ODDFELLOWS’ CONFERENCE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29504, 4 May 1961, Page 17

ODDFELLOWS’ CONFERENCE

Official Opening In Crevmouth

The fact that the New Zealand Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows had a membership of 23.000. and funds exceeding £3,500.000 was revealed at the 29th biennial conference which is being held in Grey, mouth. It was stated that this was the largest Friendly Society in New Zealand. The conference was officially opened by the Grand Master for New Zealand, Mr G. S. Laws, of Napier, and the delegates and visitors with their wives were welcomed by the District Grand Master, Mr H. D. McMath. The Grand Master said the society had 120 years of ser. vice in the Dominion. He thought the order was at the crossroads in New Zealand at present, and the conference could be an epoch--making event from the point of view of progress. Mr Laws predicted an increase in membership with the implementation of new benefits, such as superannuation, maternity benefits, life insurance and members’ savings funds. In extending a welcome to Greymouth, the Mayor (Mr W. F Baillie) told the conference that figures proved that the climate on the West Coast was equal to the best experienced in any part of New Zealand, while Mr P Blanchfield, member of Parliament for Westland, drew the attention of the delegates to the unequalled beauty of the scenery in the province.