The last Report recorded a falling off in 1851 in the contributors to the Coal Club; it has been amply compensated for by the present large increase. The accompanying statement shows the comparative numbers in each year:—

Depositors.

Deposits &premium.

Coals distributed.

1851

367

£181

17

1

145 tons

1852

425

209

2

10

174 tons 5½ cwt.

A similar table indicates a similar satisfactory advance in the Clothing Fund, which has never retrograded since its establishment:—

Families depositing.

Amountdeposited.

Amount spent.

1849

73

£36

19

4

£42

14

7

1850

124

55

17

5

65

8

5

1851

157

66

15

0

72

12

6

1852

190

78

14

1

91

19

9

In the Winter Club, on the other hand, there has been a large diminution in the number of Depositors, consequent on the reduction in the interest which, in former years reached the excessive rate of fifteen per cent. on the sums received; the result was, a disproportionate accession of members, some of whom were not entitled to avail themselves of its benefits. By means of the Visitors these impositions were detected, people depositing in false names and residences exposed, and instances of fraud from one person holding several cards prevented. By lowering the interest about one half, the temptation to deception has been lessened; and so healthy is the present condition of the Club, that no case of artifice occurred at the recent repayment of the principal. Its statistics now are—

Depositors.

Deposited.

Withdrawn.

Paid.

308

£309

6

0

£40

3

6

£289

2

5

Of its 308 depositors, 89 were also depositors to the Coal and Clothing Funds.

The Provident Club, instituted for the reception of small sums, from one penny upwards, is also doing its best to strengthen the same practical thrift. Though open all the year, its chief receipts are taken, as might be rationally concluded, during those months when the other funds are not in operation. In one District, where the Visitor herself collects the weekly savings, the comparatively large sum of £8 has been set aside. As no interest is allowed in this Club, such a fact goes far to confirm the opinion that it is safe keeping, not usury, that the poor desire. Nor could a more pleasing proof of their confidence in their Visitors be adduced, than that afforded by the simplicity and good faith in which they trust their money to their charge. The statistics of the Club may be thus condensed:—

Depositors.

Sum deposited.

Balance from1851.

Withdrawn 1852.

Balance.

128

£24

6

4½

£7

11

5½

£20

12

8½

£11

5

1½

In aggregating the result of the above economical agencies, it appears that they have been used during the past year by upwards of a thousand families, the sum of whose united deposits ranges between six and seven hundred pounds. Were there no ulterior benefits connected with the Society, this alone should ensure it the commendation of intelligent philanthropists.