H. —26.

Progress of the Fund. —The following table, illustrates the position of matters in relation to the fund since its inception : —

Jas. B. Donald, Chairman.

2—H. 26.

3

Year ended 31st December, Year ended , 31st March, 1908. 1912. 1916. 1921. j 1931. Total number of contributors .. .. 7,235 10,027 13,313 15,782 18,197 Total amount contributed annually .. £79,831 £109,840 £141,844 £248,020 £270,316 Interest received .. .. .. £1,295 £16,257 £42,314 £85,312 £162,888 Number of pensions and allowances payable 122 §83 1,233 1,949 2,953 Annual value of retiring and other allow- £8,881 £53,385 £88,392 £163,355 £383,923 ances payable Total amount of contributions refunded .. £484 £10,749 £23,391 £51,705 £40,754 Expenses of administration .. .. £890 £1,144 £2,318 £4,615 £8,418 Total amount of accumulated fund .. £71,481 £423,556 £896,568 £1,716,837 £2,917,154