ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS.

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 34, 10 February 1927, Page 6

ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS.

Forest w^?eß. ng °L Anoient Order of i< ot esters, Wellington District, was held on Wednesday, continued yesterday. moi'f- +i St °"Pc welcomed to the . "V 26'11^ the recently appointed Registrar of Friendly Societies, who- replied in a suitable manner,- assuring the society of his assistance in every possible manner. A motion of condolence was passed to the relatives of the late Bro. Dbcon, P D - t-.lt, the members, standing in silence. In the District Chief Ranger's report mention was made that the Order throughout New Zealand was gradually showing an increase in membership. The quinquennial valuation of court funds would be shortly made, and as a result it is confidently anticipated that a large number o£ courts will be able to participate in a surplus of funds. The report was adopted. In presenting the balance-sheet to the delegates mention was made that the various iunds were in a very healthy position, and particularly the funeral fund had reached a very sound state. The wide benefits applicable under maternity claim were pointed out to the delegates. During the current year '£1182 had been paid out in the form of bonuses to members. An invitation was extended to delegates to attend the jubilee of Court Wm. Gladstone, which will be celebrated on 2nd March. • A scheme was brought forward by Court Sir George Bowen whereby a juvenile on attaining the age of sixteen years be permitted to enter the adult ranks on an _ intermediary rate of contributions, which would entitle him to a scale of benefits on a similar scale. The scheme received the hearty support of delegates present, and Court Sir George Bowen was congratulated on the scheme suggested. It was unanimously decided to increase the honorarium allowed to the District Secretary, who, it was generally recognised, had placed all personal activities to one side and concentrated on Forestry work Court Loyal Feilding won the Smithson bhield for the largest increase of membership. An application from Court William Gladstone for the confirmation of the. use of the American Ritual, which had been given provisional sanction, was granted unanimously. A recommendation was forwarded to the Dominion Council of Forestry in connection with hospital benefits. The election of district officers resulted as follows: D.C.R. Bro. W. H. Wilson, D.S.C.R. Bro. J. S. Dunnett, D.T. Bro. \. Mai-k (re-elected), D. Sec. Bro. A. W. O. Travers (re-elected), D.S.W. Bro. A. S. Moulynox, D.J.W. Bro. F. W. gr ?enfield, D.S.B. Bro. F. L."Parsonage, D.J.B. Bro. F. W. Ward. • The ceremony of installation wns impressively carried out by the installing ofheer, P.D.C.R. Bro. G. Keys, the oldest surviving Forester in the Wellington district. The retiring District Chief Ranger was presented with the customary jewel and neck ribbon and diploma of the Oder. The meeting closed with the usual honours to the Chief Ranger. A dinner was held at Dustin's last evening, when the delegates and visitors were entertained. Bro. W. H. Wilson, P.C.R., presided. A lengthy toast list was carried out, and among the toasts honoured were those of the Registrar of Friendly Societies (Mr. R. Witherford) and the actuary (Mr. C. Gostelow). A varied musical programme helped to pass an enjoyable evening.