Nine-Storey Building Officially Opened

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31223, 22 November 1966, Page 18

Nine-Storey Building Officially Opened

A nine-storey building owned by the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows at the corner of Worcester and Manchester streets was officially opened yesterday by the lodge’s grand master (Mr G. H. Thomas) of Napier. The lodge will let most of the upper floors for offices and the ground floor will be taken up by shops. Mr Thomas said his organisation had erected the building as an investment for members and as a sign of confidence in the city of Christchurch.

He said the lodge now had £991,000 invested in city properties, £282,000 in land for housing and £870,000 in mortgages.

The next step in the lodge’s building programme in Christchurch would be the construction of a home for elderly people. Mr Thomas said these building activities did not suggest that the lodge was a financial institution. Its primary aim was the care of the sick and the needy. The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr G. Manning) said the

Social Security system In New Zealand as established by the Government had been based on the principles of friendly societies.

“I have always thanked friendly societies in Britain, the Commonwealth and New Zealand for this reason,” he said.

Mr Manning said the societies had at first lived in fear of Governments.

“This friendly society was organised and developed in one of the most cruel centuries of British history,” he said. “It dates back to the year 1813 during the Napoleonic wars.” It had been formed to combat unemployment and illhealth and was the only organisation of its kind that people could belong to.

The member for Christchurch Central (Mr R. M. Macfarlane) said he was glad to see the opening of the new building as it was another step in the use of space in the heart of the city. “I hope it is emulated by others,” he said. The photograph shows Mr Thomas unveiling the commemorative plaque.