ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9364, 13 March 1896, Page 3

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

The annual meeting of the North Canterbury district was held in the Oddfellows , Hall, Lichfield street, on Wednesday. The P.G.M., Bro. J. Cleworth, owing to illness, being unable to preside, the P.D.G.M., Bro. J. Gough, took the chair. The various Lodges were represented as follows :—City of Christchurch — Bros. D. Kennealy, P.P. D.G.M., C. F. King aud S. White, P.G.s; Kaiapoi — bros. W, Eraser, P.P.G.M., and L. Edmonds, P.G. ; Volunteer—Bros. W. Fabian, A. H. Paddy, P.G.s, A. W. Sanndera, N.G. ; Benevoleut —Bros. W. Hay ward, A. Palmer, P. P.G. M.'s, W. H. Browne, P.G.; Perseverance—Bros. W. Aylward, W. Hartshorn, P.G.s, S. J. McHarg, H.S. ; Malveru —• Bro. C. G. Gamble, P. 3. ; Philhpatown—Bro. W. B. Nichols, P.G.; Leeaton —Bro. C. C. Smithson, P.S., W. G. Candry, P.G. ; Addington —Bros. C. J. Winney, P.P.G.M., F. J. Caterer, B. P. Manhire, P. G. 's; Papanui —Bro. C. Simmons, P.G.-; Riccarton —Bro. C. E. T. Hill, PS. ; Jubilee—Bro. C. McMeekin; Tyler, R. Hill, P.G. A fine was recorded against the Heart of Oak Lodge for not being represented. Bro. Gough read the Prov. G.M.'a address, stating that although the district had not increased numerically, an increase of £633 2s is shown in the funds; £1561 193 7d had been paid sick members, £1253 15a for medical attendance, and £390 for funeral claims. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Prov. G. M. for his address, and it was ordered to ba printed.

Fraternal greetings were received from the A.O. Foresters and the Ashley District L0.0.F..M.U. The good wishes were reciprocated. It was resolved that the members of the recently-established female Lodge receive the same passwords, grips and signs as used iv the male Lodges. The annual balance-sheet and Auditors' reoort were adopted, and outstanding accounts passed for paymont. Correspondence was received from the Otago district, advising that a conference will be held in Wellington during Easter week; also, tables of contributions and benefits to be submitted for consideration at the conference, wibh a view of getting a uniform rate of contributions and benefits adopted for New Zealand. Bro. C. Foster, Prov. C.S., was elected delegate to the conference. A vote of sympathy and condolence with Bro. P.P.G.M. Fraaer iv the loss of his wifo was passed and recorded on the minutes. The brother suitably replied. \ The Loyal Mai vein Lodge was authorised to purchase half an aero of land and a building for a lodge-room. Bros. W. Hayward, P.P.G.M., and G. B. Denny, who are about to visit the Old Country, were appointed to represent this district at the next A.M.C. at Bristol. The election of officers resulted as follows :—Bros. J. Gough, Prov. G.M.; C. 0. SmiLhson, Prov. D.G.M.; T. Grantham, P.P.G.M., relieving officer (re-elected); 0. E. T. Hill, P.G., juuior auditor (re-elected). The officers-elect returned thanks. The usual honorarium was voted to the retiring P.G.M., and it waa resolved thab his name be placed on the merit board, and that he receive the P.P.G.M.'s degree. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the visitore for their attendance, and respondedto by P.G.M. Bro. Griffiths. At the midday adjournmenfa the country delegates were entertained ab luncheon at Bro. BurkeV hotel, and the manner, in which he citored was very highly appreciated.

At 7.&0 p.m. a Past Grands' Lodge was constituted, aud members holding the neceseary certificates received tbeir degrees in the presence of a large number of members and visiting brethren.