The board of directors of land and loan associations may contract for loans to the amount of seventy-five percent (75%) of the securities used by them as collateral, where the loans are on long time (three or more years), and for at least one percent (1%) less than is charged by such associations on their loans to shareholders; and they may make short loans to their shareholders on their shares and personal endorsement or personal property. (1915, c. 172, s. 3; C.S., s. 5206.)