MANCHESTER UNITY

Evening Star, Issue 19319, 4 August 1926, Page 12

MANCHESTER UNITY

Much sickness in the district operated against tho attendance -at Loyal Queen of Otago Lodge, Kaitangata. Much disappointment was expressed at the decision of tho Competitions Committee that female lodges were not eligible to compete. Loyal Prince ot Wales Lodg*. intimated its intention ot paying an official visit on August 6. The question of tho management fund was discussed, and various ... schemes were suggested for its improvement. Eventually the discussion was adjourned. _ ■ _ ; Loyal Princess Mary Lodge, Caversham, was fairly well attended. ihe delegate presented a report ro the annual ball, which had proved extremely successful. The decision of the Competitions Committee that female lodges wore ineligible 'to compete, for the district shield was unfavorably received, and it Was decided to enter a protest. A basket social was arranged for next ]odo-e night, when an official visit will, be received from Loyal Prince of Wales Lodge. Games formed the entertainment of tho evening. , N.G. Bro. Cunningham presided at tho meeting of Loyal Albion Lodge, at Stuart Street Hall. _ The balance-sheet was presented and discussel, the financial position showing improvement. D.P.G.M. Bro. Stabb took opportunity to bestow great praise on the Per. Sec. (Bro, W. Sullivan) for his untiring and tactful work; and also to Treasurer P.G, Bro. S. Smith for his assistance. The evening concluded with a game of cards. Two brethren of Loyal Valley Lodge responded to the visitors’ toast, j Loyal Dunback held its annual ball in fne Coronation Hall, some eighty couples being present. P.P.G.M. Bro. J. A. Robson and Mrs Robson represented tho city lodges. The music was supplied by Price and Stewart, from Dunedin. P.G. Bro, Deem was an {energetic M.C. and arranged a good programme. | Nf.G. Bro. Cowie presided over a large attendance at the Loyal Dunedin Lodge. An official visit was received from Loyal Princess Mary, also from members of Court Woodland’s Pride Lodge of Foresters. The visitors were i warmly welcomed by the N.G. One | candidate was initiated, and the cerel mony, with P.G. Bro. Lawrence as coni ductor and G.M. Bro. Wood as lecture I master, was well rendered, Bro. Arnold j assisting at the piano. A case of distress was reported, and it was resolved that the sick visitors make_ inquiries; and, further, that special vigilance bo exercised among members to ascertain where hardship existed. It was emphasised that this was part of the work of officers and members, and that funds were available for relief. Arrangements were put in hand to, receive an- official visit next lodge night. A progressive euebro match, open to lady .friends, then took- place, and was carried on for two hours, when supper was served and the prizes presented. Loyal Hand and Heart Lodge had a fine attendance at its meeting, when the balance-sheet was presented. Per. Sec. Bro. J. Brown, in commenting on the statement, briefly traced the .progress of the lodge, p.aying a tribute to its founders, its successive officers, and particularly its trustees. ’ Ho stated that he had personally completed fortysix years as the lodge secretary, and was still keenly interested in its welfare. P.G. Bro. Paterson made an explanation in regard to ■ investments, Stressing the fact that there was no outstanding interest due on the total investments on mortgage of £50,323, and that this amount was earning an average rate of 6 per cent, interest. Tho total interest earned during the six months was £1,482. All tho funds were in a healthy condition. Prov. Treas, Bro. A. Sligo andsD.P.G.M. Bro. Stabb addressed the lodge on tho subject of surplus, and several .members made suggestions. The placing of - a sum to increase tho maternity bonus, as suggested by P.G. Bro. P; Austin, met with much favor. Two members were initiated.

The manner of disposal of the amount stated by the actuary as available surplus, some £48,000, is proving an interesting problem for members of the various lodges. Whether such is to bo devoted to decrease contributions, increased benefits, or to be used for entirely charitable objects is receiving careful attention. To assist some country lodges in their deliberations, Prov. G. M. Bro. Clark, D.P.G.M. Bro. P. Stabb, P.P.G.M. Bros. A. Wylie and J. A. Robson made a special visit to Lawrence and Tapanni. They met large gatherings of brethren, and had an especially bright meeting at Lawrence. This meeting, extending till midnight, discussed the question in all its bearings. D.P.G.M. Bro. Stabb, who has made a special study of the subject, delivered addresses. After P.P.G.M. Bro. Robson had dealt with some phases of the question good suggestions were forthcoming. That a sum should be devoted to an increase of maternity bonus or to a subsidy to old age pensioner members or in assistance to widows found special favor. A practical suggestion was also made by P.G. Bro. Arnold, of Tapanni, that the hospital scheme be subsidised to enable it to embrace every member. D.P.G.M. Bro.' Stabb also explained the matter to the Tapanni brethren. The Prov. G.M. was especially welcomed on his first visit to these lodges. Thanks were accorded the visitors at each place, and their visit will doubtless prove of great value to the lodges concerned, ' -