ODDFELLOWS' CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 104, 25 January 1908, Page 6

ODDFELLOWS' CONFERENCE.

(IIT Tir.EfIIUrU—SPECIAL coukespokdrnt.) Fellding, January 24. The annual conference of dolcgates forming the District Grand Lodgo of the Wan-' ganui, 1.0.0.F./AI;U., is-'taking placoat Kim.bplton to-day. The .following delegates left Foilding for-Kimbolton by special coach yesterday morningPalmerston, Bros. S. J. Watson, S. J. Rolf, ,H. Sharmaii, L. G.' Home; Buunythorpc. Bro., Espinqr; Wanganui, Bros, , T. Barabcr, Copoland, E. C. Hay ton, \V. H. Flyger; -Foxt-on, Bro. R. Dobson; Huntorville; Bro. I!. C. Hamilton; Foilding; Bros. A. Mongley, W; Alien, .and J. Woodhouse; and Bro: J. Hodgers, 1 D.G.M., Bro. F. Thurgood, P.G.M., and Bro. Salck, C.S: , ' ' ' ' In his annual report,'..the secretary, Mr. Salck, says:- "The work of. the year has been heavy. On July 23 wo opened.,the Oliakuno Lodge, with 29. members, and there is every indication that the lodge will become a strong oiie. The balance-sheet of the thirteen lodges working under our management and control. shows . that the .total funds are £22,741'. an all. round , increase of £1190.■ This, however, is not eoual to-the previous year's work, when £Hoo was made. The lodges paid out £900 on sick claims, and £65 on funeral benefits." - -The ' secretary states that, he would advise the members to use greater e'uergy. in inducing young and desirable-men to join tho order. Tho, presentmembership, is-"1152, and, had it not been for tho opening .of a new lodge.at Ohakune, the order would havo shown a loss of members. ' However, under the ■ circumstance's, a gain is shown of 71, as against 120 and-181 in previous, .years. ■ ,Lodges, -it ■is • stated, must. pay greater attention to the investment of their funds.