JUVENILE LODGE MEMBERS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21456, 24 April 1935, Page 18

JUVENILE LODGE MEMBERS

ODDFELLOWS ALTER / RULES / " ' REPORT OF DELEGATES TO LONDON The report of the delegates to the Uonclon Conference in 1934 and alteration? to the rules governing juvenile membership formed the greater part of the business transacted by the conference of the New Zealand branch of the Manchester Unity of .the Independent Order of Oddfellows yesterday. Grand Master Bro. T. J. Archbold presided, G.S. Bro. Shrimpton, in presenting his report of the London Conference, said it was his desire to thank the conference for giving him the opportunity to study at first hand the afTairs of the Unity. The co-opcra--I,ion and assistance of Bros. J. McLeod and A. C. Blair had been very helpful. The experience gained should prove of benefit to the order in New Zealand. The conference had been a wonderful inspiration, and the printed report circulated would probably give members a great insight into Unity affairs. Several delegates spoke in appreciative terms of the work done by the grand secretary. As a result of that visit to the Homeland the status, integrity and dignity of the New Zealand branch had been greatly enhanced. The conscientious work performed by the grand secretary was a lasting monument to the ordei\ and the report would be a valuable addition. to tny library. The visit was invaluable to the society as the repercussions were now evident in the savings effected as a result of the negotiations in London. A vote of thanks to the delegates was carried by acclamation. The report contained many illuminating sidelights on the conference and spoke in glowing terms of the reception accorded to the overseas delegates. As an indication of the universality of the work of the order, it was stated that the conference acted on behal: of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Africa, Tasmania, United States, Central America, Calpence (Spain), Gibraltar, Cork, and Limerick, Malta. British Guiana, Bermuda,* Trinidad, Jamaica, and .Republic Dominicana, in addition to the Unity in the Homeland. Representing all parts of the British Commonwealth of Nations it had been a typical illustration of the foundation and basic principle of tho order, "no distinction as to colour or creed." Dealing with the volume of business transacted, he said that the "Black Book" or agenda paper comprised 282 pages of printed matter, and many pamphlets. The conference had been a revelation in business management, and a model of efficient control. The Unity was following the same principle as was the New Zealand branch, in the utilisation of any surplus to ensure that no deserving member should forfeit his membership through inability to pay his contributions because of unemployment The Orphans' Fund, which was the Unity war memorial, was doing wonderful work in caring for the children of deceased members, the pensions granted totalling £215,728, .giving assistance t0'1495 orphans, some or whom were helped to receive higher education. Concerning the financial status of the Unity it was shown that the total I s sur Plus by lodges was 4.1.101,843, but the actuary had pointed nut that lower interest rates, greater longevity, and other factors would inaks essential a new basis of valuation The average rale of interest on National Health Insurance Funds Jnvested by the Unity was £4 16s 5d per cent., a return that made New Zealand envious. The consolidation of surplus funds and the relief of deficiency districts—-a principle adhered to in the New Zealand branch—had now been taken up by the Unity, which m 1919 established a Unity .Reserve Fund to guarantee rnntrnnfimi

Labilities. Ihe London Conference was the third to be held there, the first having taken_ place in 1834, and the seconcl in 1854. The voluntary membership had increased from 252,238 to I,] 11,523, and the accumulated reserves from £500,000 to practically .£26 000,000. The number of deputies Jn 1854 was:— 140 and in 1944 the number was 815. T c '°' sec ' on an optimistic Jiote:— Right throughout England and fthe portions of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland visited we found the true Iraternal spirit, the human touch, whether we met in lodge, office, or the •home. Our experiences were a direct contradiction of the insidious propaganda broadcast at times regarding a degenerate England. Granted that in some localities conditions exist which are no credit to our advanced civilisation, the majority of the people of the British Isles are cherry optimists, leading a fuller life, class for class, than wc do in New Zealand, and possessing a faculty of enjoying to the full the limited leisure a relentless economic system allows. Right through the United Kingdom there is taking place a great clearance of slum areas, and the awakening conscience shown in the provision of social amenities—humanitarian legislation, national health, contributory old age pensions, and unemployment insurance, will make a happy and contented Great Britain." Remits The first .remit, introduced by the (Wellington'district, sought to reduce the number of directors attending any conference to two. This -,vas lost. The conference went into committeeto discuss proposed alterations to the present polling system in use by the society. After a free discussion it was decided to refer the whole matter to the incoming board of directors, to prepare and bring down a report at the next movable conference as to whether or not any change was advisable, and if any change was deemed necessary to circulate proposals before the next conference. Investment of Funds To comply with the terms of the Friendly Societies Act, the directors moved that rule 18 be altered to read: "So much of the funds of the society as shall not be wanted for immediate use or to meet the usual accruing liabilities shall, with the consent of the directors or M.C., be invested by the trustees, as trustees for the time being of the society, in such of the .following ways as the directors or the M.C. shall direct:—(a) In the Post Office Savings Bank, or in any savings bank constituted under the Savings Bank Act, 1908, or in any incorporated bank carrying on business in New Zealand; (b) in any debentures, bonds, or Treasury bills issued by or on behalf of or guaranteed by the Government of New Zealand under the authority of any act; (c) in the purchase of land, or in the erection or alteration of offices or ether buildings thereon; (d) in the bonds, debentures, or other securities of any borough council or county council m New Zealand; f e) on a first mortgage of freehold lands in New Zealand." L The motion was carried. A Juvenile Membership |AI Owing to the rapid growth of the jttvenile movement in the New ZeaJwsnaJk

uniformity of action in this activity, the directors brought down the fol-1 lowing remit: —(1) Subject to the pro- j visions of the Friendly Societies Act, I and the regulations thereunder, per- ] sons of either sex, from the age ofj three to 16 years, may be admitted to | membership of the society in the manner and in accordance with the provisions following: (a) As "junior members" of adult lodges; or (b) as members of a juvenile lodge registered under the Friendly Societies Act; or (c) in an auxiliary juvenile branch of an adult lodge. (2) No liability shall be incurred by the adult benefit fund of any district or lodge of the society on account of such juvenile membership. Recommendations concerning junior members were made as follows: —(3) "Junior members" of adult lodges shall be deemed members for the purpose of such benefits as may be provided herein, and for the purpose of secession as provided in G.R. 32, but not for {my other purpose. (4) Previous to the enrolling of every "junior member," the parent or guardian shall furnish the adult lodge with a declaration of good health. > (5) A monthly contribution of 2d (bd a quarter) for all entry ages will entitle the representative of a "junior member" to receive a death benefit according to scale. (6) The adult lodge shall fix the management contribution of "juniormembers," and may provide terms and conditions for medical benefits. (7) Provision shall be made by the district for the establishment of a separate fund for the reassurance of the funeral liabilities of "junior members." The contributions to, and payments from this fund shall be in accordance with clause (5) of this rule, and the I adult lodge shall half-yearly, in May end November, transmit to the district the funeral benefit, contributions received on behalf of "junior members." (8) On the attainment of age 16, a "junior member" shall, within three calendar months, subject to the production of a satisfactory medical certificate and the provisions of G.R. 1, clause (4), be initiated a benefit member of the adult lodge to which they are attached, or any lodge willing to accept him/her without the payment of initiation fees by the person concerned, and pay contributions thereto, and receive benefits in accordance with general rules 92 and 120. (9) Any "junior who, through physical disability, is then unable to comply with the requirements of the preceding clause, may continue his/her status of "junior member" until satisfactory evidence of health is obtainable, or alternatively, he/she attains the age of 18 years. (10) Should a "junior member," through unemployment or other financial causes, be unable to pay adult contributions on attaining 16 years of age, he/she may elect to continue his/ her status as a "junior member" for a further period, but not exceeding 18 years of age. The directors further recommended that: (12) The directors of the society shall have power to establish juvenile lodges in connexion with any adult lodge or lodges of the society, anrl such juvenile lodges may consist or members of either sex. (13) Application for the establishment of a juvenile lodge must be made through an adult lodge and in form prescribed by the directors. (14) The objects of a juvenile lodge shall be the raising of funds by contributions of members, fines, donations, and interest on capital for any one or more of the following purposes:— (a) Rendering assistance to members when sick, (b) to assure a sum of money on the death of a member. (c> to provide medical attendance and medicine to members, (d) payment of the necessary management expenses, (e) payment of endowments or bonuses, (f) payment of transfer fee when initiated into adult lodges. (15) Juvenile lodges shall be governed by such rules as may be issued from time to time by the directors, and/or such other rules as may have the approval of the directors. (16) Juvenile lodges, which become established in accordance with the provisions of this rule shall be granted a dispensation by the directors. The remit was adopted, it being pointed out that there was no intention of interfering with established auxiliary juvenile lodges. Other Business It was agreed that the annual passwords should be made available for the use of lodges on the first meeting in January of each year. The directors were empowered to define terms used in the rules where the implication of such terms was obscure or/ doubtful in character or meaning. Several alterations to the general rules of a machinery nature were approved, including one of paramount importance affecting clearances, the age now being raised from 45 years to 51 years. Greetings

A telegram of greeting was received from P.P.G.M. Bro. A. Sligo. acting secretary of the Otago district, trusting that the New Zealand branch would have a pleasant gathering and perform useful work for unity. It was decided that the greeting be received and acknowledged. SERVICES TO THE ORDER MEMBER'S WORK I'LACED ON RECORD Appreciation of the services of Bro. H. S. M. Quigley, of Dannevirke, was placed on record by the movable conference of the New Zealand branch of the Manchester Unity of Independent Order of Oddfellows yesterday. Bro. Quigley, whose name is well known throughout the Friendly Societies of the country, has seen long service as a member of the Board of Directors of the unity, and as society officer. He did not seek reelection this year. The following motion was carried with prolonged applause:—"That this conference places on record its highest appreciation of the services rendered to the New Zealand branch, M.U., ' 1.0.0. F., by Bro. H. S. M. Quigley, as a lodge officer, ■ director and society officer." , Every deputy present fully endorsed the terms of the resolution. It was stated that his wide experience and sound knowledge of friendly society work and problems had proved of incalculable benefit to the order. His service had been outstanding. As an organiser he had few equals. Plis zeal for the juvenile branch had brought into being a lodge of 265 members at Dannevirke. Bro. Quigley himself was a product of a juvenile lodge of the Manchester Unity. Over a long period of years his advice had been freely sought and freely given. Lodge secretaries had received much help, and throughout his own and other societies he was held in the highest esteem. His work in fostering the fraternity of the unity had wide repercussions in that it encouraged members and attracted outsiders. As a correspondent, Bro. Quigley had dealt courteously and generously with an almost overwhelming volume of letters on a wide diversity of subjects. All efforts that tended to benefit the order had in him a willing supporter. The smaller areas had received wonderful help, and owed much to the interest he had shown. He had visited districts freely and had done an enormous work in solving problems. Bro. Quigley was received with great applause. Acknowledging the references to his services, he said he had received more from the Manchester Unity since he was a lad of 12 than h- had ever put back. His thanks wrro due to Sister Miller and P.G. Sioler Quigley, who had done EOiiab; M too ite purpose

of visiting .districts and lodges. He had visited districts freely because he felt there was need for reconstruction and comradeship. The fraternity of ' the order was a magnificent thing and ' should be fostered. The order must administer for the immediate future as the distant future was obscured. He had promised to establish the Dannevirke Junior Lodge, and they had wonderful meetings where they encouraged the children and inculcated in their minds true qualities of citizenship and the fundamental basis of friendly society work There was plenty of work ahead, and the Manchester Unity was a complicated business, and only complicated because the 'Manchester Unity had a great part to play in the rehabilitation of the Dominion. The signs indicated that conditions were improving, but there was a long way to go before complete recovery was assured. OFFICERS ELECTED Officers for the next two-year period were elected as follows: — Grand Master, Bro. A. C. Blair (Wellington); Deputy-Grand Master, Bro. W. McMiUan (Auckland); Grand Trustee, Bro. W. H. Madeiey (Wellington); Directors, Bros. J. E. Allan (Auckland), N. B. Bellringer (Taranaki), E. W. Guise (Wellington), C. ■ J. Holsey 'North Canterbury), N. J. McKay (Hawke's Bay), F.. A. Smith (Auckland); auditor, E. W. A. Kellow, ' F.P.A. (New Zealand), Wellington. An invitation from the Wellington district to hold the next moveable r conference in Wellington in 1937 wat> l • accepted. y .