'Lodges Paved Way For Social Security'

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31223, 22 November 1966, Page 6

' Lodges Paved Way For Social Security'

Friendly societies paved the way for Social Security in New Zealand and in welfare states, and what it had done was beyond description, said the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr G. Manning) when opening the 26th triennial session of the Grand Lodge of Australasia Independent Order of Oddfellows at the Ridgely Hall yesterday. Mr Manning told the 35 delegates and large audience that governments recognised the work being done by the societies. He said there was no time more cruel than during the nineteenth century in Britain when the movement started. “Thanks to your organisation, a very serious social situation was met and its success will be recalled in histories of all countries who accepted immigrants who took their organisation with them,” he said. “The movement is still expanding and still provides mutual assistance in times of need,” said Mr Manning. “However, New Zealand and Australia are now faced with a complex situation.” As two outposts in Western civilisation, they were surrounded by millions of Asiatics whose nations were emerging to independence and self-government. They were subjected to “pressure from the north” when they would prefer to inherit democracy.

“We have got a great responsibility in the South Pacific region and I hope that other friends realise this,” he said. “And we must come closer together because of our responsibilities.”

The Grand Sire of the Grand Lodge of Australasia (Brother E. H. L. Braggins, of Christchurch) said this was only the third triennial session held in New Zealand and the first such session in Christchurch. Matters to be discussed would be mainly administrative. Some constitutional changes would also be considered.

An American, Sovereign Grand Master A. M. Black, from Knoxville Island, is the only delegate outside Australia and New Zealand at the session. He is representing the Independent Order of Oddfellows of the World. The session started on Sunday with a parade at the Knox Presbyterian Church and will end on Friday with a bus tour of the city. On Thursday, delegates will visit Otira and Arthur’s Pass and a ball will be held at the Winter Garden in the evening.