ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14326, 11 April 1912, Page 3

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

THE BIENNIAL CONFERENCE,

The Oddfellows' Conference was re•siimcd at 8.30 a.m. yesterday for a brief scission, and tho day was then. giveu up to pleasure seeking. Tho only business transacted was the consideration of a request from tho Westland District for .permission to amalgamate with tho North -Westland District, which was granted. Shortly after nine o'clock tho officers, deputies, their wives, and others, forruih'g a party of seventy, started for an excursion through the Northern district in fourteen motor cars. At Kaiapoi the woollen mills were visited, and the journey Avas then <ontinued through Woodend, Waikuku and Sefton districts to Rangiora, -where luncheon was provided by the Ashlev District members in tho Oddfellows' Hall. Owing to delays having occurred on the jotirney, a civic reception at the Municipal Chambers, arranged for, had to be abandoned. At tho luncheon, however, tho Mayor, Mr E. R. Good, gave tho visitors a very hearty welcome to the town, aud expressed his admiration of the good -work dono by tho Oddfellows. ■ Bro. 1). Buddo also expressed his great pleasure at the visit of so distinguished a party of Oddfellows to the district. An adjournment was then made, to the grounds of tho Bowling, Ten-is and Croquet Club, where the remainder of tho afternoon was spent in playing the various games provided for. A four-rink bowling match between the visitors and the club was Tikiyed, the latter winning by 67 points to -10. Afternoon tea Avas served by tho wives and daughters of some of the local brethren, and, before leaving for Christchurch, Bro. J. Clark, on behalf of the party, heartily thanked the members of tho club for their kindness in providing such a pleasant afternoon. On the journey to the city one of th© cars took an erratic course into a deep drain beside the road, and the six occupants received a thorough wetting, besides some bruises The occupant of another of the cars, riding in the front seat, received a severe blow on his left side from the shaft of a .vehicle that was not carrying lights. On reaching his lodgings at the Federal Hotel medical aid was necessary for him.

In tiie evening the visiting delegates were entertained by tho Ashley District TAxlge nt a social gathering in the Caledonian Hall, when there Avas a larsio attendance, including a number of indies. The Provincial Grand Master, Bro. D. W L- Melu-tens, presided, and ho was supported by the Mayor (Mr J. J. Dougall), the town clerk (Mr 11, H. A**mith), Councillor W. H- Cooper, Mr L II Isitt. M.P.. G.M. Bro. C. E Bellringer. D-fc'.M. Bro. J. Clark, and C.S. Bro. J Kershaw. There were also present 'Dr 11. McClelland lniilis. D.D-S.'M., 1.0.0. F.; Messrs -I. Burgess, D.G.P., U.A.O. Druids: V. Bedwell. M-W.P., National Division of NewZealand Sons and Daughters of Temperance, and C. D. . Robertson ._ representing the Ancient Order of Foresters. After the loyal toast had been honoured. "Tho Parliament of New Zealand"' Wa-us proposed by P.G.M. Bro. J. MeLeod. and responded to by Mr L. M. I-itt. M.P-

P.P.G.M. Bro. J. Smith, deputyMayor of Wellington, proposed the toast of the "City of Christchurch." He referred to the excellent manner in which the city was conducted and eulogised tho work of the Mayor, Mr J. J. Dougall. The Mayor responded in a felicitous sppeeh. in which he laid stress on the fact that Christchurch was the premier city of the Dominion. He referred to the value of friendly societies in any community. • ■