Cent. January 1,1917. December 81,1917 M.U.I.0.0.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. .. .. V.. I.O.R. .. .. ).. S.D.T. H.A.C.B.S. .. P.A.F.S.A. .. Other sooieties £ 735,791 .111,938 5,228 3,489 421,719 1,200 268,332 84,107 22,349 35,361 24,553 28,145 £ 764,673 118,700 5,303 3,719 434,453 1,241 298,771 88,756 22,705 36,930 25,660 28,620 £ 36,148 5,286 267 193 20,465 62 14,080 4,621 1,166 1,584 1,299 976 £ 4-94 4-69 5-20 5-50 4-90 5-21 509 5-49 5-31 4-48 5-31 3-50 Totals 1,742,212 1,829,531 86,147 4-94