§ Colonel RAWSONasked whether it is possible, in view of Section 23 (1) of the National Insurance Act, for societies, being branches of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows now grouped in districts, to become approved societies individually and apart from the order; and whether the present rules of the order prevent branches from seceding from the order or impose a penalty on such branches?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; as regards the second part, I understand that the conditions under which a branch may secede under the existing rules of the society referred to include the payment of certain sums therein specified.