Welcome to Friendly Society Delegates

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 65, 18 March 1937, Page 4

Welcome to Friendly Society Delegates

BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF ODDFELLOWS. The delegates attending the biennial conference of the Independent Order of Oddfellows of New Zealand, at present being held in Palmerston North, were extended a civic welcome by the Alayor (Mr. A. E. Mansford) yesterday morning. “I am indeed pleased to extend to your Grand Alaster and delegates attending this 45th session of the Grand Lodge, a very warm and sincere welcome on behalf of the citizens of Palmerston North,” stated the Alayor. *' The history of your Lodge shows that branches were formed very early in the history of this Dominion—almost as soon as the early settlers statred to make their homes —and this seems to be the story that unfolds itself the world over as far as Friendly Societies are concerned. The age of connecting links of the different Lodges is hidden in the tomb of the past, for was it not the Greek philosopher, Plato, who said, speaking of Lodges, ‘These mysteries were establshed by men of great genius who, in the early ages, strove to teach purity, to stop cruelty, to refine manners and morals, and to restrain society by stronger bonds than those which human laws imposed.’ Now, when wc consider a statement such as that made hundreds of years ago, we appreciate the antiquity of the Friendly Society movement. To come to more modern times, we find the Frinedly Societies’ funds in Great Britain are well over £100,000,000, and in our own little Dominion the Friendly Societies’ funds are over £4,000,000. ‘ ‘ The economic catastrophe from which this Dominion, with the rest of the World, is just emerging, must have convinced those in authority of the immense benefit to mankind that Friendly Societies render the world over. For instance, in the year 1935, the Friendly Societies in New Zealand disbursed by way of sick, funeral, medical and medicine benefits no less a sum than £368,901, and this sum increases annually. ‘ ‘ A distinctive feature which is peculiar to the Independent Order of Oddfellows is tho fact that the benelit funds of all Lodges are consolidated, being under the control of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. This affords an excellent guarantee of solvency to the smaller branches, as well as t?> the largest. The Independent Order of Oddfellows of New Zealand, which is affiliated with the Independent Order of Oddfellows of Australasia, has been establish in New Zealand since 1862. There are 233 branches, situated in every province and in most of the towns of the Dominion, from the Bay of Islands to tho Bluff. The total membership is 18,116, including the Rcbekah branch for women, of which there are 82 Lodges, with a membership of 4,059. Tho funds of the society exceed £440,000, which, according to the Government Actuary, shows a surplus in the sick and funeral funds of £121,511, a portion of which has been appropriated by way of 3ick benefits. Members may transit to ny Lodge in New Zealand or to the Australian States without losing any advantage of past membership. This in itself is a distinct advantage. “Sick, funeral, medical, chemist and hospital benefits are provided for members and their wives and dependents up to 16 years of age. In 1936 sick claims amounting to approximately £20,000 were paid to members, which clearly indicates the great work that Friendly Societies are doing by affording relief and giving protection against the risk of sickness. A member joining a Friendly Society not merely guards against loss of earning powor, but is protected against the risks of sickness, being able to obtain adequate medical, dispensary and hospital service for himself, his wife and his children.

“The Independent Order of Oddfellows has for its objects more than tho offering of material benefits to its members, for apart from the transaction of Lodge business, members engage in ritualistic, educational and social evenings. The society is nonpolitical and non-sectarian. Members of any party or creed may meet as Oddfellows for the uplift of their fellowmen. The educational aspect of Oddfellowship is also a large factor in fitting members to become more useful citizens by a training which it affords in public speaking and chairmanship of moetings. The influence of Oddfellowship tends to develop and mould tho character of young men who, in many cases, find it of immense value in future life. This factor, joined with the inculcation of the spirit of thrift and the habit of making provision for the care of those who may be dependent upon them, is a sufficient reason why it should be the aim of every young man to become a member of a Friendly Society. 4 ‘ The Independent Order of Oddfellows in New Zealand is a branch of world-wide friendly and benefit Society, its international organisation being a most valuable featuro. Tho Grand Lodge Lodge of New Zealand is chartered b ythe Grand Lodge of Australasia, which is the supreme body, having its own jurisdiction. The Grand Lodge of Australasia is comprised of representatives of the Australian States, Tasmania, and the Domin ion of New Zealand The result of this organisation and affiliation is that any ol ! its members by a reciprocal agreement between the Grand Lodge of tho Australian States and the Grand Lodgo of New Zealand may transfer fo any Australian States and vice versa, without losing any of tho advantages, as i mentioned before, of past membership. “I trust that the delegates attending this 48th session will take advantage of their visit to see the beauty spots aud places of interest in our city and surrounding district. “I sincerely trust that, tho result of your deliberations wil be added interest and benefits to your Lodge, and I hope that, when you leave Palmerston North, you will take away with you very happy recollections of your stay here, and I again extend to you the warm-