I O.O.F., M.U.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 173, 25 January 1897, Page 2

I 0.0. F ., M.U.

WANGANUI DISTRICT. The annual meeting of the Wanganni district 1.0.0. F., M.U. was held in the Oddfellows' chambers on Friday, commencing at 4 p.m. Lodges from Pal« merston, Feilding, Apiti, Obingaiti, Mangaweka and Wanganui were present. The secretary, Bro I. Salek, read his report, giving a quantity of statistics upon the progress of the district, as follows : -" Worthy Grand Master, D.G.M. and delegates.— Once more I have tbe honour of welcoming you as delegates assembled from all parts of the district to meet in Wanganui for tbe annual meeting to transact tbe business connected with our order. lam pleased to inform you that tbe lodges hare been working regularly and well, and in all caned beve proved to be in a prosperous and healthy condition. Tbe secretaries are entitled to a word of praise for the interest taken in all matters of importance to Oddfellows' and tbe excellent manner in which they have carried ont their duties. I regret to report that owing to many circumstances the registration of tbe bye laws of the Rangitikei and Apiti lodges has not yet been completed. Considerable correspondence has passed between the Registrar and myself, with the result that tbe laws are now in the bands of tbe printer, tbe proof of which will be sent on for registration. The first number of the Oddfellows' Magazine has appeared, edited by P.P.G.M. Bro. Quin, of Wanganui. It is well got up and contains a vast amount of useful reading, and the journal reflects the greatest credit upon tbe proprietor. I think some practical assistance should be extended, as it will be found of very great benefit to thiß district and useful to the lodges. It will be seen by tbe returns of the different lodges for tbe last 12 months that the membership now stands at 429, an increase of 37. The most remarkable returns are those from Feilding where the Manchester Lodge is held. This lodge, though not remarkable for its strength, is entitled to tbe credit of having initiated more new members, proportionally, than any ether lodge i» tbe district, but unfortunately they ilso head the list for loss of members. Their returns show 17 admitted and 20 retired, but still tbe lodge is making good progress financially. From tbe figures below it will be seen that the value of the Wanganui district is - Sick fund, £ 5878 11s 8d management fund, £2010 10s 8d ; district fund, £124 lls, or a total value of £8013 12s lid, which is an increase of £891 to the sick fund, notwithstanding the very large sum of £416 distributed for sick claims during the year. Wanganut tops the scale at the average age of members, 37 ; Apiti and Feilding the lowest, 26 each. The business to be brought before you is mostly routine and does not require any special reference. Tbe books and balance-sheet will now be laid before you and any information will be willingly given." Motions to adopt No 2 table, female lodges, and making the annual meeting moveable was negatived. Feilding was appointed the next place of meeting. Bro Neverman was elected Grand Master, and Bro Saywell D.G.M. for the ensuing 12 months. Tbe retiring Grand Master, Bro Parker was presented with a Tory handsome pair of framed diplomas, as a slight recognition of his services to tho district. — Chronicle.