WORKERS’ FRIENDLY ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 21317, 23 January 1933, Page 7

WORKERS’ FRIENDLY ASSOCIATION

WEEKLY MEETIKG The weekly meeting of the Dunedin Workers’ Friendly Association was held in tho Town Hall, North-cast Valley, on Thursday. There was a good attendance of members, and a most/enjoyable evening was spent. The following office-bearers were present:— Bro. I. Garnon (president), Bro. G. Croxford (vice-president), Bro. C. Gray (secretary), Bro. J. Beadle (treasurer), Bros. R. M’Lcod and Pci owe (auditors). Ten new members were nominated, and ballotted for, the result of which will be communicated to each before the next regular meeting. The secretary of tthc Social Committee (Bro. Hayward) outlined the proposed activities of his committee for the future, and it was decided to give him every support. Bro. Sands was elected to a special office in connection with the association, and lie will act under the authority of the association’s seal.

,In addressing the new members, the President saidf—“ Brethren, you have made a solemn declaration that you will at all times support the constitution of the association, to the utmost of your power, and I desire now to Inako quite clear the basis and objects of the association, and I appeal to each of you to'become worthy members, at all times seeking to do that what is commendable. honest and clean, in tho sight of all men. In so doing you will exhibit the true designs, of our association which shall be composed of an unlimited number of members, whose, admission shall be regulated by no other test’'than general character. They shall be united and resolved to the utmost of their power, to support the lawful claims of any member of tho community, and provide a means of defence against any system which may prove detrimental to our social advancement. The association will not bind itself to support any definite political body, but it will organise to the utmost of its power, to defeat any party whose policy is not framed to assist toward better social conditions, and for that purpose, educational classes will be formed, in order to develop a true knowledge of all matter wnich deals with the social condition, the relations and institutions, which are involved in man’s existence, and his well-being as a member of an organised community. Siich classes will deal with matters relating to pubjic hpalth, education, labour, punishment of crime, reformation of criminals, pauperism, and the like, the effect of existing social forces, and their result on tho general wellbeing of the community. The association is also formed for the mutual advantage of its members, and is based on the principle that it is by the contribution of the savings of its members to two common funds, namely, management fund and benevolent fund, that the most effective and efficient provision can be made, for furthering our social condition, a ini for providing relict for the sick, distressed, and bereaved. The association shall also provide means for social relaxation, in t eluding social evenings, concerts, musical festivals, and all other lawful entertainments, from which funds may be obtained for the purpose of providing propaganda, and . further benevolence. In short, the basis of the association shall be to develop a spirit of goodfollowship amongst its members, political interest, a desire for social advancement, bringing together all classes of .workers within the common bond of justice, providing . relief for the sick, afflicted, and bereaved, and combining to light by all lawful . means, ariy tyrannical policy which tends to suppress and keep in. bondage any member of the community.” ■ ,fn conclusion the ■’President said:— ’ Brethren, you have promised that you will not give offence to any because of their political beliefs, or he party to anything which may result in the association being brought into disrepute. Bo linn to your promise, and by 'constitutional -methods win ’ now members for the association. By so doing yon will not only bo of service to the association, but also do service to the whole community-. By strong determination, performing all things decently and in order, wc shall verv •soon become a wonderful power for good, and a benefit to our country,” -A very pleasant evening was brought to a close by Bro. Beal (door-keeper), who rendered musical items.