260
FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.
work, — straw-bonnet sewing and cleaning forming one branch of their employment. Their earnings for the last year were 107/. 0s. 7 1\2d. currency, out of which, 51. 13s. 10 1\2d. had to be deducted for materials to carry on their different works. The matron receives a salary of 60l. currency per annum, and the children are clothed and boarded, and have medical attendance found them ; and when death sends forth its summons, and any of the inmates fall a prey to its inevitable shafts, their last resting-place is provided, and the funeral expenses paid. The next institutions worthy of mention are the town and country " Friendly Societies." They are formed upon a similar plan to some of the " poor men's clubs" in England, and prove of great assistance to the members in times of sickness and trial. The St. John's Friendly Society was established in 1829, under the auspices of that zealous minister, the Rev. R. Holberton, and was intended to promote good feelings among the lower classes, to assist them in procuring articles of mourning, aid them in times of deep distress, help those incapable of helping themselves, and encourage sobriety and industry among them. After the abolition of slavery, in 1834, many of the negroes removing from the estates to which they formerly belonged, and other estates not finding medical advice for' their labourers, as in times of slavery, it was found necessary to enlarge the rules of the society ; and by increasing the amount subscribed by every member, provide them with a doctor when ill, a certain sum per week during indisposition, and upon demise twelve dollars for the funeral expenses. The first country Friendly Society was established in 1832 ; but since that period they have rapidly increased. "In 1834," remarks Mr. Holberton, "there were eleven societies, with 1602 members; in 1835, 4197 members ; in 1836, 4560 members." The Moravians and Wesleyans have each their Friendly Societies, formed and conducted upon a similar plan. On the first of January, 1842, I visited St. John's church,