ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 335, 23 October 1908, Page 4

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

DISSOLUTION OF A LODCE. INCREASED FUNERAL BENEFIT. At a meeting of the board of directors of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, M.U., the iollowing were present:—Jas. Marshall, Grand Master; J. Kershaw, corresponding secretary; G. E. Godber, treasurer; directors: D. P. Loasby (Wellington), John Smith (AYellington), John Clark (Auckland), J. B. Fielder (Napier), G. AY. Sellnrs (Christchurch), and I. Salek (Wanganui). Tho corresponding secretary submitted a report on a dispute between the South Rakaia Lodge and the society on the matter or dissolution. The South Rakaia Lodge, with 36 members and funds amounting to £1700, applied to the central body for permission to dissolve and divide the funds. The central body gave its consent to dissolution conditional on the lodge paying to the Ashburton district such a sum of money as would leave the remaining lodges as a whole in 'as good .a financial position as they were previous to the South Rakaia Lodge dissolving, on the principle tiiat lodges in a good financial position should not bo allowed to dissolve and divide the funds and leave other lodges in a poor position to bear heavier burdens. A dispute arose over this question, and by consent of both parties it was agreed to refer the matter in dispute to tile Registrar of Friendly Societies to determine, with tho result that the registrar sustained tho decision of the central body, and ordered tho South Rakaia Lodge to pay to the Ashburton district the sum of £213. This having beau paid, a certilicate of dissolution was granted, and the lodge was dissolved. The report also referred to the Friendly Societies Bill, and the efforts of tho Parliamentary agents to get the Bill placed on tho statute book, and it was.resolved:—"That this meeting regrets that the Government shelved tho Friendly Societies Bill, and urges the members of tho several districts to do their utmost to brin<; tho Bill before the notice of members of Parliament, and request them to endeavour to have the same dealt with at ail early stage in the new Parliament. It was also resolved to request the several districts to consider tho proposed National Provident' Fund Bill, as to its probable effect on friendly societies. It was decided to remind districts of the centenary of the Manchester Unity to be celebrated in 1910, with a view to their consideration as to how it shall bo celebrated. The question'of consolidating tho sick and funeral funds of tho society was very carefully considered, and it was resolved that tables of contribution be prepared, and that tho fullest information be supplied to the several districts, with-a view to establishing a central fund, to which all districts should contribute according to the number and prosent ago of members, provision being made for districts and lodges having control of tho balance of tho funds for investment, if they so desire. It was reported that seven new lodges bad been opened since April last, four in Auckland and three in Hawko's Bay districts. Tho valuation report of tiie Wellington district at December 31, 1906, was submitted, showing that the district had a surplus of £<912. The actuary says Speaking generally, it can be said that the district is in an exceptionally lino position." The Britannia Lodge, Wellington, have a surplus of £3059, and applied for permission to appropriate the sum of £2000 as follows :— £1400 to the reduction of members' contributions, £300 to tho management fund, and £300 to tho medical fund. The Antipodean Lodge have a surplus of £2726, and applied to appropriate the sum of £1238, £1212 to the reduction of members' contributions or an increased funeral benefit, £2G to tho distress fund, and £50 to the management fund. Tho Greytown Lodge have a surplus of £445, and applied to appropriate the sum of £IS6— £146 to tile reduction of members' contributions, £20 to tho lodge distress fund, and £20 to assist lodges with a deficiency in the AYellington district.. It was resolved that these applications bo granted, subject to tho approval of the actuary, and that the Greytown Lodge be commended for its vote of £20 to deficiency lodges. > It was resolved to issue an amended table' of contributions providing for an increased funeral benefit, up to £100. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the secretary for his services in connection with tho hearing of the disputo with tho South Rakaia. Lodged and also in connection with the Friendly Societies Bill.