FORESTERS' MEETING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3686, 27 November 1873, Page 7

FORESTERS' MEETING.

The annual meeting of the United Otago B»istrict r A.0.E., was held on the 3i3t ult., 'in the TFriendly Societies' Hall. Bro. John Wilson,:?D.C.R., P^ B?^6^ There were delegates presekit from the following Courts;:—Pride of Dunedin, Enterprise, Robin Hood, Pride of Leithj and Bruce. ; . ANNUAL BEPOBT. I The annual report and balance sheet were read and adopted. The following is the report:— ' : ■ To the Delegates of the M:,C.D.A.0.F.-r.; Brethren.: Before, transferring jto : our successors the trust you were pleased to place in our hands, we wish to convey our thanks to the members of .the dißtrict.for the many courtesies shown! us as members of the Executive, and to express our satisfaction that no case of a disagreeable nature has occurred in connection with the District during our term of office/ We have also fcocongratulate, you ou the continued prosperity of tho M.O.D.J which now comprises 18 Courts and about 900 financial members, with Court funds amounting to £3385 (a3 rshown by the returns of 14 Courts received this 'quarter), being an increase for the year of one Court, 61 financial members, and £630. A. dispensation has been granted for another new Court to be opened early next month.

The last statistical returns show Forestry to be rapidly extending throughout the world. The increase for the year ending December, 1872, being—7 districts, 92 courts, 25,744 financial; : 613 honorary ' members, and £118,313 to court funds. The total number^ of financial members in the Order being 421,988, with a reserve fund 0f£i;696;984: : - ; ;

Trusting that the present prosperity, may 1 ever, continue, and that each member will endeavour to extend and advance the interest of .Forestry—We remain, yours fraternally, ;: JoßJJnWixsoN, D.C.JR. , , . GEORGE L. ASHER, D.S.C.R. ■'■■•- iff m Woodland, D. S. Walter Geo. Geddes, D.T. ROBT. §T-EVEN.SOITj D.B. 31st October, 1873 auditors' report. The following is the report of the Auditors : — j We, your-Auditors, having carefully gone through the books, vouchers, receipts, &c, of the U. 0.1)., must again speak as to theclear manner; in which' thejbooks are kept. W& have much pleasure in congratulating you'bn the steady, increase both Of numbers 'arid funds during the quarter. The number of new members, made: during the quarter was 49, as against 19 withdrawn, leaving a balance of 30. The fund of the; District shows a gain of £57 0s Id—that is to say : Incidental, £22 lls Id; Relief Fund, £17 7s; General Fund, £17 2s—which is highly gratifying, considering that four Courts have sent no returns, or balance-sheets. We would call your attention to Courts Star of Dunstan, Star of Cromwell, Court Molyneux, and Pride of Marewhenua hiving sent no returns; and to Court Pride of the Lake, £100 of their funds not having;been.clearly accounted for. Court Pride ofOamaru have only £8 6s Sd of a.general fund., We,.would also call your attention to £100 in the balance-sheet as received by the Trustees, hut' we have seen no voucher, for the same, and request the Trustees to supply the Auditors with the necessary information in regard to moneys invested. We hope-the A,O;F. may?continue to advance.—We remain, yours fraternally, Alexander M'Kenzie, ) *'j;4.___ Hy. Brukdell, P.D.C.R; \ AudltorsThe foregoing report waa adopted. ~,. . OFFICE BEARERS. The election; of office - bearers took place as follows : —D. G. R., Bro., Asher ; iD.S^C.Ri, Bro. Stevenson ;■ Secretary, .Bro. Woodland ; .Treasurer, Brp. Geddes ';;' D.8., 'Bro.' Craw-ford; Auditor, Bro. John Wilson. \ • ' ... -; ;■■■■ /;■'': r<XEHER BUSI'I^ESiS., !. •■ \ Claims in, respect of. funeral) expenses amounting to £30, were passed. I ' As theDistricfc Secretary's salary was deemed tpo small, an increase of £15 per annum ivas.Tpted.: ' ; A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring pffice.-bearers, .who, as well as the newly-elected ones, returned thanks. P.DiC.R. Bro. Wilson was .voted a silver, mijdal and ; neck-ribbon,, for his past services. l; ■ ;■••>.-, ;-■■':.'. v.:. ■■'' ■V'-'.U The meeting separated atomy after- ,-'. ;^ v ;: ; '.,,":. ~; ' ,'..-,".. .;■ ....;:. _', ■ ■