British Mandate: A Survey of Palestine: Volume I - Page 359

CHAPTER IX.

proposed amendments to the law were provision for the formation of central organisations and the granting of very wide powers to the Registrar.

120. The recommendations of Mr. Strickland were adopted by Government in 1933 and since that date (when the new Ordinance was enacted) the movement has entered upon a new stage of development. The office of the Registrar of Co-operative Societies was reorganised as a separate department under a qualified Registrar assisted by a trained staff. The new department was allotted two distinct functions.

121. On the Arab side, the task of the department is to help in the reconstruction of the lives of the peasantry and of the labouring classes generally by exploring all forms of co-operative activities which might better their lot and inaugurating such activities whenever opportune. In effect this means that the department of the Registrar of Co-operative Societies has to undertake the technical organisation of Arab societies, the education of members in the principles and meaning of co-operation, the guidance of the societies up to a point where the members are competent to assume responsibilities, and the supervision of the activities of such societies including the audit of their accounts. For his activities among the Arab population the Registrar is assisted by an Arab inspectorate staff and by a number of field officers. On the Jewish side, the task of the department is limited to the guidance and assistance of a self-reliant movement, and to guarding it against erroneous ideas and practices. For activities connected with the Jewish movement the Registrar is assisted by an Assistant Registrar and by an inspectorate staff. In addition there exists an officially recognised body of Jewish co-operators known as the Jewish Co-operative Advisory Council which meets under the Registrar's chairmanship at regular intervals and advises him on matters relating to the proper development of the movement. The Registrar has also the services of a professional auditor who inspects the books of all societies and directs the audit of accounts of Arab societies.

122. The table behind this section shows the development of the movement during the two stages above described. On the Arab side it shows that, since 1933, 135 credit and thrift societies and 44 other agricultural societies were registered in Arab villages. It also shows a certain amount of development among the Arab population in urban centres.

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