ODDFELLOWS’ EXECUTIVE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 107, 2 April 1930, Page 8

ODDFELLOWS’ EXECUTIVE.

annual conference. SITTINGS RESUMED The annual meeting of the Dominion executive of the Independent Order ot Oddfellows was contmueU yesterday in the Orient Hail. The Grand Master tor New Zealand, Bro. D. F. Smillie, of Palmerston North, presided, and the following officers were present: Bro. J. I. G. Somerville (Balciutha), Deputy Grand Master; Bro. A. J. Guy (Auckland), Grand Warden; Bro. W F. Urooke (Dunedin), Grand Secretary; Bro. L. Deans Ritchie (Dunedin), Grand Treasurer; Bro. \V. H. Simmons (Christchurch), Immediate Past Grand Master. One of the most important reports considered in recent years was submitted by a special committee set up by the Grand Lodge of New Zealand consisting of the G.L. executive and Bro. D. R. Cooper, Past Grand Master (Auckland) and Bro. G. F. Rudkin (Wellington). This report dealt fully with tho revision of the whole of the system of book-keeping and returns of Grand Lodge and of the male and female branches and boards of control in New Zealand. After careful consideration, the report was adopted. In consequence, there should be a distinct advance in the standard of efficiency of the book-keeping and audit of lodges without increasing the work of the secretaries of branches, which is the backbone of the whole friendly societies’ movement. It was resolved to make a grant towards the New Zealand Obstetrical Fund which was considered to be a national movement of the widest importance.. Amongst the important matters to receive the consideration of the Grand Lodge executive are questions of policy affecting the welfare and benefits of the 17,000 members of the Order in New Zealand (which cannot be published at this stage). The visiting officers will bo the guests of the Orient Lodge this evening, when a very large gathering of sisters and brethren is expected from the lodges of the North Wellington district, who will assemble to meet the Grand Master officers of the Grand Lodgo of New Zealand. The Grand Sire, Bro. L. Deans Ritchie, will be welcomed officially and will deliver an address on Oddfellowship. The conference will terminato on Thursday. VISIT TO' FEILDING. On Monday evening, the Grand Lpdge officers attended a meeting of tho United Encampment at Feilding and met a large numbor of the local brethren and visitors from Wanganui, Bulls, Taihapo and surroundings districts. Bro. Edgar Hosking, C.P., presided. During tho evening Bro. L. Deans Ritchie, Grand Sire of the Grand Lodge of Australasia, was received officially, and delivered an eloquent and inspiring address on Oddfellowship in tho Southern Seas, which will long be remembered by all present. Tho Grand Sire referred to the tremendous fraternal advantages which accrued from boing associated with a world-wide brotherhood such as the Independent Order of Oddfellows, and paid a high tribute' to tho outstanding services rendered by Bro. D. F. Smillie, Grandmaster, not only in the North Wellington district, but in the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. After the meeting, a happy and wellorganised function was enjoyed. A lengthy toast list was honoured, and a galaxy of interesting speeches of a high standard wero interspersed with musical items. The Grand Officers returned to Palmerston North after spending a memorable evening, which was thoroughly appreciated by the visitors.’