Dissolution of a society

(1) Subject to subsection (5) of this section, the members of a friendly society may not, by any rules, resolution or order, dissolve or determine such society so long as any of the intents and purposes declared by its rules remain to be carried into effect, unless there has been obtained the votes so to do of five-sixths in value of the current members to be ascertained in manner hereinafter mentioned, and the consent in writing of all persons receiving or entitled to receive relief, either on account of sickness, age or infirmity, and for the purpose of ascertaining the votes of such five-sixths in value, every member shall be entitled to one vote, and an additional vote for every five years that he may have been a member. (2) No member shall have more than five votes, and in all cases of dissolution, the intended appropriation or division of the funds or other property shall be fairly and distinctly stated in the proposed plan of dissolution, prior to such consent being given. (3) A friendly society may not by any rule direct the division or distribution of stock or funds, to or amongst the members other than for carrying into effect the general intents and purposes declared by the original rules, and all rules for the dissolution or termination thereof, without such consent as 19 mentioned in subsection (1) of this section, or for the distribution or division of the stock or funds, contrary to the rules, shall be void and of no effect. (4) In the event of such division or misappropriation of the funds without such consent, any trustee or other officer or person aiding or abetting therein commits an offence and is liable to the penalties provided in cases of fraud by section 18 of this Act. (5) Subsection (1) of this section, shall not apply where any two or more societies become united or incorporated in one society upon such terms as shall be approved by the majority of the trustees and board of management of both societies.