INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13859, 23 March 1907, Page 10

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS.

(Phoh Oun Own Correspondent.) OAMARU, March 22. At tlio silting of tlio 1.0.0. F. Grand Lodge yesterday the election of officers for the ensuing two years took place, resailing as follows:— 1.P.G.M., Bra. D. M. Miller (Dunedin); Grand Master, Bro. T.. Crawley (Invorcargill); Grand Warden,, Bro. J?. C. Gray (Auckland); Grand Secretary, Bro. Wm. Reid (Duncdin); Grind Treasurer, Bro. J. S. Alexander (Dunedin); Grand Trustees, Bros. Michie, Springer, and Kemnitz (Dunedin). The salary of the Grand Secretary was increased by £25 per annum, i'lio Grand Master's ruling, that the centralisation of the sick fund docs not apply to Rebekah Lodges, was upheld. Yesterday afternoon the representatives were .driven to Maheuo,. whero they were entertained by members of the Maheno Lodge at afternoon tea. In the evening they were entertained by members of the 1.0.0.P. in North Otngo district at a banquet, at Enticld, when a. pleasant evening was spent, complimentary toasts being honoured with' enthusiasm. Resuming this • morning, it was resolved to hold the next biennial session in Christchurch. A presentation was then made to the Grand Secretary (Bro. William Reid), who is about, to enter the matrimonial state. The presentation consisted of a handsome lea and coffee service and •salver, and was made by the Grand Master, who referred in complimentary terms (o Bro. Reid o.nd his work. A proposal by Southland to amend the scale of dues for _ juvenile lodges was mado optional with existing laws. A proposal to restore the voting power, of executive officers was negatived.- G.M. Bro. Crawley and D.G.M. Bro. Armigei* were appointed representatives to the Grand Lodge of Australia, the Grand Secretary also going. Tlio sum of £2000 was allocated out of tlio surplus of the general fund to the "payment of old members' dues account.". Votes of thanks were then passed to members of the North Otago district for their hospitable treatment of t.lio visitors, who lmd had a very enjoyable stay. In replying, Bro, Thorpe assured tlio Grand Lodge that, though Oamaru was not in favour t of centralisation, they would give it a 'fair trial. A complimentary vote, was passed to the retiring Grand Master. The installation of officers then took place, and tlio Grand Master, assisted by I.P.G.M. Bro. Aillcen, installed the following officers for the ensuing two years:—Grand Master. Bro. T. Crawley (Invercargill); Deputy 'Grand Master, Bio. R. Armigcr (Auckland); Grand Warden, Bro. R. C. Gray (Auckland); Grand Secretary, Bro. W. Reid (Dunedin); Grand Treasurer, Bro. J. S. Alexander (Dunedin); Grand Chaplain, Bro. ,T. Vernor; Marshall, Bro. W. Smith; Guardian, Bro. J. 11. Hunter; Herald, Bro. J. Moadowcroft; Conductor, Bro. J. 11. Hinton. A secret meeting of the Grand Lodge was hold this afternoon, the business being the exemplification of Hie secret work of the order, and with this the Grand Lodge session for 1907 closed.