ODDFELLOWS' CONFERENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 84, 8 April 1922, Page 14

ODDFELLOWS' CONFERENCE.

SICK PAY BENEFITS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Friday. The conference of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows resolved that a uniform rate of sick pay be adopted, namely, 20/ per week for the first 12 months and 10/ per week for the retmainder of sickness. Members on a 3o\ver scale of benefits than the above may elect tb subscribe for higher benefits upon the payment of such contribution as the actuary may determine. It was resolved '"that this conference enters a very emphatic protest against the action of the Education Department in witholding a portion of the salary of two school teachers attending this conference, and maintains that these tea chers, while rendering an important service in endeavouring to promote the thrift movement in this country, should not be penalised, and further resolves that the grand master be requested to interview the Minister of Education regarding the matter." The conference resolved to appoint Mr. Courtenay, of the firm of Young, Neave, and Courtenay, to the position of society solicitor, rendered vacant by the death of Mr. Thomas Xeave. It was decided that the next conference be held in Kelson. The Government is to be approached and asked to amend the Finance Act, l!>l(j, so as to allow £0 for each child born at a confinement. A proposal to appoint a propaganda officer was rejected by 20 votes uo 15. It was decided that the society adopt the housing scheme in vogue in the Auckland district, and that the trustees be recommended to invest fund 3in this direction. To mark the respect and esteem in which late brother John Kershaw, grand secretary, was held, it was decided to erect a memorial over his grave, at a cost of £250. A scheme for the initiation of widows and orphans benevolent funds was referred to the directors. The conference has now concluded.