10 
INTRODUCTION. 
incorporated under 37 & 38 Yict. c. 42 («). 
They have been long since repealed with regard 
to Friendly Societies. In 1840 it became neces 
sary to restrict the privileges of exemption from 
stamp duty and of investment with the National 
Debt Commissioners to such societies only as did 
not grant assurances exceeding £.200 (3 & 4 Yict. 
c. 73). 
15. In 1846 considerable alterations were made 
in the law relating to Friendly Societies. The 
barrister certifying the rules was constituted the 
“ Registrar of Friendly Societies.” The rules, 
which had theretofore been filed with the clerk of 
the peace in each county, were to be collected 
together and taken charge of by the Registrar. 
He was authorized to transfer the property of a 
society from an incapable or absent trustee; to 
settle disputes; to require the production of 
documents, and to administer oaths. An actuarial 
certificate was to be obtained before any society 
could be registered “ for the purpose of securing 
any benefit dependent on the laws of sickness 
and mortality.” No insurance was to be effected 
on the life of a child under six years of age. The 
objects for which a Friendly Society might be 
formed were afresh defined and largely extended 
so as to include the frugal investment of savings 
(under which class what are now denominated 
co-operative societies were established) and in- 
(a) As to the Law of Building Societies under this 
statute, and of Benefit Building Societies under that of 
1836, see Scratchley and Brabrook on the Law of Building 
Societies. (Shaw & Sons, 1875.)