LODGE DISPUTE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22675, 12 March 1937, Page 13

LODGE DISPUTE

RECHABITES AT LAW LOCATION OF HEAD OFFICE DECISION OF CONFERENCE ENFORCEMENT ORDER SOUGHT [BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Thursday What ono counsel described as a wrangle between factions of the Rechabite Order was discussed in the Supreme Court to-day before Mr. Justice Peed. Alfred Martin, brassfounder, of Christchurch, suing on behalf of himself and others of the New Zealand District, Independent Order of Rechabites, proceeded against the district officers of the order, asking for the direction of the Court to enforce the decision of a district conference of the order to move the head office from Wellington to Christcfiurch.

Defendants contended that the district council had no power to make such a decision. The case occupied the whole day, and will be resumed tomorrow.

An application for a stay of proceedings was made for defendants on the ground that the general triennial meeting of the district council, the governing body of the order, was to be held at Easter. It was claimed the council could deal with and settle the question advanced in the proceedings. His Honor said he could not adjourn the case and would have to hear evidence.

Counsel, outlining the case for plaintiff, said the two issues were:—Had the district conference over-riding authority over the district officers it elected? Was the office of the society properly removed to Chrastchurch at the conference in 1934? Counsel said the case involved tha control of assets worth over £IOO,OOO, and concerned 5300 members, 3400 being in Canterbury, Otago and Southland.