Green’s Dictionary of Slang

a subscription to help an unfortunate friend, usu. held by a ‘whip-round’ in a public house.

1871		Daily Tel. 4 Dec. n.p.: This was the secret business, the tremendous conspiracy, to compass which it was deemed necessary to act with infinitely more caution than the friends of Bill Sikes feel called to exercise when they distribute tickets for a friendly lead for the benefit of Bill, who is just out of his trouble [F&H].
1889		Cassells Sat. Journal 5 Jan. n.p.: The men frequently club together in a friendly lead to help a brother in distress [F&H].
1892		Ally Sloper 2 Apr. 106/3: My father takes the chair at friendly leads [F&H].