MEMBERSHIP INCREASE

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 23 April 1935, Page 4

MEMBERSHIP INCREASE

J - MANCHESTER UNITY 1.0.0. F. LODGE. REPORT TO CONFERENCE. (By Telegrapn—Press Association.) CHRISTGHURIOH, April 22. The directors’ report presented at the -seventeenth movable conference of the New Zealand branch of the Manchester Unity of the Independent Order of Oddfel.lows s]iowed that there had been a loss of 267 members in 1933 but last- year the position had been retrieved by an increase of 357. At the end of 1934 the membership of the New Zealand branch was 24,390,

The period 1933-34 had been notable for a drop in the return from investments. The net return for 193-4 was £6B less than in 1933, which showed a 'reduction on capital of 3s per cent. During the last two and a-lialf years £24,882 had been distributed to districts and lodges from the surplus in funeral funds. This had allowed lodges and districts to make additional surplus appropriations to augment or establish benevolent funds and to pay unemployed members’ contributions.

The -resolution of the international conference concerning the use of the term order only by the combination of lodges within the domain of the New Zealand branch was adopted.

It was also resolved that the directors further approach districts not now affiliated and that they be empowered to elect delegates and take the necessary steps to secure unity - in NewZealand.