I.O.O.F. LODGE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22464, 20 October 1947, Page 7

1.0.0. F. LODGE

GRAND MASTER’S VISIT MEMBERSHIP LOSS HALTED The installation of officers of the Star of Gisborne Lodge, 1.0.0. F., and the visit of the grand master of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand attracted an attendance of over 100 members of the East Coast district. Amongst the visitors were the Rev. Bro. Lilley, of Hinemoa Lodge, Helensville .and Mr. G. Wright, N.G., of Huia Lodge, Hawera. The installation was carried out by the D.D.G.M., Mr. P. Rohan, assisted by Mr. E. Prince. D.D., grand marshal and past grands of the Tolaga Bay lodge. Those installed were: Noble grand, Mr. Allan Masemann; vice-grand, Mr. A. B. Priestley; secretary, Mr. C. L. Harvey; treasurer, Mr. J. English, jun.; past grand. Mr. C. C. Evans; appointed officers, Messrs. H. A. Dear, Eric Wilcox. W. Mason, R. D. Moore, R. Skilton, A. Bradfield, J. A. Pearce, A. Wright. C. Masemann, W. Davison and A. Innes. The grand master, Mr. W. Greenslade. who ■ is also secretary of the Ridgely Lodge. Christchurch, which has a membership of over 450, congratulated this district on its general standard and enthusiasm. It was regrettable that the introduction of social security benefits combined with the war conditions had caused a loss of membership, but this had now been halted and membership of the order had shown a slight increase during the last year. There were 130 male and 78 Rebekah lodges in the New Zealand jurisdiction, with a membership of 13,900. Over £20,000 had been paid out during the year for sickness benefits and £3400 for other benefits to members. Room For Friendly Society Work He stated that the greatest difficulty the order had to contend with was the widespread idea that the State could be relied on for all necessary benefits, and maintained that no matter how good the social security system might be, there was room and need for friendly society work in every community, and appealed to every members to endeavour to build up the membership, which was dependent upon their personal efforts. He reviewed the newly-intrdouced assurance benefits, including child endowment, at premiums much lower than those of assurance companies, a'iso the credit and investment scheme with loans to members for special purposes, with low, regular repayments A guaranteed return of 2 i per cent on shares had been exceeded, many loans had been made, and the scheme promised to be of great use to members. With regard to the child endowment, no further premiums were payable after the death of the parent or guardian and the full amount subscribed for was payable at the grid of the term. The grand master presented Mr. H. Kennedy with a bar to the veteran’s jewel as an appreciation of services rendered from the Mangapopa lodge.

The function was attended by a large number of Rebekah lady members, including a contingent from Tolaga Bay, and a programme of dancing followed the serving of supper.