INTRODUCTION. 
3 
quarter sessions, who were to review and examine 
them, to annul and make void all such as were 
repugnant to the Act, and to allow and confirm 
the rest. The rules so confirmed were to be 
signed by the clerk of the peace, and a duplicate 
on parchment filed by him with the rolls of the 
sessions (6). 
3. The encouragement and relief which this 
Act provided for those societies who complied 
with its requirements were :— 
1st. Exemption from fees upon enrolment and 
upon bonds given to the clerk of the peace. 
2nd. Exemption from stamp duty on bonds. 
3rd. Power to recover funds from defaulting 
officers by summary proceedings in Chan 
cery without fee, either to the officers of 
the court or to counsel, and without stamp 
duty. 
4th. Priority of claim for moneys of the society 
on the assets of any deceased or bankrupt 
officer. 
5th. Power to take proceedings in the names 
of officers for the time being, and continue 
them without abatement by the death or 
removal of the officer. 
6th. Power to determine disputes, either by 
arbitration or before justices without 
appeal to any court of record. 
7th. Exemption of members from removal 
(b) Though this is the first Act providing for the legal 
recognition of Friendly Societies, the rules of trade guilds 
had been certified by the Commissary of the Bishop of 
London as early as 1354. 
B 2