ODDFELLOWS MEET

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 150, 21 March 1939, Page 5

ODDFELLOWS MEET

Movable Conference Of Manchester Unity By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, Marell 20. The movable conference of the Manchester Unity, Independent Order of Oddfellows, was opened in Auckland today, the deputies present representing districts and lodges throughout the Dominion. The grand master, Bro. W. McMillan, -said it was proposed that the next movaole conference should be held in Nelson, the birthplace of the order in New Zealand, to coincide with the centennial of its establishment.

The report of the grand master reviewed the social security legislation. “So far the Government has not been able to give us any indication as from what date the doctor, chemist, and hospital benefits will operate, nor the method of co-operation between the Social Security Department and the friendly society movement,” said the report, “but members may rest assured that any modus operand! which may be introduced by the Government to be worked in co-operation with the friendly societies will have the careful consideration of the directors.”

Reports on the sick claims showed that the actual sick claims exceeded the expected male claims by £5648 (equal to 3.1 per cent.), and the female claims by £2636 (65.6 per cent). The mining lodges had been largely responsible for this excess. A surplus of £6559 remained for distribution and it was decided that this amount should be made available to the grand secretary for additional requirements resulting from the social security legislation. The report of the grand trustee showed that at December, 1938, £166,812 was held by the society on mortgage.

The following officers have so far been elected :—Grand master, Bro. N. B. Bellringer (Taranaki district) ; de-puty-grand master, Bro. N. J. McKay (Hawke’s Bay) ; directors, Bros. W. B. Brown, P.D.G.M. (Wellington), J. A. Ivory, P.D.G.M. (Asliley), J. E. Allan, F. A. Smith (Auckland), G. Wilson (Wanganui), and A. Gow, P.D.G.M. (North Canterbury).