ODDFELLOWS' CONFERENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17902, 6 April 1920, Page 5

ODDFELLOWS' CONFERENCE

(Peb United Pbess Association.) AUCKLAND, April 5. Tho tenth biennial conference of New Zoalaad delegates of the Manchester Unity, Independent Order of Oddfellows (New Zealand branch), opened in Auckland this morning. Bro. F. W. Whit, Grand Master (Ashburton), presided over an attendance of 33 district delegates. The Grand Master delivered an address surveying tho work of the branch during the past two years, special reference bcinig made to tho war and' the part phyed by the directors in carrying out its determination as. to meeting claims for relieving soldier-member 3 from payment o- contributions, as well as to paying sickness benefits to those on active service. Considerable discussion ensued as to the adoption of the report from the Board of Directors as to dealing with the deficiency in a few lodges. It was decided to bring tho rate cf lolvency up to 17s in tho pound, the present rate being 15s. The consensus of opinion was that precedent to assistance from ihe ckficionoy lodges' relief fund, tho sotrit of self-help should be evidenced by tke lodges concerned. Tie report was adopted.