ODDFELLOWS’ ORDER

Grey River Argus, 18 March 1942, Page 8

ODDFELLOWS’ ORDER

CONFERENCE AT REEFTON The annual conference of the United Westland District M.U.1.0.0.F. was held in Reefton on Saturday. Delegates were present from all the Lodges on the West Coast. The District Grand Master, Bro. Ralph Lowe of Westport, presided. The other district officers present were: Bro. R. Jameson, Deputy D.G.M.; Bro. T. C. Dellaca, Immediate Past D.G.M.; and Bro. Geo. M. Powell, P.D.G.M., District Secretary. The delegates were welcomed by Bro. John McGregor, N.G. of the Loyal Reefton Lodge. ... .. The report of the committee ot management disclosed that the finances of the district were in satisfactory condition, the district consolidated fund having a credit balance ot nearly £26,000, an increase of £450 on last year’s figures. This was considered highly satisfactory in view of the heavy sickness benefits paid. During the year £1302 was paid in sick benefits and £9O in funeral benefits, this being the highest amount for many years. It was to be regretted that the membership, owing to war conditions, showed a steady decline. . , The medical service for and their dependents was now assuming a workable form, satisfactory to the medical profession and the members. „ This year’s conference was held on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Loyal Reefton Lodge. The first meeting for the establishment of a branch of the M.U.1.0.0.r. in Reef ton was convened by the late Bro. Charles Mirfin, J'.P., an Oddfellow of many years’ standing. The meeting was held in Barker’s Hotel on the Strand, on February 20, 187*.. Bro. C. Mirfin was voted to the chair and it was unanimously resolved to form a branch of the Order in Reefton. The necessary proceedings were taken and the Lodge was opened m real West Coast style. For some years meetings were held in Slattery’s Hall (now Dawson’s), Lower Broadway.,, Since its establishment the Loyal Reefton Lodge has been a sheet anchor to many of those engaged in quartz mining, more especially those who contracted miners’ phthisis and at a comparatively early age were unable to follow their occupation. Notwithstanding this heavy drain on its funds the Reefton Lodge, due to careful management, was one of the surplus lodges on the Coast, and, when consolidation was. effected, handed over considerable assets to the consolidated fund. This conference also marked the 50th anniversary of the initiation of the Lodge Secretary, Bro. J. B. Auld P.D.G.M. and complimentary re-

marks were expressed on the long period of practical service rendered in every possible capacity by this brother. i , In the evening a banquet was held in Mrs Joseph’s tearooms. A pleasant hour of toasts and music was spent. During the proceedings a Past District Grand Master’s Jewel was presented to Bro. T. C. Dellaca, who had just completed "a busy term as ,a Grand Lodge officer.