the "value" shall be obtained from each member, or "what shall be the payments," as we know it is next to impossible for the members to lay down the value in one sum. We must fix an initiation fee and a contribution that shall be equal in "present value" to the value of the benefits; and obtaining these payments from the members, we say they are paying the "exact equivalent," a "sufficient amount," and that the society is "properly based." Now, we may again illustrate from ages 20 and 30to make the matter plain-the effect of the two Tables V. and VI. At age 20, Table V. shows the present value of the initiation fee and contribution, there stated, to be £19 11s. Sd, and Table VI., the present value of the benefits, as £24 7s. 7d., so that there appears a loss or deficiency of £4 15s. 11d. At age 30 the payments are valued at £23 0s. 11d., and the benefits at £29 16s. 6d., here showing a loss or deficiency of £6 15s. 7d., and different amounts at other ages. It must not, however, be supposed that there will be those amounts of positive loss to the society, because various circumstances interfere with such an expectation. For instance, it is well known that many members join, who, after contributing some time, leave the Unity, thus relieving the society of all liability, and leaving behind them the money paid as profit. Again, all the members are not married men, and yet are generally required to pay the full subscription though they may never bring upon the common fund a wife's liability. Others, who are married, have wives younger than themselves, and, as it is therefore probable the wives will live longest, the common fund again escapes that liability. And it seldom or ever happens that district or lodge laws secure the benefit of full sick pay during the whole of life, but on the other hand they contain some qualification or condition which makes a considerable reduction in the value. If it should also happen that the sickness actually experienced among the members does not reach the average (Table VII.), a benefit is thus made to the society, at least to that extent, and during the period observed upon. Any member may satisfy himself as to the experience of his lodge in any year by obtaining the number and ages of the members in it, and making for himself a table of the expected amount-multiplying the quantity of average sickness (Table VII) by the number of members at each age (age, 18, members, 3 multiplied by 3 days 19 hours equal 11 days 9 hours), then adding up the whole see whether the total sickness of the lodge, in weeks and days, exceeds or falls short; to cause a loss or profit to the funds. The larger the number of members in a lodge the less, as a general rule, will be the observed difference. The results arrived at by such familiar examples as these may be objected to by some as slightly incorrect because not sufficiently nice. Our object, however, is not to assist those who are already in command of a ship to learn navigation but to attempt to make figures popular with the bulk of our members All should know something about the financial foundation of the Unity and, therefore, the extent to which the value of benefits may be reduced by certain conditions; and also the proper per centage which may be taken off the ful payments for certain benefits in consequence of the influence of eventssuch as secessions-upon a lodge; otherwise a sense of dissatisfaction may prevail with some members. When necessary, alterat ons are proposed to such an extent as to do the Unity greater injury than can the attacks of outside opponents. J. H. VOL. II. D TABLE V. "Initiation Fee" and "Contribution" (fourpence per week) generally paid in the Lodges of the Manchester Unity to the Sick and Funeral Fund, for the following benefits, viz.:-£10 at Death of a Member, £5 at Death of a Member's Wife (if death occurs in Member's lifetime), and 10s. per week in Sickness. According to Law in force According to Law in force According to present Scale under 145th General Law. Age tion fee. tribu- equivalent. tion fee. tribu- equivalent. tion fee. Initia tion. tion. The Initiation Fee is supposed to be paid on admission, and the Contribution annually afterwards, both being improved at 3 per cent. interest. The "Immediate Equivalent," or value of the payments made at each age, is calculated upon the Tables XII. and LXXXIV. in C. S. Radcliffe's Book of "Observations." P. 159, Appendix, Table V.) (P. 157, Radcliffe.) (Radcliffe, p. 30.) (Radcliffe, p. 28.) 59 3 6 8 4 60 4 2 18 5 58 14 5 20 59 13 10 60 14 423 13.853 13 3 2 D 2 MANAGEMENT. '' AUDI ALTERAM PARTEM." To the Editor of the Odd-Fellows' Magazine. Sir,-On reading Mr. Charles Hardwick's article upon Management, &c., in your October number, I think, in his endeavours to expose the disadvantages of the Office Clubs, he has rather overstepped the strict bounds of fellowship, by advising the working man not to accept the independent and disinterested advice and assistance in the practical management of their financial concerns. The absence of this aid has indeed been too frequently the cause of ruin to so many clubs, leading them the prey of interested members. All societies, from the humble club to the House of Peers, require for their own true stability a mixture of interests and sympathies; and is it not the daily effort of the intelligent public to infuse more popular elements into their House of Commons, and for a very wise purpose, to destroy the very object which Mr. Hardwick is anxious to promote in his house of parliament — namely, classism and se'fish ideas? I think that all Benefit Societies should seek and cultivate a lively cordiality with all classes, and promote those principles of friendship, love, and truth, which have been with honest pride the boast of your Order particularly. The universality of Odd Fellowship is only rivalled by the Freemasons; and it is to be regretted that so little advantage has been taken of it by the Brethren to make them more public; out of the lodge room they become dormant and listless. With Masonry, on the contrary, it is ever active in all places and with al men, no matter what their position, so long as they are honest. In my daily life I always endeavour to promote the welfare of Benefit Societies, and it is frequently done in the face of many annoyances and unjust reflections. Yours, in good fellowship, A TRUSTEE. Southwood, November, 1858. The above letter was sent by the Editor to Mr. Hardwick, from whom the following reply has been received: To the Editor of the Odd-Fellows' Magazine. Manchester, November 25th, 1858. Sir, I have perused the note of "A Trustee." He altogether misunderstands me if he conceives that I "advise the working man not to accept the independent and disinterested advice and assistance in the practical management of their financial concerns," of (I suppose he means, for he does not state) the upper classes. I think I may, without egotism, assert that I have done as much as any other Odd-Fellow to procure the countenance and approval of the middle and upper classes to our institution and similar Societies; and I am happy to say I have by no means been unsuccessful in my efforts. What I desire is-that the financial members should retain their authority over that which is their own, and not hand themse ves over to the mercies, (tender or otherwise) of any class or party. In my estimation, one of the most valuable results of Odd Fellowship is the practical education which its self government gives, and this I would preserve at any cost. It is easy to talk about "independent and disinterested advice and assistance," but to distingu sh it from its counterfeit is not always the easiest of ta-ks. All profess disinterestedness who give advice, but ulterior results do not always endorse the profession The administration of public trusts in England presents no very encouraging picture; but, if the reverse were the case, the self-government of these societies is in itself too valuable to be ex changed even for the most perfect and honourable foreign administration. I find this to be the opinion of many of our best friends amongst the middle and upper classes; men who wish to develop the true manhood of the people, and not to simply train them to political or social docility. The laws and principles of Odd-Fellowship ignore no man's right to advise and assist; but they very wisely confine its honours and authority to those who have earned it by actual labour amongst themselves. If any gentleman feels disposed to give "independent practical advice and assistance," the road is perfectly open; nay, he is actually invited to enter. Let him do as I and scores of others have done become a subscribing member, and doubtless his superior talent and command of leisure will speedily be appreciated. Odd Fellowship is essentially a self-dependent provident institution, and self dependence cannot hang pendant from external patronage, however distinguished. I am, yours respectfully, CHARLES HARDWICK, P.G.M. P.S.-I know several clergymen and professional gentlemen who have done, or are now doing, the routine of lodge duty. I think, Mr Editor, you informed me a short time ago that you had harnessed yourself to the car of practical Odd Fellowship, and had become secretary to your lodge. This is the true course. EXTENSION OF BENEFITS. Brother John Bannister, of the Loyal Patience Lodge, Chorley-in a letter for which we regret we can find no room-suggests that, instead of members of our Order joining other Friendly Societies, they might be allowed to pay double subscriptions and obtain double benefits. This is a question that might be properly submitted to the delegates at the next A.M.C.-ED. BROTHER J. T. SMITH, MAYOR OF MELBOURNE. On the occasion of the visit of this gentleman to England, the G.M. and Board of Directors, having heard that he took great interest in the working of the Order in Victoria, Australia, determined to invite him to a dinner at head quarters. The invitation was forwarded accordingly, and the following correspondence ensued: London, Morley's Hotel, Dear Sir and Brother, November 9th, 1858. I have to acknowledge your very kind note inviting me to visit Manchester and dine with the Board of Directors. I regret much, as I leave London on Thursday next on my return to Melbourne, that I am precluded from enjoying your hospitality. Be kind enough to convey to the Board the assurance of my sincere gratification at the proffered hospitality. Believe me very fraternally yours, J. T. SMITH, M.L.A., To Henry Ratcliffe, Esq. Mayor of Melbourne. On receiving the above, Messrs. Aitken, Daynes, and Hardwick were appointed to prepare an address of congratulation on Brother Smith's visit to this country. The following address, engrossed, was afterwards laid before the Board, and having been signed by the officers of the Order, was forwarded to London : "To J. T. Smith, Esq., M.L.A., and Mayor of Melbourne. "Honoured Sir, and Brother, "We, the officers of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd-Fellows and Board of Directors, beg to congratulate you on your visit to the mother country. |