Club Practice in New Zealand.

Abstract

Whangarie, New Zealand, July 7, 1904. To the Editor: —In a recent issue ofThe JournalI noticed remarks on club practice. Permit me, as one who has passed through the experience, to express myself. I am now in a country in which there are many of these friendly societies. They are in some respects a very good thing for the workingman, and can even provide for an old age pension. In Auckland there are about 3,000 lodge members; many of these are married and have children; every child under the age of 18 comes on the physician's list. Take, for example, a man 31 years of age who joins the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows; he pays £3 10s. ($17.50) per year; this covers all fees; 6 shillings ($1.50) goes to the chemist. 14 shillings ($3.50) goes to the doctor. The first fee of £3 10s. ($17.50) also acts