LODGE’S BURDEN

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 143, 13 March 1931, Page 8

LODGE’S BURDEN

Effect of Quake Disaster COMMITMENTS IN AREA Already heavily burdened by the calls made upon them as a result of the present unemployment, friendly societies have been severely struck by the earthquake disaster. Speaking to the combined Manchester Unity Lodges of Oddfellows at Greytown, the Grand Secretary, Mr. A. G. Shrimpton, traced the far-reaching effects of the disaster. At the last valuation for which figures were available, 1925, the future sickness expectancy of the lodges in the earthquake area was £63,653, and funerals, £l5 014. At that date the membership was 1391, but at the end of 1929 this had risen to 1982, which meant that the liabilities would be correspondingly increased. Set off against this were future contributions and investment which would, in ordinary times, have assured the financial position. Pointing out that the figures given referred entirely to the sick and funeral fund and the assets and liabilities as at December, 1925, Mr. Shrimpton said that the whole of the funds at the end of December, 1929, totalled £88,949, and allowing for an average increase last year, the value of the whole .district at the time of the earthquake would be £91,157, of which £69,000 was in the affected area. The great question was the value of the investments in the area. The formation of the New Zealand branch had cemented the interests of the Manchester Unity, and a plan to restore financial stability in the lodges was in preparation. Provision hud also to be made for members who, through losses of eraplovment or business, would be unable to pay the usual contributions for membership.