182G.] Remarks on Friendly Societies. 485 



it would prove in improving the moral habits of the people was seen, 

 and fully admitted ; but the bill required that the annuities should be 

 paid for out of the produce of the parochial assessments. This was 

 making a general benefit dependant on divided means, which were not 

 of certain continued operation — the means and the ends were not 

 commensurate ; neither was it consistent with the national dignity to 

 secure a national good by less than the national revenue. The people 

 became better informed on the subject by these repeated discussions, and 

 the publication of the tables of calculation ; and, aware that no legislative 

 permission was requisite, many societies were formed, and these at 

 length attracted more attention. 



In 1793, the Legislature first interfered, and an act was passed, now 

 known by the name of its author, Mr. G. Rose. There are some curious 

 points in this act not unworthy of notice, as they prove the inefficiency 

 of the persons who drew it up, and the want of vigilance in the men who 

 permitted it to pass into a law. This act, after reciting that it was for 

 " the protection and encouragement of friendly societies in this king- 

 dom," continues, " that it shall be lawful for any number of persons in 

 Great Britain to form themselves into, and to establish one, or more, 

 society, &c." 



Was the Legislature called on to declare it lawful for the people to 

 associate themselves for mutual support in the time of sickness and old 

 age? The people associated themselves for innocent and lawful purposes, 

 and therefore required no permission. The restrictions inqiosed on 

 these societies were calculated for the security and benefit of individuals : 

 but the ancient law against fraud and embezzlement, would have 

 afforded equal protection. The leading points in this act are, 1st. No 

 society is deemed lawfully established until their rules have been 

 " exhibited to the justices in quarter sessions," and confirmed by them 

 according to act of Parliament. 2dly. It requires that five-sixths 

 of the members of a society shall consent before the society can be 

 dissolved. The privileges are more numerous ; among those deserving 

 attention are : 1st, The bonds required from treasurers and other 

 officers are free of stamp-duty, and given without fee or reward, to the 

 clerk of the peace ; and in case of forfeiture, it was lawful to sue on this 

 bond. 2dly. In case the treasurer or others neglect their duty, a 

 petition of the society to the Court of Chancery, the Court of Exche- 

 quer in England, the Court of Session in Scotland, and the Court of 

 Great Sessions in Wales, Js imperative on them to proceed in a summary 

 Kay, and to decide as shall seem just, without fee or reward to any officer 

 or minister of the court ; the court is required to assign counsel, and 

 appoint a clerk, who are to do their duty gratuitously : no proceedings 

 are chargeable with stamp-duty. 3dl)', The money of a society in the 

 hands of a treasurer or other person, has a preference over all the debts 

 of such person. 4thly, The officers can sue and be sued. 5thly, 

 A member considering himself aggrieved, is allowed summary redress 

 by tvfo justices. There were other privileges granted by this act, but 

 which are not necessary to be mentioned here. In 1817, a great 

 additional privilege was conferred on them ; ^hey were allowed to 

 deposit their funds in any Saving Bank, thus deriving the high interest 

 secured by the Government debentures, received by the saving banks 

 for all money deposited in the Bank of England, and bearing an interest 

 of three pence per day. 



