AUCKLAND ODDFELLOWS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18965, 12 March 1925, Page 12

AUCKLAND ODDFELLOWS

NEW BUILDING SCHEME. LARGE MEETING HALL. A CENTRAL SITE SECURED. The Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows have a scheme in hand for the erection of a substantial new building, on a site at the corner of Ilobson Street and Victoria Street West. The present accommodation in Cook Street is small for the needs of this ever-increas-ing body. A large freehold site has been acquired and plans and proposals wo.ro discussed at the annual conference, of the Order, which opened yesterday. The situation of the new building will bo handy both to trams, trains and boats. The scheme provides for a mooting hall to accommodate 500 persons, and the nocessary dressing rooms, etc. Tho main hall will bo on the ground floor, while other rooms will be built in the basement. Provision will be made for a large stage and galleries, while adequate exits and lighting will also be provided for. Offices will be built for tho secretary and his assistant, and also a meeting room for the lodge secretary. For a start, only a basement, ground, first and second floors will bo erected, but provision will be made for further floor extension. The major portion of t,he building will be constructed in concrete, supported by steel fittings. Attached to the building will be a garage. Shops will bo provided on the ground floor, and all sparo space in the building will be subdivided and let out as offices for revenueproducing purposes. THE DISTRICT CONFERENCE. YEAR'S ACTIVITIES REVIEWED. The annual conference of tho Auckland district branch of the Manchester Unity Oddfellows was commenced yesterday. Tho Grand Master, Mr. A. D. Young, presided, and there were over 80 delegates present, representing 50 lodges in tho district from Hokianga in the north to Owhango in the King Country and Gisborne in the south. In his opening address, the Grand Master referred to work done during the past year. He. with his colleagues, had covered as much ground as possible, but the district was now such a large one that it was impossible for the district officers to visit all tho lodges in one year. He had found the lodges visited well managed and properly conducted. Many of the lodges were admitting 'ladies, who had been a tremendous asset to the social side of their work. They had taken a great interest in the work of tho Order and had proved capable and efficient officers. The district officers had opened seven new lodges during the year, and the progress they had made fully justified their existence. The shield competitions for the largest percentage in increase of membership had resulted in the Loyal Gisborne Lodge winning the shield for lodges of over 200 members, with an increase of 13.5 per cent. The shield for lodges under 200 members was won by the Loyal Pupukc Lodge, with an increase of 120 P The election of officers resulted:Grand Master, Mr. W. .T. Edwards (boud Intent Lodge); District Deputy Grand Master, Mr. W J. Best (Frank in Lodge); District Secretary, Mr. J. Mc Leod; Treasurer Mr. J. Clark} Warden, Mr. F. N. Bush ell; Trustee, Mr. F. Aitken; Auditor, Mr F. A. Smith; Management Committee—Messrs. .! Aitken, w. Dean, F. WW. McM.ll.n W G. Pitrbej" P. A. Svers, 1 1 . A. Smith, v\. Thomas' and F. Best- The - Arbitration Committee were re-elected unopposed. . The conference will be continued today. . fountain of friendship lodge. THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The eighty-second annual meeting of the Fountain of Friendship Lodge of Oddfellows was presided over by the noble grand, Mr. C. R. E. Fleming The report and balance-sheet showed the lodge, was progressing most satisfactorily. The assets were now £49,320, an increase of £1941. A note in the auditor's report congratulated tho permanent secretary, Mr. C. Westph.il, on his efforts to improve die lodgo's position. • Mr. C. J. Wilson was presented with a past grand's emblem, jewel, and regalia. A large framed portrait of the late Mr. C. J. Strong, P.G., a trustee of the lodge for manv years, was unveiled by Mr. E. Leydon in an eloquent address, and responded to by Mr. R. J. Strong, a sou. A notice of motion by Mr. H. B. Halstead. that the meritorious services of Mr. T. Battersbv, P.G., as senior trustee, be suitably recognised was carried unanimously, members being unstinted in their praise of the unselfish work Mr. Battersby was performing for the benefit of the lodge. The election of officers resulted:— Trustee, Mr. R. G. Newbegin, P.G. ; permanent- secretary. Mr. C. Westphal, P.P.G.M. ; treasurer, Mr. F. Martin, P.G.; auditors, Mr. E. Leydon, P.P.G.M.. Mr. H. A. A. LcHous, P.P.D.G.M., and Mr. H. A. T. White, P.G.; A.U.F.S. dispensary, Messrs. 11. B. Halstead, H. A. T. White, and C. J. W T ilson, P.G.'s; property committee, Messrs. E. Leydon. A. H. Chapnell, P.G., and C. C. Cairns, P.G.; A.U.F.S. Conference, Messrs. E. Leydon, C.. Westphal, T. Battersby, P.G. and F. C. Cartwrirhl, P.G, ; benevolent committee, Messrs! E. Leydon. H. B. Halstead. E. G. Houghton,' P.G.: solicitor, Mr. J. F. Hosking,