H.—l.

13. The following summary shows the disposition of the various investments at interest together with the respective average rates per cent. :— interest,

14. Averages and percentages deduced from the tabulated returns for the years 1881-1900 are given in Appendix I. J " "* ie 15. Information as to the forms kept in the Registry Office for the convenience of societies and sent free on application, is to be found in Appendix IV. ' 16. Valuations were made of the following societies: M.U.l.O.O.F.—Nelson District; Lyttelton District. A.O.F.—Taranaki District; Nelson District. U.A.O.D.—Grand Lodge of the North Island ; Grand Lodge of Canterbury. 17. Summarised results of the valuations are given in two tables (Appendix V.). Table A shows— 1. Number of members at the date of valuation ; 2. Present value of benefits ; 3. Present value of contributions to benefit funds ; 4. Value of accumulated benefit funds ; 5. Surplus or deficiency ; 6. Average surplus or deficiency per member; 7. Average age of members ; 8. Average annual contribution per member to benefit funds 9. Average value per member of accumulated benefit funds ; 10. Rate of interest per annum credited to benefit funds (average for quinquennium); 11. Surplus or deficiency at previous valuation (average per member). Table B shows— Ratio to liabilities of—(a) Present value of contributions to benefit funds ; (b) value of accumulated benefit funds; (c) total assets ; (d) surplus or deficiency. 18. Societies on application to the Registrar, may have their valuations made free of cost Ine experience of the societies valued in the office during the year represents 25,342-5 years of life at risk. Tins experience has been grouped with that published in tabular form in last year's report, and the combined results are exhibited hereunder. The sickness of these societies for the quinquennium preceding the valuation date was nearly 5 per cent, in excess of the expectation a fact which justifies the use of a table of present values based on New Zealand experience

Sickness and Mortality Experience of Societies valued in the Office (Men Members only).

3

Mode of Investment. Amount. Rate per Cent. J l On deposit with the Post-Office Savings-Bank On deposit with other banks On mortgage of freehold property In Government and municipal debentures Other investments i "Il * * i £ 25,432 23,847 48,437 478,706 15,405 5,927 2-5 3-0 3-1 5-6 5-2 5-8 597,754 597.754 __ i , i.. _ 51

Sickness (Weeks). Number of DeatliB. Age of Members. Number of Years of Life at Risk. First Six Months. Second Six After Twelve Months. Months. Total. Of Members. Of Wives. Under 25 25-30 30-35 35-40 40-45 45-50 50-55 55-60 60-65 65-70 70 and upwards .. 31,861-0 33,524-0 30,829-5 27,272-5 22,292-5 17,078-5 13,265-0 8,580-5 4,567-5 1,916-5 865-0 22,469 21,345 20,433 18,962 18,620 18,023 17,660 18,821 8,623 4,401 2,587 1,987 1,664 1,674 1,655 2,316 2,276 3,099 2,728 2,119 1,386 1,110 2,225 2,604 3,445 3,885 6,279 8,379 11,303 14,070 16,357 12,135 12,297 26,681 25,613 25,552 24,502 27,215 28,678 32,062 30,619 27,099 17,922 15,994 140 147 155 128 130 147 187 155 110 76 61 16 61 85 108 104 81 92 67 39 19 15 All ages 192,052-5 1,436 687 166,944 22,014 92,979 281,93'