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Preface.

he rapid development of Friendly Societies in this colony, and the amount of prudence, forethought, and self-denial on the part of our working population which is thereby indicated, is one of the most hopeful features in our colonial social system; and renders a knowledge of the law relating to these societies highly desirable, not only to the members themselves, but also to the general public.

It is with a view to supply this information, in a convenient shape, and at a cost within the reach of all, that this publication has been issued.

The first Act on the Statute Book of the colony, relating: to Friendly Societies, was passed in 1856; and was modelled on an Act passed by the Legislature of New South Wales, in 1853.

This Act was repealed by the Act of 1867; a measure, the object of which was stated by the Hon. Mr. Harris, to be "to embody in one Act the whole of the law on the subject, including all the latest amendments made at Home, so far as applicable to the circumstances of the colony."

In 1875, the Act of 1867 was amended by making further provision for the punishment of fraudulent officers.

On the 30th June, 1876, a Bill was introduced into the Legislative Council, by the Hon. Dr. Pollen, who stated that it was "pretty nearly a transcript of the Imperial Act of 1875, with the necessary adaptations to make it fit with the local institutions." After undergoing considerable alterations in both Houses, it was withdrawn on the 25th Oct. Next Session, an Amendment Bill was introduced; and after passing through all its stages, became law on the 9th Oct., 1877.

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Some defects having been found in the working of the Act, and doubts having been expressed regarding the interpretation of some of the clauses, an Amendment Act was introduced during the Session of 1878; and mainly through the exertions of the Hon. R. Stout, Attorney-General (a gentleman whose active sympathy with, and practical knowledge of Friendly Societies, deserves to be widely known,) became law on the 29th of Oct. These two Acts form the entire Statute Law of New Zealand, on the subject of Friendly Societies.

In accordance with the 39th section of the Act, 77 Regulations and 53 Forms for Procedure have been made and approved by the Governor.

Herewith we append a list of the principal forms, all of which can, we believe, be had on application to the Registrar. We have also compiled an Index, which we hope will enable any one to ascertain, readily, the terms of the law regarding any matter on which information is desired.