Friendly Societies, State Action, and the Poor-laio. 165 
men, &c., sufficient to carry on the management of the society in 
one or more towns of the county, is also provided. The duties of 
these officers and directors have an attraction for many who, like 
the late Mr. S. Estcourt, " warm up to their work." In addition 
to the management staff, " agents " of districts are appointed, 
who are paid by commission on their receipts, say 5 per cent, 
on all contributions and the first monthly contribution. The 
agent receives and accounts for each member's payments in his 
district, and on proof of illness or death, discharges all claims. 
He also pays the superannuation allowances. The election of 
members is the business of the directors, and the agent's duty is 
to send, together with the application of the candidate, medical 
or such evidence of health as may be sufficient for their deci- 
sion. The usefulness of these societies would be greatly increased 
if the right sort of men were more commonly willing to under- 
take the duties of agency. It is not that respectable and trust- 
worthy men are indifferent to the poor, but they fear that the 
demands on their time which the society would make, could not 
be easily met. The fact is, however, that after a little practice 
a fairly good agent will make from lOZ. to 201. a year, or more, 
with little or no interruption to the duties of his calling. 
Agencies, as experience proves, can be conveniently managed 
by district postmasters, who, provided they are properly paid 
for the work by commission, will soon make excellent sub- 
officers. They are, as a rule, thoroughly respectable and intel- 
ligent, and conversant with the management of small accounts. 
In the selection of agents it happens often that the plain 
straightforward tradesman who does the business of the society 
w ith fidelity and despatch, is but a poor hand at bringing in 
new members. It may chance that the man who could persuade 
them to join, is not quite the right person to be trusted with 
their money. Security is, however, commonly required. The 
society is fortunate which can secure a staff of agents who com- 
bine the happy knack of attracting industrious men and lads, 
with the business habits essential to the due care of its property. 
If one must choose, the latter qualification is to be preferred, 
though the recruits should in consequence come in but slowly. 
The County Friendly Society is valuable in rendering assistance 
in promoting good legislation. An excellent training in the 
law of Friendly Societies, and much useful collateral work in the 
Poor-law, and practical knowledge of the working classes, may 
also be gained by those who desire to turn their opportunities 
to account for the public good. 
The means for the investment of the capital are as good as 
the law can make them. The securities are offered of the 
Savings-bank, the Funds, Exchequer Bonds and Bills, stocks. 
