THE ODDFELLOWS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 7 April 1924, Page 5

THE ODDFELLOWS

BIENNIAL CONFERENCE

OPENED IN NELSON

The 12th Biennial Movable Conference of the New Zealand branch Manchester Unity of Oddfellows opened in the Oddfellows’ Hall this morning. There was a very large attendance of brethren. Tiie Grand Master, Bro. W. R. Gahagan presided. : Before the formal business was taken the District Grand Master of tho Nelson District (Bro. A. E. Davies) extended a welcome to the visiting brethren. He expressed gratification at the honour conferred 011 Nelson by lidding the conference here, doubly so on account of the fact that one of the Deputy-Grand Masters, Bro. A. G. Shrimpton was to bo installed as Grand Master. Bro. Davies referred to the fact that the conference was being bold on the 82nd anniversary of the Loyal Nelson Lodge, the pioneer lodge, of New Zealand. He trusted that the visiting brethren would have an enjoyable time and leave the city with pleasant and happy recollections. Musical honours were then accorded the Grandmaster. . In reply, the Grandmaster thanked the local brethren for the very hearty welcome given to the visitors, and said that if the hospitality already extended was a forerunner of what was to come, then they certainly would get more than they had expected. Deputy Grandmaster A. U. cnrimpton occupiied the vice-chair.

THE ROLL CALL

The following brethren answered to their names: — Officers: Grand Master, Bro. W. K. Gahagan; Deputy Grand Master, Bro. A G Shrimpton; Grand Secretary, Bro. G E. Godber; Grand Treasurer, Bro. W. I. Clark. District Deputies: Auckland: Bros. John McLeod. Wm. Thomas, 1. Aitken, !Wm. Dean, W. McMillan, P. A. Syers, G. H. Ambridge, F. A. Smith, W. J. Neels, A. D. Young. Ashburton: Bros. F. W. Watt, F. Pritchard. . „ r Ashley: Bros. James Marshall lx. S MoWeka: Bro. D. L.' A Drummond. Marlborough: Bro. G. Wimsett. Hawkes Bay: Bros. G. D. Hove, G. Love, H. S. M. Quigley, L. Stem. Nelson: Bros. W. D. Harkness and A. Cross. „ T , T Taranalu: Bros. C. W. Allen, A. L. Roberts, D. C. Sole. _ . , North Canterbury: Bros. T. J. Archbold, J. R Merriman, H. E. Morgan, G. J. Cullen, W. Johnston. United Westland: Bros. G. M. Powell, G H. Cruse. ’ 1 Wanganui: Bros. E- Diddle, T. Bruce. Wellington: Bros. P. _M. Smith T. J r. Glcdhill, A. 0. Blair, W. I. Clark, C. J. Do Lacy, W. Madeley. Bro. C. I. Jennings, of Ashlev, who was taken ill in Wellington while on his way to the conference, was excused hem attendance. . , , . . „„„ Bro. Clark was appointed minute secretary and Bro. Syers reporter.

GRANDMASTER’S REPORT

Tho Grandmaster then delivered his motion of Bro .F A Smith the Grandmaster was thanked foi address and it was resolved.that: be incorporated in tho report of the pio ceedings.

OTHER REPORTS

The report of the Grand Master and Beard of Directors was read, and tne various clauses adopted. -A JPe^al vote of thanks was passed to Deputy Grand Master A. G. Shrimpton for his work-in compiling a short historical sketch of the Loyal Nelson Lodge Some criticism arose concerning tne delay of districts in forwarding the annual returns. It was eventually decided that the particular clauses* bearing on the matter bo reconsidered tomorrow. .

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

The statement of accounts was read. The following remit was taken m conjunction therewith: “That the Board recommend to the forthcoming B.M.U that the levy to the Society Management Fund be increased to 6d per member.” In moving the remit Grand Secretary Clark urged that if increased efficiency was to he obtained there must b© an increased levy. , ' u Bro. Pritchard suggested that female members'should be charged half rates; and it was resolved to incorporate this in the clause. ’ j , . Bro. Archibald moved an amendment that all reference dealing with the transfer of monies from the Society s funeral fund be deleted until the funeral fund is being considered*. . At this stage the conference adjourned in order to receive the Mayor of Nelson (Mr Lock) and Mr H .Atmore, M.F.

WELCOME TO THE CITY

District Grandmaster _ A. E. Daviea then introduced the visitors. The Mayor, on behalf of the city, extended a very cordial welcome, not only to the delegates but also to the ladies who accompanied them. He hoped h conference would be attended with great success. Pie reminded them that it was 18 years since the last conference was held here, so he thought they would agree with him that it was quite time they'met in Nelson again. He was particularly pleased to welcome the members of a Society which prompted thrift and sacrifice. The Mayor referred to tho climatic and scenic advantages of Nelson; and went on to mention the establishment of the pioneer Oddfellows Ledge in Nelson 82 years ago and from that small beginning ..the Order had flourished until it had now 25,000 members and accumulated funds amounting to over £I,OOO 000. Mm Mayor also referred to the Bbqra-l benefits derived by members of the Lodge; and to the good spirit which dominated friendly societies. He trusted the delegates would have an enjoyable- time and that the society would go on progressing. (Applfuse). • Mr H. Atmore, M.P., on behalf of the larger district, also extended a welcome. The spirit which animated friendly societies, said Mr Atmore, if H could ho extended so as to include ah the peoples of the world, would overcome many present-day tr-mibles. Mr Atmore went on to trace the origin of friendly societies, tho first known cue which was established in 1712. In regard to the Manchester Unity , of Oddfellows, the speaker said they had carried out much missionary work, and gave some interesting early history thereof. Mr Atmore went on to say that he was not in favour of nationalisation of lodges, hut was in favour of State subsidies —(applause)—as he believed local knowledge was better in the long run. He again, extended a hearty welcome to the delegates, and procised to assist them in any way lie could in his Parliamentary capacity. (Applause). The chairman said he felt very proud

at the welcome extended to delegates, lie was only sorry that moro public men were not more conversant with the great work which friendly societies were carrying out and the great principles on which they were found* cU. They could not separate Oddlellousliip front Christianity, and while this •was so, he felt sure they wore earning along on proper lines, the society also endeavoured to bu-ld up characlei and make good citizens. He thanked Mr Atmoro for his offer ol assistance in Parliament if necessary; and "‘iue 1 'they did not want charity, there were occasions, he thought, when assistance cculd very well be given. In conclusion, he said the delegates were do- . lighted to be in Nelson, and trussed , that the city would continue to pros-

per. (Applause). The honours of the Order were then extended to the Mayor and Mr Atmoro and the lady visitors. AFTERNOON SESSION IThe conference resumed at 2.15, -ivhen Bro. Archibald's -amendment ■was further considered. Bro. Morgan seconded the ajnentll ment, being averse to anytlnng being taken from the funeral fund. iUs own idea was that lodges should contribute Eel instead of 6d, and make the fund sell -supporting. , , Bro. Watt, while admitting the good work done by Bro. Archibald, considered he was a "bit wobbly on finance. He considered that the most practical way was to appropriate a certain -proportion of the excess over

5 per cent for the purpose of the management fund, which must be put on a gcod financial bas'.s. It was wrong, ho 'contended, to .increase the direct levy on members when they had money going to waste in the funeral fund. •Dro. McLeod said the law allowed all over 5 per cent to be taken;, but this was not proposed to be done, lie though the-supporters of the amendment were unnecessarily alarmed. More money must be spent in propaganda if the Manchester Unity want- «; to advance, and this was the most reasonable way to get the money. Bro. Thomas hoped the recommendation made by the Board of directors w-culd bo adopted by an overwhelming majority.' He wished to impress upon the members'that the recommendation had been made by the directors only after full and earnest consideration. It was absolutely necessary that the fund should be loaded to ,i certain extent,for tho management of tho branch. The amendment was put and declared lost;, and, the remit and the Vjlauso thereto in the statement of ac"counts Avas then adopted.