MANCHESTER UNITY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 29 April 1937, Page 5

MANCHESTER UNITY

OFFICERS ELECTED AT CONFERENCE AMALGAMATION OF DISTRICTS DISCUSSED lUmteil Press AssueiationJ WELLINGTON, 28th April. The moveable conference of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows was continued yesterday in the Oddfellows’ Hall. The election for society office, held on Monday afternoon, resulted as follows: —Grand Master, Bro. W. McMillan (Auckland); Deputy Grand Master, Bro. N. B. Bellringer (Taranaki); directors. Bros. J. E. Allan, E. W. Guise, C. J. Holsey, N. J. McKay, G. Wilson, and F. A. Smith; auditor, Mr E. W. A. Kellow, F.P.A. (N.Z.); grand trustee, Bro. A. C. Blair (re-elected).

The matter of the appointing of a Grand Trustee in place of the late Bro. V/. H. Madeley, who held such office since 1914, was left in the hands of the directors.

At the morning session, it was resolved that “new members admitted, after registration of this rule, will only be admitted on the understanding that in the event of their becoming eligible for and receiving payment of the miners pension their sickness benefit should be commuted. They shall cease to contribute for or receive sick pay and their sickness surrender value will be assessed and utilised in whole or in part payment, of their funeral and management fund contributions, and/or in providing additional funeral benefit.”

In the matter of the amalgamation of districts it was suggested that a confe'ence be called to see if a fusion could be effected between the northern districts of the South Island, the conference to be between two delegates from each lodge in those districts and !c be presided over by the Grand Master or his representative. The Grand Secietary, it was resoved, should also be present.

Continued consideration of the Grand Master’s report took place, and the national health insurance scheme was fully reviewed, but as nothing of a concrete nature as to the Government scheme is available, no action could be taken.

The Grand Trustees’ report, which set out very fully their activities over the last two years, was dealt with and adopted.