FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 143, 21 May 1925, Page 11

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

WANGANUI DISTRICT, M.U., 1.0.0. F. The half-yearly meeting of the management committee of tlie above was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Mangaweka, on Tuesday, May 19. Present: D.G.M. Bro. W. S. Hawkins (Wanganui), D.D.G.M. Bro A. H. Gray (Raetihi), D.S. Bro. I. Salek (Wellington), D.T. Bro. W. H. Harris (Wanganui), and Bros. E. Liddle (Wanganui), S. J. Watson (Palmerston North), T. Fowell (Apiti), and R. Howden (Taihape). 't he Grand Master explained that the meeting had been fixed to be held at Mangaweka with a view of bringing before the members of the lodge tho object of taking a keen interest in the order, and also strengthening their membership. A meeting had been held at Marten the previous evening, when tho dispensation had been presented to the lodge there. He was pleased to report that the progress that was being made at Marten was a credit to the district. Since Easter the Grand Master of the New Zealand Branch (Bro. A. G. Shrimpton) had paid official visits to tho Loyal Wanganui and Manawatu Lodges, and had delivered interesting addresses to the members. The visit had been greatly appreciated. Apologies for absence were received from Bros. T. Bruce (Palmerston N.), J. Sherwin (Taihape), R. Jones (Ohakune).

A vote of appreciation was passed to the Grand Master (on the motion of Bros. Liddle and Watson) for renovating and re-lettering the case for the new dispensation for the Loyal Marton Lodge..

The district secretary reported that a new rule had been registered providing for benefits from date of membership. After the luncheon adjournment, Bro. J. Dawkins, secretary of the Loyal Rangitilcei Lodge, was in attendance, and reported upon the position in regard to membership. The finances were in an exeelient position. As a result of the surplus appropriation, several members were exempt from contributions to the sick and funeral fund, whilst the highest amounts were three shillings and fourpance per quarter. The credit of the fund was L 2439 3s lOd.

Bro. W. J. Hamilton, a member of the local lodge, attended and went into details in regard to the necessary guarantee for medical benefits.

During the afternoon the benefits were explained respecting the introduction of new members, and it was reported that several residents would be willing to join the lodge.

Bro. Harris moved, and Bro. Howden seconded, that it be a recommendation to the trustees of the Loyal Rangitikei Lodge to dispose of the hall property.—Carried. Oil the motion of Bros, Harris and Liddle, it was decided that a deputation from the management committee interview Dr. Blakewell in reference to the acceptance of the members of the local lodge.

A letter was received from a membei

of a Home lodge in reference to his two sons who had come out to Flock House, and on the motion of Bros. Watson and Fowell, it was decided to pay the contributions of tlie two lads from date of initiation until they became 21 years of age, and then the membership to be continued by the two young lads. Permission was granted to the Loyal Wanganui Lodge to escablish a Post Grands’ Lodge, on the motion of tho Grand Master, seconded by Bro. Howden.

On the request of the Loyal Wanganui Lodge, Bro. Liddle was nominated for tlie position of a director on the New Zealand branch. This was agreed to on the motion of Bros. Harris, and Watson.

Bro. Harris moved: That the society requests tho Minister of Friendly Societies to amend Section 36 of the Friendly Societies Act by which the annual returns may be completed to November 30th of each year. —Seconded by Bro. Watson and carried. I Bro. Liddle moved, and Bro. Harris seconded, that general rule 4 par. 2, be air ended, to provide for the appointment of deputies upon the following basis: Each district under 500 members the privilege of sending one deputy, and next 500 one deputy, and for each additional 1000 members or part thereof ohs additional deputy.—Carried. Brc. Wutson moved, and Bro. Howden seconded, that the Government be requested to appoint a capawle and efficient officer, preferably a member of a friendly society, to annually visit the lodges of tho several societies in the Dominion to conduct an audit of accounts and funds, and for their services a special fee be charged to lodges.—Carried. The district and lodge balance-sheets were accepted. In tlie evening a meeting of the Loyal Rangitikei Lodge was held, when several matters of importance were discussed. Five candidates were proposed for membership, and four other prospective candidates were referred to. The next meeting of the lodge will be held on Thursday, May 21st,