FRATERNAL VISIT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 131, 16 March 1931, Page 6

FRATERNAL VISIT

ODDFELLOWS' GRAND MASTER.

ASHBURTON MANCHESTER UNITY VALUE OF FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. The part that Friendly Societies can play in the public life of the (Dominion, especially in the solution of the problems that confront the country to-day, was the keynote of au inspiring address by the Grand Master of the New Zealand Branch (Bro. H.. S. M. Quigley, of Dannevirke) at a combined meeting of Ashburton district lodges of the .Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows on the occasiom of his official visit on Saturday evening. Though the fact that the Mayfield Show iiad been held that day accounted for the absence of many prominent country members, the attendance was very large, representative of the entire County. The presiding officer was P.O. Bro. C. M. Innes, the chairs being filled by officers of the Loyal Ashburton Lodge. The Grand Master was accompanied bv Deputy Grand Master Bro. T. .1. Archbold (Christchurch)', LP.G.M. Bro. F. Pritcliard! and P.M. Bro. F. W. Watt, Bro. Hi W. Gourley (Christchurch), LP.D.G.M. of North Canterbury, and P.D.G.M, Bro. S. T. Mennier (Kaiapoi) were also present, together with representatives of the Sister Pearse (Christchurch), Prebbleton, Heart of Oak (Kaikoaira) and Leithfield Lodges. The Ashburton District Officers present were D.D.G.M. Bro. H. D. Gunn, 1.1P.D.G.M. Bro. S- Culyerhouso and D.S. Bro. A. C. Hardy. In his address, the Grand Master, after acknowledging the hearty welcome extended to him, said that the Friendly Society movement as a whole was a. powerful force for the betterment of humanity. The movement in New Zealand had been started in 1842, when the capital value was 9s Gd; in 1929 1 it had a total membership of ] 06,000 with a capital value of nearly £4,000,0.00. This great accession of strength, numerical and financial, was of importance and value to the community generally. By the inculcation of fraternal principles good citizenship had been created, while on the financial side the fostering of the habit of thrift had nroved of great benefit to the taxpayer, for had it not been for the Friendly Society movement public expenditure" such /is charitable aid, hospital and! other such services would have been much heavier.

Passing to the position of the Manchester Unity among friendly societies, the Grand Master said it Avas one of which they had just cause to be proud. The latest returns showed a momnership in New Zealand of 34,000 in 247 lodges, with a capital value of £1,500,000. Disbursements in sick nay in 1929 (the last year for which figures were available) amounted to £49,623, funeral benefits to £9OOO, and medical benefits to £53,000. This huge financial business had been administered at a cost of only 2£d per member per week. The Order was firmly established in the public estimate, for the increase in membership in 1929 was 4 per cent., compared with an average of 2 per cent, for all the societies in the Dominion.

Reverting to the question of co-op-eration, Bro. Quigley stressed the good that could be done by societies haying a common ground where matters affecting the whole could be discussed. Steps had already been taken for the formation of a' Grand Friendly Societies Council sji Wellington, and another meeting would be bold there shortly to advance the interests of the united body by placing matters of comhion concern before the Government and other, authorities.

• Speaking of the work of the Board of Directors. Bro. Quigley paid a warm tribute to the services of Bros. Watt audi Pritcliard, as Grand Masters and as members of the Board. •

The loss that has been sustained by the Order and by individual lodges and members in the" Hawke's Bay district was the next subject with which the speaker dealt. The Loyal Napier Lodge had suffered the complete loss of its hall, and other lodges had also been affected to more or less degree. It would take some time to ascertain exactly what the actual position Avas. But tho Society was in such a strong position generally that all liabilities could be met, audi the fraternal spirit that animated members throughout the Branch would assuredly be evinced in assisting unfortunate fellow-members. Referring to the Ash burton district, the Grand Master spoke in appreciative terms of the progress being made by the Rakaia Loch-v, saying that the enthusiasm, displayed by members should be an incentive to other lodges. Bro. Quigley concluded by urging all present to work for the advancement of, the Order, in endeavouring to obtain members, taking a fair skaro in the work of the lodges, and fostering enthusiasm among their fellows. "Benefits are a se.conda.ry consideration," he said. "Be men and women; play the game; and take an interest in the affairs of State."

Bros. Archbold, Pritchard and Watt also spoke, pointing out the duties and privileges of membership of the Order. Bro. Gourley replied to the sentiment of Visiting District Officers, proposed by P.G. Bio. W. K. Waters, and Bro. Gunii to- that of the Ashburton District Officers, oroposed bv P.G. Bro. J. H. Stevens. Bro, W. J. Miller, N.G. of Loyal Ashburton Lodge, gave tho sentiment Visiting Officers and Members.

After lodge closed those present were entertained at supper in Sutherland's •tearooms, a most pleasant and successful gatheirng terminating at 11. o'clock. Bro. Quigley and the North Canterbury visitors returned to Christchurch bv car yesterday afternoon.