LODGE MEETING.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13374, 16 March 1909, Page 9

LODGE MEETING.

Tho annual meeting of the Lyttelton District, M.U., 1.0.0. F., was iield at tho Oddfellows' Hall, Lyttelton, on Thursday, March 11th. Present—Prov. G.M. C. W. Leete, Deputy-Prov. G.M. W. Taylor, Prov.C.S. C'arreli; deputies from the following lodges:—City of Norwich, P.P.G.M. Brice, P.G's leister, Thompson, N G. Dobson; Good Intent, P.G. J. Staples; Hand of Friendship, P.S. Mooro; Hand and Heart, P.P.G.M's Barclay, Pettigrew; Perseverance, P.P.G.M. Lβ Comte, Wairura; P.G.s Bachelor, Breitmeyer; District Tyler P.G. J. H. Williams. The Prov. G.M. gave a resume of the business transacted during the last twelve months, stating that the District officers' visit to Peninsula lodges showed that the lodges were prospering. He regretted that the statistics showed a decrease in membership, owing to death aud secession, but financially the lodges had improved. Tho highest rate of interest had been reached, nearly £900 being secured for interest. Tho total of _ sick and funeral funds reached £15,471 Iβ Bd, an increase of close on £•800. The speaker referred feelinrlv to the loss of the late P.P.G.M. Derbidge, for close on thirty years trustee of the District, and of the lato Bro. Sims, of Good Intent, and P.P.G.M. B J. North, of South Canterbury. The District officers, after the evidence given at the meeting in Wellington to consider certain clauses in the proposed Friendly Society Act, could not recommend the adoption of any levy to increase funeral benefits, as suggested at a previous meeting. Deputy-Prov. G.M. Taylor was elected as Prov.G.M. ; P.G. Breitmeyer as Deputy-Prov.G.M. ; P.P.G.M. Brice as Junior Auditor. Fraternal greetings were received from the South Canterbury District. The Book Examiners' report showed a very satisfactory state in the lodges' books, and P.P.G.M. Brice and Prov.G.M. Taylor were re-elected as Book Examiners for tho ensuing two years. It was resolved that P.P.G.M. t'has. Kay he elected trustee of tho District, that the usual privileges be granted to Peninsula lodges to pay sick nay on sick visitors' certificates, and that Little River be the place of meeting in March, 1910. The officers elect were installed by P.P.G.M. Pettigrew. and it was resolved that the P.P.G.M. jewel he presented to P.P.G.M. Leete, and that ho receive the P.P.G.M's decree, and that his name bo inserted on the merit board. P.P.G.M. Sowden, senior trustee, was present during the session, and received a hearty vote of thanks from officers and deputies for his presence. At a Past Grands' Lodge, held after the conclusion of business, the purple degree was conferred upon P.G's Bachelor, Eatham, Flynn, Marshall, and Thompson. A smoke-concert was held later in tho evoning. the City of Norwich Lodge entertaining the officers and deputies. There were also present the Mayor (Mr C. Cook), Mr Geo. Laurenson". M.P., and Bros. Furneaux and a D. of Hearts of Oak, Druids, the brethren spending a very pleasant evening.