ODDFELLOWSHIP

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 17 February 1942, Page 3

ODDFELLOWSHIP

NELSON DISTRICT BUSINESS AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE I The annual conference of Hie Nelson District. M.U.1.0.0.F.. was held at. the j Oddfellows’ Hall, YVaimca street, on | Saturday. The D.G.M. Bro. Cl. Scott presided. In Ins address to Iho brethren the D. expressed regret at the abi senco of the Deputy Grand Master Bro V. W. O. Smith who had been laid j aside with a serious illness. A year ago | Bro Smith had been elected Deputy Grand Master s.» that he would be the I Centennial Grand Master, but lie had i had to resign from office on medical ; advice. The D.G.M. expressed the hope | that Bro Smith would speedily be rcj stored to good health. Official visits had been made to the : city lodges including the Wakatu Juvenile Lodge. The D.G.M. paid a tribute to the good feeling and spirit of harmony existing, between the lodges during these difficult times. He also paid a compliment; to the Superintendent of the Juvenile Lodge, Bro C. R Hammond, and his assistants on the great success of that lodge. He had pleasure in presenting the district medal to Bro Brian Simpson and the other prizes at the lodge's 59th anniversary. Congratulations were offered to the Past Grands Lodge which it was stated was doing a noble work and a call was | made to all past grands to support the lodge. A Centennial publication entitled ‘A Century of Progress. ’ edited by Bro Professor H. W. Gcurlay. would soon be in the hands of members. The section in this publication dealing with the past century of Oddfellowship in the Nelson district was prepared by Bro F. W. O. Smith and the whole was a notable record of the order’s progress from the pioneering days when the Loyal Nelson Lodge was established on 7th April, 1842 up to the present day. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE’S REPORT The report of the management committee showed that the numerical strength for the district had dropped by 22 during the year. Figures:—new members 17; lost by death 18; lost by arrears 19; transfers 2. How the war was going to affect the finances was not yet very apparent. The amount of sick pay paid out for the year was £2251 16s Bd, j which was slightly less than last year. Funeral benefits paid out were £3BO. The amount paid out to widows and orphans was £631 12s Gd. The report stated that the thanks of the district were due to Bro C. G. Reynish and to the social committees of the Loyal Nelson and Howard Lodges for the great work being done for Oddfellowship in the district. It was resolved to place on record our appreciation of the services of the late Bro James Armstrong who. for 33 years was treasurer of the Loyal Nelson Lodge. BALANCE SHEET The balance sheet showed the funds to be in a sound condition. They were well invested and great praise was extended to the trustees for the efficient handling of the finances of the district. The consolidated sick fund of the district stands at £36.169 7s 8d; widows' and orphans’ fund. £19.240 Os 9d: lodge investment fund, £3.333 5s 3d; management relief fund, £2500; management fund. £25 2s Id; benevolent fund, £389 5s 3d; centenary fund, £59 10s Bd. Much discussion arose out of remits by the Howard Lodge about official sick visitors and it was finally decided to refer the matter to the management committee. ELECTION OF OFFICERS The following officers were elected; — District Grand Master, Bro A. G. Stewart: deputy, Bro R. Simpson; 1.P.D.G.M., Bro G. Scott; committee of management P.D.G.M.’s Bros W. Anderson. C E. Hammond, C. G. Reynish. jG. S. Coleman and P.G. Bro. G. L. Housiaux; arbitration committee: P.D.G.M.’s Bros M .L. Anderson, C. E. Hammond, W. Anderson, G. V. Stade, and P.G. G. L. Housiaux; auditors, Bros E. J. Curry and W. Anderson; Warden and Relieving Officer, Bro D. D. Merritt: Lodge Book Examiners: Bros M. L. Anderson and D. D. Merritt; delegate to 8.M.C.: Bro D. D. Merritt. The Grand Secretary, Bro J. L. Stewart, then installed the newly-elect-ed officers for the centennial year. I It was resolved that the retiring j Grand Master, Bro G. Scott, be presented with a P.D.G.M. collar and his name placed on the honours board. HELD OFFICE PREVIOUSLY Owing to the retirement of the Deputy Grand Master P.D.G.M. Bro F. W. O. Smith, P.D.G.M. Bro A C. Slewart was unanimously elected District Grand Master for the centennial year. Bro Stewart was previously D.G.M. in j 1920. = =