APPENDIX II
The following graphic description of the Sharing Out Clubs is from the pen of the Rev. J. Y. Stratton:
"If such is the evil case of societies which are recognised and protected by the law, what shall be said of the 'Brummagem' or 'Sharing Out Clubs,' which are supposed greatly to outnumber the certified societies, and which, from the terms of their constitution, cannot have their rules certified to be in conformity with the law?
"In almost every parish one or more of these clubs (Sharing Out Clubs) will be found, the management of which is usually in the hands of the landlord of the public-house or beer-shop. The Sharing Out Club is formed on the principle that a halfpenny a week from each member will secure a shilling a week for each sick member for a term, which (independently of all further calculation) is sometimes three, sometimes six months. When this term is expired a similar one commences, during which half the amount only is payable, which is in turn succeeded by a superannuation pay, of which more anon. An extra levy is made in case of the death of a member, or member's wife, or child. All the members pay alike, and each one on joining the club makes a verbal declaration that he is in sound health and of good constitution, or states truly and plainly whether he is more than ordinarily liable to sickness or disease. If his statement is false, he runs his own risk, and on the discovery—which continuance in the club would not fail to make—he is expelled, and forfeits all his contributions. The clever but unscrupulous device of the annual dissolution of the club deserves notice. This Phœnix of the taproom—the Benefit Society, so called—dies once a year, usually on the first Monday in May, and forthwith arises from its tobacco ashes with new plumage, destined for a speedy plucking. By means of its annual rejuvenescence, it contrives to free itself of old or burdensome members, who are left to the care of the poor-rate. The poor-rate is, in truth, the virtual superannuation pay of these clubs; and hence the device of the annual dissolution. When a member becomes so infirm as to render him a greater
