WITNEY.

County Court.

An unregistered Friendly Society.

Thomas Pratley v. James Cross.- This was a claim for £1 15s., the defendant being sued for that amount as Secretary to the Minster Friendly Society, the money, defendant alleged, being due to him at the last distribution of funds.- Plaintiff stated that he joined the Society 11 years ago. There was a distribution of funds every seven years. The last distribution took place on the 9th of May, when the sum due to him was £1 15s. He gave notice to the secretary and treasurer that he should leave the club when the distribution took place. They then told him that he must pay his subscription for the May quarter, 3s. 6d., before he could have the money that was due to him. This he declined to do, as he had paid in for seven years, and was entitled to his money.- The defendant, in answer to his Honour, stated that the Society was not a registered friendly society.- His Honour said he was afraid that he could not look at the rules of an unregistered friendly society, but if both parties were agreed that he should settle the case he would do so.- Defendant said that the rules stated that all such disputes should be settled by the committee.- Plaintiff said the committee met together and considered the matter without calling him into defend his case.- Plaintiff and defendant agreed to leave the case for his Honour to decide.- The Judge, without any further evidence, gave a verdict for plaintiff for £1 11s. 6d.

DEATHS.

Pratley.- January 13, at Minster Lovell, Thomas Pratley, aged 66 years.