MANCHESTER UNITY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1934, Page 11

MANCHESTER UNITY.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. I .. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The annual conference of the Auckland district of tho Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows was continued at the Manchester Unity Building yesterday afternoon and today. Mr. F. Hard presided over an attendance of 75 delegates, representing 65 lodges in the Auckland Province. _ A considerable amount of discussion took place when the district management committee's recommendation that the conference reinstate the probationary period for the sickness benefit of sis months as from June 1, 1934, caine up for consideration. The recommendation was prompted by the excessive sickness experienced in the Auckland district for some years past and which was still on the up grade. The committee's recommendation was adopted. In spite of the hard time which had reduced the numerical strength of the order in New Zealand the enthusiasm of the active members has in no way declined. The following members were awarded gold jewels and gold bars for introducing 10 to 60 new benefit members: Messrs. G. S. Garret, P.G. (Kerepeehi); L. E. Jackson, P.G. (Ngatea); C. Bowie, P.G. (Te Aroha); J. N. Mouncey, P.G. (Waihi); F. Knight, P.G. (Paeroa); S. D. Eade. P.G. (Takapuna, bar); R. T. Scott, P.D.G.M., and W. Pitcher, P.D.G.M. (Morrinsville); J. J. Hackshaw, F.S. (Hearts of Oak); H. A. Mills, F.S. (Netherton); G. A. Huddleston, FjS. (Birkenhead.). _ A remit from the district management committee recommending an amendment of the regulations for the payment of sick pay for members who have followed the occupation of miners, and who have contracted pneumoconiosis was received. It suggested that in future the period for which the sick and funeral fund should be liable for the sick benefit should not exceed five years. It was decided to adopt the remit. It was reported that the financial strain on the district hospital fun which had been most marked for some Years had, during the last two years, eased considerably, with the result that the fund was now able to help tlie management fund of the district. The balance-sheet of tho Auckland district, which showed the value of the eick and funeral fund to be £106,949, was adopted. The auditors' and book examiners' reports were also adopted. , , , The following officers were elected. District grand master, Mr. J. E. Allan, D.D.G.M.; deputy district grand master, Mr T. W. Thompson. P.G.; district warden, Mr. F. N. Bushel! P.G.; trustee, Mr. T. Aitken. R-G.M; district auditor, Mr. W. Dean. P.D.G.M; book examiners. Messrs. F. Hard, TPDG M W Dean. P.D.G.M., W. Perry, P.D.G.M, and F. T. Robinson, P.G.; handbook auditors. Messrs. .T. E. Allan, DGM and J. Clark. P.G.M.; deputies fo the Auckland United Friendly Societies' Conference, Messrs. W- M c Millan, P.D.G.M.. J. E. Allan. D.G.M., W. G. Pitcher, P.D.G.M., and T. Aitke , P.G.M.