RECHABITE CONFERENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 72, 26 March 1940, Page 14

RECHABITE CONFERENCE

The Independent Order of Rechabites, New Zealand Central District No. 86 opened their triennial conference in the Trades Hall, Vivian Street, on Saturday, when district officers and delegates from all parts' of New Zealand were present. The District Chief Ruler, Bro. G. Skipworth (Invercargill), in his address, said he regretted exceedingly that they were meeting with the shadow of war over the country. The district officers had given consideration to the question of contributions of soldier members, and pending a decision by the council, had agreed to keep all members going overseas good on the books. The Social Security Act, said Bro. Skipworth, came into operation. on April 1 last, anc?. despite assurances to the contrary, had detrimentally affected the membership, as was the case with all similar organisations.1 Notwithstanding the war and the difficulties they were confronted with, it was his desire that during the next three years, they should keep before them the noble cause they represented and make every endeavour, not only to maintain their membership, but to again bring about an increase in'numbers.

It was announced that Riccarton Tent, Christchurch, had won the District Shield for 1939, and also the Sisters Banner, while Aorangi Juvenile Tent. Invercargill, claimed the Rash Shield.