ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 16 February 1935, Page 4

ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS

DISTRICT ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Nelson District of the Ancient Order of Foresters was held in the F’oresters’ Hall, Colli ngwood street, Nelson, on Thursday. The meeting opened at 10 a.m.. the D.C.R. Bro. W. H. Ching, presiding, assisted by Bro. A. C. Duncan (Westport) as D.S.C.R. There was a full attendance of officers and delegates from each Court in the district. Tho D.C.R. read the Roll of Honour of those brethren who had given their lives in the Great War, tho brethren standing to order of fidelity. Bro. Seautlebury referred to the loss the district had sustained during the past year, in the death of three active

members of the Order—Bros. Alborougli (Court Pride of the Forest), Easdale and Franks (Court Robin Hood). He stated that each of the brethren had been regular attendants at the past district meetings, and had held offices of irusc. He especially referred to the late Bro. Easdale, who had acted as auditor ftr many years. had not only ta*con an active interest in Forestry, but also in educational and Masonic matters. It could certainly be said of him that what his hand found to do, he did \v,th all his might. Ho moved, that it be recorded on tho minutes the excellent work these brethren had done in the interests of Forestry, and that a letter of sympathy be sent to the relatives. Bro. Moffatt seconded tho motion, and made reference to the work done by tho three brethren, who had proved themselves good Foresters and also excellent citizens. Bros. Withers and Crispin also spoke.

The motion was carried, the brethren standing. The auditors’ report and the financial statement were read and adopted. D.C.R. presented his report, and in reviewing the past year’s transactions, noted that the funds of the district and Courts had increased during the year by £632, the total worth of funds being £49,623. The number of financial members was 671. During the year there had been nine members who had died and four members’ wives, £325 having been paid as funeral allowance. Sick pay amounting to £1896 12s had been paid, an average of £2 16s 6d per member ; for medical attendance the sum of £930 11s 4d had been paid. At the end of the year the average worth of funds per member was £73 19s. National Provident Fund: During the year 20 maternity claims amounting to £ll6 had been paid. Tho report was received and the D.C.R. was accorded a vote of thanks

It was decided on the motion of Bro. Perkins that the matter of levies be left in the hands of the district officers. If considered necessary the levies are to be graduated as in the last year. Bros. Huggins, Ching .and Moore were appointed to fill the vacancies on the arbitration committee, and Bro. Stiles was appointed trustee. Bros. Cheel and Roper were elected auditors. A resolution was carried that if a re* quest l e received by the district officers from the secretary of Court Perseverance, the officers be empowered to go over and meet the members of the Court. Bro. A. C. Duncan was duly elected D.C.R. and Bro. Selby, D.S.C.R., and were duly installed. .