42 GERMANY - INSURANCE AND THRIFT 



sequently in the federation, by the fact that ministerial aid is given to so- 

 cieties having to face financial difficulties. : 



The total sum held by the societies was 3,5i7.4i"marks in igis/that is 

 0.95 per cent, of the insured value, and shows progress as compared with 

 1914 when it was 3,145.43 marks and 0.80 per cent, of the insured 'value. 

 Only four societies are in debt to the federation and they are so to no impor- 

 tant extent. All the others have reserve funds : some very small — 6.33 

 marks, other as much as 334.86 marks. 



It should be mentioned that, contrary to its first intention of calling 

 in advances only at the end of the period of insurance, the federation has 

 decided, in order to avoid the conse(]uent loso of interest, to ask the societies 

 for repayment in future as soon as better times have brought them excess 

 profits and made it possible for them to think of a repayment, however gra- 

 dual, of their debts. 



