ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 7524, 14 April 1890, Page 3

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

The annual meeting of delegates from the various lodges forming the Ashley district was held at the Oddfellows' Hall, Rangiora, at 10 a.m. on Saturday. -The officers present were, Prov. G.M. Smith, Deputy P.G.M. Willie.Prov. C.S.Jennings, P.G. Payne Tyler. The delegates in attendance were—Loyal Rangiora Lodge, Pasc Prov. G.M.a Marshall, Stephens, and P. G. Nottingham; Nil Deaperaudum, P. G. Lough; Cust, P.G. Webster; Oxford, G.M. Crowe; Woodend, P.S. Tinkler; Ohoka, P.G. Preece; Amberley, P.P.G.M. Crampton ; Leithfield, P.G. Bryce. An apology from the Waikari Lodge for nonrepresentation was accepted* , . The.Grand Master addressed the meetins:, stating that very little business had come before the District Officers during the past term. The District had progressed satisfactorily. At the Opening of 1889 the number of members was 567. Duiing the year 69 joined and 37 left, the net increase being 32, making the number of members at December 31st, 1889, 599. Respecting the funds, on January Ist, 1889, the total value of the Lodges was £7928 0s 9d, and. on December 31st, £3851 Is Id, an increase of £923. The total receipts were £2212 15s 8d k the amount of contributions being £1472 8s 3d, The total expenditure amounted to j£1446 4s lid, £467 Is lOdof which was sick pay. The P.G.M. concluded by thanking his brother officers for the support they had given him, and the Lodges he had visited for the kind manner in which they had received him.

A satisfactory Auditors' report was presented by P.P.G.M. Marshall. The balance-sheet showed — Funeral fund, receipts £255 13s Sd, expenditure £30 6s ; distress fund, receipts £29 3s 6d, expenditure nil; management fund; receipts £57 13s 6d, expenditure £32 2s; banner fund, receipts £1 13s, expenditure nil; total value of funds and goods, £33415s Bd. The reppro and balance-sheet were adopted, and accounts £62 83—: were passed for payment. . The Book Inspector (P.P.G.M. Marshall) submitted his annual report on the condition of the Lodges in the district. It was highly satisfactory, except in respect to one Lodge. The report was adopted, and the Delegate for. the Lodge; named, was instructed to bring the: unsatisfactory state of the books under notice ac the next meeting. P.P.G.M. Marshall moved—-"That the practiced giving-the Purple Degree at the conclusion of district meetings be discontinued, and; that * the Past Grands Lodge be empowered to confer the Past Officers' Degree at their meetings, to be held quarterly at Rangiora, Cast, and Amberley." The motion was seconded by P.P.G.Mi Stephens, and unanimously agreed to. The officers were then elected as follows :—Pro. G.Mv, Deputy Pro. G.M. Willis; Deputy, P.G. Treasurer, P.P.G.M. Stephens: Auditor, P.P.G.M. Marshall. Before the installation of tne officers, on the motion ,o£ P.P.G.M. Marshall, the sympathy of the delegates with the Pro. G.M. elect at the sudden death of of his father was recorded. P.P.G.M. Orompton then installed: the officers, and each returned thanks. ::.: An honorarium of j£s was voted to the retiring Grand Master, and his name was ordered to be placed on the Merit Board. A vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring officers. P.P.G.M. Murfltt'e name was ordered to be placed on the Merit Board. ,'.' „ The minutes were then confirmed, and the meeting declared dosed. ■