ORDER OF FORESTERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 86, 13 April 1931, Page 5

ORDER OF FORESTERS.

SATISFACTORY FINANCES. RELIEF FOR UNEMPLOYED. ■ ! CONFERENCE THIS WEEK. Despite the depression, the year ID3O proved quite satisfactory so far as the Auckland provincial organisation of the Ancient Order of Foresters was con- j cerned. While the consolidated fund of the order has not escaped some effect of the difficult times, those in control of the order are satisfied that prudent management on the part of both the general executive and the constituent courts will ensure further strengthening of resources. The annual conference of delegates is to be held this week in the Foresters' Buildings, in Albert Street. The District Chief Ranger, Bro. S. King, will open the convention on Wednesday evening, and proceedings will be continued following day. The report to be submitted reveals a satisfactory sickness account, although illness was slightly above normal, the sum of £3833 being paid on that account. Funeral benefits amounted to £573. Contributions of members to the sick and funeral fund totalled £4869, an increase of £131 "compared to the previous year. A steady increase in the use of hospital services by members is recorded. The amount paid under this heading was £2025. Maternity bonuses absorbed £996.

In order to prevent any member from forfeiting his membership on account of inability to pay contributions through unemployment, the report adds that proposals are to be submitted for the extension of the district benevolent fund. Mention is made of the steps taken by the Auckland district to assist Hawke's Bay Foresters on account of the assets of that district having been practically destroyed as the result of the earthquake. ' Auckland's guarantee to meet Hawke's Bay commitments will stand good until a Dominion conference is called to deal with the problem. The quinquennial actuarial examination of the affairs of the order for the period 1922-27 reveal a sound position, but attention is drawn to the fact that it is unlikely that the period 1927-32 will show such a favourable result. It is on these grounds that the executve requests each constituent court of the order to endeavour to so regulate its affairs' that the consolidated fund will not be unduly strained.