GRAND LODGE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 137, 22 March 1935, Page 5

GRAND LODGE.

ANCIENT ORDER OF DRUID®. (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, March 31. The biennial conference of the Grand Lodge of the United Ancient Order of Druids (N.1.N.Z.), which was presided over by Bro. George Lethaby, was concluded to-day. The grand president for tlie ensuing two years is Bro. W. J. Gregory (Grey Lynn Lodge, Auckland), the grand vicepresident, Bro. A. L. Williams (Poneke Pctone), and the grand guardian,"Bro. H. S. Abel (Pacific Lodge, Wellington), the grand treasurer, Bro. p. Mawhinney (Pacific,. Lodge, Wellington), the Grand Lodge trustees, Bros. H. S. Abel, A. Ogden, and G. Sadd (Wellington). A jewel was presented to Past Grand President Fred. Jackson (Palmerston North), as an acknowledgment of his services. The reports showed that the Older during the last three years had made o-ood progress, the total of Grand Lodge funds, including over £600,000 invested in mortgages, being £741,529. In connection with unemployment the Grand Lodge executive reported that owing to the satisfactory position of the society it had been possible to transfer £SOOO of the surplus funds to an unemployment relief fund. This had enabled 996 members to be assisted to the extent of £BOBB. Despite the difficult times the membership totalled nearly 18,000, and the net increase in the funds during the past year was £34,174. The benefits paid by the society last year, totalled £36,082, of which nearly £21,000 was sick pay.