RALAHINE AND ITS TEACHINGS 459 



clothing, &c., rules for education and conduct, methods of 

 government, accounts, &c. A few of the more important 

 of these may be given. Any member wishing to leave 

 the society could do so at a week's notice. The landlord 

 had power, during the first year, to discharge any member 

 for misconduct. If more labour-power were required new 

 members could be introduced on being proposed and 

 seconded. They first came for a week on trial (after- 

 wards changed to a month), and were then balloted for 

 and chosen by a majority of votes. The landlord chose 

 the secretary, treasurer, and store-keeper. All were 

 to work, and to assist in agriculture when specially 

 wanted. All youths, male and female, were to learn some 

 useful trade, as well as farming and gardening. All work 

 usually done by domestic servants was to be performed by 

 the boys and girls under seventeen years of age. Meals 

 could be taken in the public rooms or not as desired, but 

 those cooking in their own houses must pay for fuel. No 

 spirituous liquor of any kind was to be kept at the stores 

 or be brought to the premises. Holidays were to be 

 arranged so that each of the members could pay occasional 

 visits to their friends. 



The whole business of the society was managed by a 

 committee of nine members, chosen half-yearly by ballot 

 by all adult members male and female. This committee 

 met every evening to decide upon the work of the 

 following day and any other matters of importance ; and 

 here Mr. Craig introduced an ingenious arrangement to 

 prevent friction between the committee and the rest of 

 the members, which was strictly carried out and was 

 found to work admirably. In all such societies every 

 person must know what work he or she has to do the next 

 day. Now, if the members of the committee who have 

 decided this have to tell each one individually, all kinds 

 of difficulties are sure to arise. Many persons cannot give 

 instructions simply and clearly, but are so verbose and 

 explanatory that their meaning may be easily mistaken, 

 from which endless disputes would result. Others speak 

 too abruptly, and when asked to explain refuse or make 

 disparaging remarks, hence more quarrels. In fact the 



