A PROGRESSIVE LODGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13780, 19 June 1908, Page 7

A PROGRESSIVE LODGE.

AMERICA ODDFELLOWS. [itT TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Cii is i stch , Thursday. Mr. Wm. Reid, of Dunedin, grand secretary of the 1.0.0, F., American Constitution, who represented New Zealand at the recent session of the (band Lodge of Australasia, and who was appointed Grand Sire of that body, which is the highest rank in the order, is at present in Christchnrch, and during an interview with a Press reporter he imparted some interesting information regarding the phenomenal growth of the organisation in recent years. "The Grand Lodge of Australasia has jurisdiction over six Stales of Australia," he stated, "and also New Zealand, thus having seven subordinate Grand Lodges under its control. Since the first conference was held iii 1884 the number of lodges has increased from 139 to 390, the membership from 11,785 to 40,542, the funds of the Grand Lodge from £17,360 to £246,498, and of subordinate lodges from £36,231 to £405,485. There were no female lodges in 1884, whereas there are now 78, with a total membership of 4486." Mr. Reid was appointed to represent New Zealand at, the session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge in America in 1909. This is the controlling body, and has six quasi-independent Grand Lodges —Australasia, Denmark, Germany, . Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland—under its jurisdiction. It controls 15,687 subordinate- lodges (with a membership of over a million and aquarter), and the total membership (including the Rebecca members) is 1,709,533. Last year the total relief paid was £1,024,865. "The American Order," remarked Mr. Reid, "was very progressive in New Zealand, especially in Auckland, North Canterbury, and Otago." Questioned as to the new Friendly Societies Bill, Mr. Reid replied that a new Bill would undoubtedly be brought down this session. What was required was the bringing of the societies which have at present inadequate scales of dues (and of which 'there are a considerable number) into line with those which have adequate scales, so that it would be impossible for the former to secure registration. i