Manchester Unity reopens today

Press, 8 March 1989, Page 44

Manchester Unity reopens today

The Manchester Unity Friendly Society officially opens its new premises in Christchurch today. The North Canterbury District of Manchester Unity recently purchased the three-storey building at 151 Hereford Street, (opposite the Reserve Bank), and has occupied the ground floor. “For 22 years we have been on the first floor of the Manchester Unity Building in Manchester Street,” said the district secretary for the North Canterbury District, Mr Mel Neale. “Our new location gives us a street profile and it is better situated to serve our members, particularly the

older ones who may have had difficulty climbing the stairs or negotiating the lift in the other building. “It is a great step forward for the Society and it has also given us the opportunity to update and heighten our image and profile.” The new office has a large boardroom as well as a private interview area. As well as a business function today, the Society will have an open day for its 2500 members on Saturday. The Grand Master of the Friendly Society of New Zealand, Brother Len Earnshaw, will attend the

opening, as will the secretary of the Order, Brother Jim White, of Wellington. The benefits of Joining the society cover areas such as funeral, sickness, holiday accommodation, life assurance, savings and borrowings through the credit union, medical, house mortgages, superannuation, motel facilities, fraternal and self-help benefits. In some areas a pharmacy benefit exists, too. There are six lodges in the North Canterbury district — Addington, City of Christchurch, Malvern, Perseverance, Sister Pearce and Riccarton.