I.O.O. F., M.U.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15537, 13 March 1916, Page 3

1.0.0. F., M.U.

LYTTELTON DISTRICT,

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual nice ting of the Lyttelton IHstrict, 1.0.0.F.. M.U., was hold the Town Hall, Duvauchelle Bay, 0 11 Thursday. Present: Prov. G.M. Thos. Laurence, D.P.G.M. W. G. Carson, Proc. C.S. John L. Carrcll. and deputies from the following lodges:—City of Norwich (P.P.G.M.'s Brice, Foster, Lister, P.O. Scott); Good Intent (P.P.G.M. Lcete, P.G. Haylock); Hand of Friendship (P.P.G.M. Harris); Hand apd Heart (P.P.G.M. Pcttigrew); Perseverance (P.P.G.M. Le Corate); Wairewa {P.O. McQueen, H. J. French, IHstrict "Warden), P.G. T. E. Mackenzie, and a large attendance of members from lodges in the district. Congratulatory telegrams were 'received from P.P.G3l.'s Griffiths dlington), J. 11. Newton, and L. A. Graham. The Prov. G.M., in his opening address, spoke in feeling terms of the losses sustained' hy the lodges during the war, and asked the brethren to acQprd a vote or sympathy to the relatives of those fallen, which was done i n the usual manner. He stated that the district had responded nobly to the call to arms. Thirty-eight had already left for the front, and in camp there were many readv to leave. Three deaths had occurred since the war started, namely. Bros. Knowles, R. T. S. Birdling, and Vernon Armstrong, and a large number of members had been, either wounded or invalided. The district-, financially, was in a good position, but had gone back numerically, the statistics showing 023 members as against on the last returns. This could be accounted for by a rather heavy mortality, and tne fact of lodges making few members, which had to be expected during the present crisis. The state of the lodges as evinced during the recent lodge v ' sl " tations was favourable, but he trusted that a bettor attendance would be shown when the next visit was made. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the G.M. for his address, and it was resolved to print it with the usual reports. The election of officers for 1916-17 resulted in the Dep. P.G.M. being elected as Prov. G.M., and P.G. McQueen as Dep. P.G.M., P.P.G.M. J. P. Evans being elected as junior auditor. It was resolved"That the usual privileges be granted to Peninsula lodges to pay sick pay upon sick visitors' certificates." "That the meeting in March, 1917, bo held in Little River."

"That the new scale of deputies' fees, as revised by the district officers, be adopted." "That the district officers, with, the sanction of the lodges, take action At once wfth a view of striking a levy upon tho whole district, for the purpose of paying the contributions of members at the front, such contributions to be retrospective, dating from the commencement of the war." Correspondence in connexion with the National Provident Fund was read and discussed, and it was decided to cooperate with other districts in regard to the matter.

Tho Prov. G.M. mentioned the pleasuig fact that P.P.G.M. Bro. E. W. Harris, who was present as a delegate from his lodge, had that day attained his C'iiul year of membership of the Order, and tendered him his congratulations.

The installation of officers was conducted by P.P.G.M.'s Pottigrcw and Foster, who installed Bro. CJarson as Prov. G.M., and P.G. McQuccn as •D.Prov.G 31,

It was decided that tho P.P.G.M.'s jewel bo presented to P.P.G.M. Laurence, that ho receive the degree, and password, and his name be inscribed on tho Merit Board. The .jewel was presented by the Prov. G.M., who spoke in fitting terms of Bro. Laurence's ability during office. The ljoyal Perseverance T/odge made ample provision for their visitors bv a dinner at the Somerset Hot-el, catered for by Host Gaskin. to whom a vote of thanks was accorded.

On resuming business, the Past Grands' Lodge was opened, and the purple degreo conferred upon P.G. Scott.

At the conclusion of the session a smoke concert was held in the Town Hall, and was attended by a. large number of members. The usual loyal and natriotic toasts were given and responded to. the lodge procedure during the war being a great feature. The health of the veteran Deiwty P.P.G.M. Harris was heartily drunk, and in feelintf terms responded to by the brother. The sinking of the National Anthem concluded one of the most' successful mentines held on Banks Peninsula for many years.