ODDFELLOWS CONFER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10852, 18 March 1921, Page 7

ODDFELLOWS CONFER

NEW ZEALAND GATHERING

WIDE RANGE OF DISCUSSION YESTERDAY. A DOMINION SUPERVISOR. The Dominion Conference of Grand Lodge officers and representatives of the 1.0.0. F. was resumed yesterday in the Farmers’ Institute, Bro. R. Robb (Grand Master) presiding. Remits forwarded by various subor. dinate lodges were considered. It was agreed that the Grand Lodge provide a set of regalia, and a set of books free of cost to lodges opening without an organiser; that all lodges subscribing to circular appeals shall have their names, and the amounts given, published in the Grand Lodge proceedings. The question of appointing a Dominion. supervisor was very fully discussed. It was urged that such an officer would, in addition to securing new members, assist lodge secretaries, and give instruction in floor work. The delegates authorised the executive to arrange details and. appoint a supervisor for the whole of the Dominion. A proposal to establish a central benevolent fund for the purpose of aiding specially necessitous cases was favourably received, and each lodge in the territory is to contribute towards the new fund. The Order now pays the dues of its aged members, provided that their income docs not exceed £I(M per annum. In view of altered conditions since this rule was put into operation, representatives decided to increase the income limit to £156 yearly. SICKNESS BENEFITS'. The conference spent a considerable time in eoneidering proposals to raise the sickness benefits, particularly those in respect of - continued illness. The executive reported fully as to their interview with the registrar and actu T ary, when requests were made as to permission to use portion of the declared surplus of £27,000 for the purpose of increasing existing benefits. The actuary pointed out that, notwithstanding the amount of the surplus, ho had thought it wise to establish a contingency reserve amounting to a very large sum, so that he preferred not to sanction increased benefits at present. Both officers gave a sympathetic hearing to the deputation, and held out hope that ere long, say, arter next valuation, permission would be granted. Other matters were fully discussed, and arrangements made in connection with important legislation that was to come before the session. Dealing further with the order paper, contributions to Rebekah lodges were put on a uniform footing, and certain alterations to the rules of district lodges were made. EXTENSION OF FUNERAL BENEFIT. An important amendment to the constitution was the adoption of a table of dues for a further extension of the funeral benefit. The extension in force till this session' ceased at £IOO, and the full amount now obtainable is £250. Equally important was the adoption of a table for increased sick benefits, the rule to be now registered providing for a. table of contributions that will give double the sick pay at present payable. The decreased value of the sovereign haß caused much concern in friendly society circles, hence the desire to increase the benefits and put them on a footing comparatively equal to those existing before the war. Nominations for office were as follows: —For G.M., Bro C. J. Talbot; for D.G.M., Bro. M. J. Cooper, Auckland; for G.W., Bros. W. Smith (Dunedin), W. Simmons (Christchurch), D. R. Cooper (Auckland); for Grand Secretary Bro. William- Reid (Dunedin); for G.T., Bro. L. Deans Ritchie (Dunedin). Bro. William Reid has been Grand Secretary for a period of fortythree years. Propositions for the establishment of a scheme of endowment insurance both

for members of the order and for their children were not carried, it being thought better in the meantime to concentrate on the benefits already offered by the society. Reports were received as to the working of juvenile lodges in the various districts.