Order for Second Reading read.

I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

I take this opportunity of explaining in a few sentences the purpose of this Bill, and, probably as it is an agreed Measure, the House will allow it to go through before other business is taken. The Bill proposes to amend Sections 1, 62 and 65 of the Friendly Societies Act of 1896. The first Amendment of that Act proposed will enable an assistant registrar, who has occupied that office for five years, to become chief registrar, although, under the terms of the old Act, he may not do so unless a barrister of 12 years' service. That change in the Act is proposed in order to get rid of the difficulty with regard to promotion in the Department.

resumed the Chair.