ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7632, 26 January 1903, Page 2

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

CONFERENCE AT TAIHAPE. LODGE ORDERED TO CANCEL REGULATIONS. The annual meeting of the Wanganui District, 1.0.0. F., M.U., was held at Taihape on Friday, 23rd inst. Present —G.M., Bro. E. Liddle (Wanganui); D.G.M., Bro. G. M. Sherson (Mangaweka) ; C.S., Bro. I. Salek (Wanganui). The following delegates were also in attendance: —Wanganui, Bros. Bamber, Martin, Winslade and Wright; Palmerston North, Bros. T. C. Sherson (acting), Relf and Watson; Feilding, Bros. Parker and Aitken; Mangaweka, Bro. Sherf; Ohingaiti, Bro. Anso; Apiti, Bro. Pauson; Taihape, Bro. Darvill. It was decided to call upon the Loyal Wanganui Lodge to cancel their present registrations, and re-register under the Wanganui District, failing compliance within one month a fine of £5 to be imposed. The Corresponding Secretary submitted his report, traversing the progress of the District during the past year. The following are extracts from same:-— Wanganui District.—Membership, 537 (increase of 29); funds, £11,686 (increase of £673). Wanganui Lodge—The funds of this Lodge amount to £8,546, which is an increase of £335 for the year. Notwithstanding, the very large amount of £385 has been paid away on sick claims to the members of the Lodge, of which there are 209, showing an increase of twelve members. The funds of this Lodge are well invested, nearly £4000 is on mortgage of freehold property, and over £4000 in land aud buildings, from which large revenues are derived. This Lodge received £612 from investments for the year. Bro. Wright is still secretary, and is greatly respected by all the members. Palmerston Lodge—This Lodge is worth £1528, an increase of £165 for the year. £55 has been paid away for sickness benefits, not a very large amount, and shows that the Lodge has a fine lot of healthy members. The funds are well invested ; £1100 on mortgage, £240 in Lodge property, and the balance, £188 is in hand awaiting | investment. Over £50 was received [for interest. The membership is 120, an increase of eight. The Lodge is fortunate hi retaining the services of Mr Watson as secretary, as he is most prompt with his returns, and is always anxious to increase the strength ef the Lodge. Feilding Lodge—Bro. Parker is still, secretary of this Lodge, and devotes a deal of time and energy to its welfare.! The total funds are £602, which shows ' an mcrese of £86 for the year. £40 has been expended on sick claims. The membership, 80, is exactly as it was last year. £280 is invested on mortgage, £181 in Lodge buildings, and the balance is in hand. Ohingaiti Lodge—Bro. Green still acts as secretary, and Mr Brown is entitled to the thanks of the district for his interest in Oddfellowship. The Lodge continues to make good progress, and the funds amount to £362, an increase of £36. The membership is 37, a loss of i one member on the year's working. £42 has been expended on sick claims. | Apiti Lodge—The total funds are : £208, an increase of £42. Membership 1 42, an increase of eight. Sick claims ! amount to £29. This is a very good year's work for this Lodge, and Bro. Nix, that veteran secretary, is to be complimented upon the result of his labour. Mangaweka Lodge—The total funds are £208, an increase of £7. The membership 34, an addition of two members. £32 has been paid away on sick claims. Bro. Sherson acts as secretary in place of Bro. Macdonald, who is on a visit to England. Taihape Lodge—This is our" youngest Lodge, and the funds amount "to £101, which has increased £18. There are 15 members, showing a loss of two. Bro. Darvill still continues as secretary, and it is to be hoped as settlement progresses the Lodge will be strengthened. It was decided to allow members of other Orders to pay their contributions through other Lodges in the district, also to extend the medical benefits to same. The proposal to become a branch under the New Zealand Movable Committee, and to have the district registered as such was defeated. The motion was supported by nine delegates, and opposed by four—but as it required a three-fourth majority, the motion was lost. The meeting resolved to reduce the initiation fee to 2s 6d (with the first quarter's contribution payable in advance). Bro. G. W. Sherson (Mangawcka) was elected G.M., and Pro. C. Aitken (Feilding) D.G.M. Both officers were installed into their respective positions by P.P.G.M. Bro. Bamber in most appropriate terms. It was decided to hold the July melting at Feilding. Several questions of importance :n reference to the rules were touched upon by the delegates. It was decided to present tho retiring G.M., Bro. E. Lidflle, with a pair of ( framed emblems, that his photo be taken, and that his name be placed upon the District Merit Board. Levies of Is 3d to the management fund and 3d to the funeral fund were ordered, several accounts passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned after the minutes had been read and confirmed. At the conclusion of the bushiess, the visiting delegates and officers were entertained by the Loyal Hautapu Lodge, ' when a number; of toasts.- were duly lh°iwred. <