INDEPENDENT ORDER OF RECHABITES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13695, 11 September 1906, Page 3

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF RECHABITES.

Tho thirtieth anniversary gathering of tho Hopo of Dunedin Tent, '1.0. R., was held in the Lower Choral .Hall last evening, and was very well attended, the hall being comfortably filled. Bro. G. F. Johnson, C.R., occupied the chair, and expressed his pleasure at seeing so many present. He hoped that all would enjoy themselves, and, as there was a good and lengthy programme in front of thcin, he,would not detain them further than to intimate that '-efreshmente would lie sewed during tho evening. The programme, which consisted of music and recitation, 'was then proceeded with. Miss Denholm opening with a pianoforte solo. Songs were given bv Misses Sherwood, Uttley, Hewitt, Ms/and Mr Hamb-lc-tt, and the reciters were Misses Broadfoot, Slater. Kilpatrick, Messrs Burnard, and Bain. A violin solo was played'' by Miss Davis, and a duct- sung by Misses Uttley and Chadwii-k. The performers met with a very cordial reception, and acquitted themselves very well indeed. Among the audience was Bro. Sherwood, D.C.IC head of the order.

Tho following was the annual»report presented by the secretary Bro.. R. Farrant.:—

The number at last annual mooting was 185—namely, 150 full benefit, 27 half benefit, and 8 honorary members. The membership now stands at 193—namely, 154 full benefit, 33 half benefit, and G honorary members, a c'.car increase of eight members. Tho sick fund in 1903 was JCI9-20 19s Id, and in 1900 -£194:YSs lOd, a gain of £16 9s 9d. The sickness experienced during thu year has been very heavy, JH3S having been distributed in sick pay, which is tho lcrgost'amount paid out in the history of tho tent. The contingent fund was in credit £77 Gs Sd in 1903, and this year the credit is £100 3s id. an increase of £22 IGs 5d for .the year. Death has removed two of our members,, Sister Annia Kempton (who camo tc us from flic Primrose Juvenile Tent) and P.D.C.R. Bro. W. R. Cole. Our loss in tho case of Bro.-Cole is u very serious one, the brother having been looked upon as the leading Rceh,"ibite in Dnncdin for the last 20 years. Our relations with Uie medical men and- the jiapehsary have been of a most harmonious chareoter. not a single complaint having, come before the tent for investigation I must congratulate the members on the progress made during the year. Notwithstanding the large amount of sick pay we have still made a slight increase in the funds, and the membership, after deducting suspensions, clearance cards, and resignations, shows a gain, although not so large as we might wish. .

Shortly after Hi? reading of (he report there was an interval, during which ihe refreshments' were .handed «xniml, and the programme was again proceeded, .with.