On Strato- Chaff. 
119 
existence as an indoors' pauper. All the human influences 
which promote his happiness will thus be strengthened and 
preserved. Strength will be gained in that part of our social 
system which is at present weak, and the cause of weakness in 
the community. The effort to attain an honest independence by 
self-help, in union with one's neighbours and friends, has no evil 
in it. It promotes the welfare of the individual, and the public 
good. 
Note. — The following statement was submitted to Mr. Bruce, the Home 
Secretary, and Mr. Gosciien, the President of the Poor Law Board, who recently 
received a deputation urging inquiry into the state of friendly societies, certified 
and uncertified : — 
" 1. That the state of burial societies, according to theEeport of the Kegistrar- 
General of Friendly Societies, requires attention with a view to their reform. 
" 2. That notwithstanding the certificate of the Registrar that their rules are in 
conformity with the law, there is reason to believe that a large proportion of the 
certified friendly societies are in an unsound state. 
" 3. That uncertified benefit societies exist in considerable numbers, which, in 
addition to the insecurity of their funds, are framed in such a manner as to secure 
to themselves a release from the burden of aged and infirm members, whose main- 
tenance is forthwith suffered to fall upon the provision of the poor-rate. 
" 4. That the effect upon the development of friendly societies of the 
administration of poor- relief needs inquiry in the various Unions throughout the 
country. 
" 5. That provision for sickness, old age, and burial might be secured by 
industrious and prudent artisans and labourers, at a cost not exceeding that com- 
monly paid by them into unsafe and uncertified benefit societies, pi'ovided that 
trustworthy insurances, suited to their requirements, were placed within their 
reach. 
" 6. That in order to secure the due care and administration of friendly societies, 
a revision of the powers of the Registrar is desirable. 
" 7. That, judging from discussions in both Houses of Parliament, and opinions 
expressed elsewhere, the advantage of instituting inquiries into friendly societies 
is now commonly admitted. 
" 8. That .... such investigation would be best conducted by means of a 
commission for the purpose of inquiry — 
" (1) Into the s'ate of burial and other societies. 
" (2) The bearing of the Poor Law upon them. 
" (3) The means of providing insurances suited to the wage-paid classes. 
" (4) And providing for their due supervision." 
The foregoing paper bears the signatures of peers, members of Parliament, and 
others, who have devoted attention to the question in its various bearings. The 
Manchester Unity and the Foresters also supported the deputation. 
Since these pages were in type, the death of Mr. Tidd Pratt has caused a 
vacancy in the Registrarship. An opportunity is thus afforded for introducing 
changes which may secure improvements in the office. 
III. — On Siraio-Chaff. By Samuel Jonas. 
To H. M. Jenkins, Esq., 
Dear Sir, 
The following note is written in compliance with your 
request from the Journal Committee that I would furnish them 
with my opinion of the value of straw-chaff for feeding purposes, 
and the best manner of preserving the same. 
