Untitled

Otago Witness, Issue 1934, 19 March 1891, Page 11

M.U.1T0.0.F., OTAGO DISTRICT. The annual meeting of the District Committee was held in the lodge room of the Loyal Tapanui Lodge on Saturday last. Proceedings commenced at 3 p.m., and it was nearly 7 o'clock before business was over. Those present were : — District officer*: P.G.M. Bro. P. Miller, D D G.M. Bro. F. J. Lake ; treasurer, Bro. J. Robin ; and Prov. C.S. Bro. Black. Dbltgates : Hand and Heart — Bros. J. Allan, J. A. Hopcraft, J. Brown, F. Wuitnam ; Dunediu Lodge — W. Harrop, W. Ibbotsou, P S Omand ; Ddlton Lodge, P. Mason ; Albion Lodge, F. Calvert ; Oamaru, W. G Geddes; Tuapeka — W. G Anderson, W. N. Riddell; Waitahuna, F. Lischner ; Prince Alfred, W. Russell ; Waipori, H. S. Fish, M.H.R; Naseby, J. Dawson; Alexandra, W. Wilson ; T^panni — Duncan M'Coll, John A. M>Coll ; Lake Wakatipu, 0. M. Whelan ; Cromwell, A. Sligo ; Mount Wendon — H. Wilfcie, J. Handyside; Band of Friendship, D. M'Lennan; Outram, C. Grant; Mosgiel, Pram; Caversham— W. D. Milne, S. D. Cronin ; Valley, J. G. Briggs. Tyler, D. M'Kenzie. The district officers' report was then read as follows : — Brethren, — For the second time in the history or our society we are to hold a district meeting in the town of Tapanui. The first meeting. was held in September 1883, about seven and' a-half years ago. Under such circumstances we think it may prove interesting to nbte the following comparative particulars in regard to the progress of the district, and also of the Tapanui , Lodge during the interval. From the Prov. G.M.'a address at the meeting in 1883,' we find that the total membership of the district at the end of tfune 1883, was 1588, and the total value of funds £34,916 17s 3d, as compared with 1852 members and funds of the value of £52,846 12s, as at the 31st December lait, being an increase of 264 in poinb of membership, and £17,92^ 14s 9d in value of funds. At the end of June 1883, the Tapanui Lodge had a membership of 51, and funds to the amount of £408 16s 3d, as compared with 74 members aud funds of the value of £1121 5s 3d as &t the 31st December last, being au increase of 23 in membership and £712 9s in value of funds. These facts speak for themselves, and sufficiently indicate the substantial progress made both by the district as a whole and the Tapanui Lodge since our last meeting at Tapanui. Those members still remaining amongst us who attended tbe meeting in September 1883, and who may be privileged to be present at this meeting, will, we feel assured, rejoice at being enabled to revisit Tapanui; and we are also confident; that all officers aud delegates at the meeting will bu pleased to meet our Tapanui brethren, an 1 to join with them in endeavouring to still further promote the welfare of our district and the order. STATISTICS. From the tabulated returns of lodges we are enabled to submit the following summary in respect of numerical and financial affairs during the past year : — Numerical statement for the year 1890 :— Number of members lit January 1890, 1801 ; total number admitted during the year, 197;— total, 1998. Less the number left -viz ,by arrears, 116 ; by clearance, 10 ; by death, 20— 146; "leaving a membership on 31st' December 1890 of 1852— being an increase for the year of 51. We also notice that six members' wives died during the year. Summary of receipts and expenditure for the year 1890:—

£59.629 * 7 The total value of the society, including district funds, is £53,602 17s sd, being an increase for the year of J52695 Us 7d. The number of deaths during the year has been 20 members and 6 members' wives, as compared with 13 members and 10 members' wives for the year 1889. Tbe amount of qiokness experienced has v been 2093 weeks, qnd 5 days, as p'gajuefc 255$ weeka and 4 dftja for 1889. The

average sickness per member in the district is 1 week 3 days and 5 hours, as compared with an average of I week 2 days and 22 hours fjr the previous year. In the lodges separately, the average varies from 5 weeks and 1 hour per member in the Waitahuna Lodge, to 1 day and 21 hours ia the Outram Lodge. The average amount paid for sickness per member in the district is £1 Is lOd, as compared with an average of £1 Is for 1889. The average in lodges varies from £3 5s lid in the Waipori Lodge to 6s lid in the Tapanui Lodge. The heavy sickness in 'tha Waipori- Lodgo has had the effect of decreasing the value of funds by £6 16s 5d for the year. The average rates of interest realised on sick and funeral fund capital for the year varies in the several lodges, from £10 11s 6d in the Boxburgh Lodge, to £2 11s 2d in the Valley Lodge. The average for the district as a whole is £5 12s 2d, as compared with an average of £5 11s lid for 1889. We regret to find that the debt of manage? ment to sick and funeral fund, has increased by the, sum of £17 Us 8d during the year, the aggregate indebtedness now being £102' Is 6d, as against £84 9s lOd at the end of 1889. This unsatisfactory result has been brought about through the illegal borrowing by three lodges of sick and funeral fund moneys to make up for management fund deficiencies. We have received assurance from the officers of two of these lodges that provision has been made for repaying the amounts misappropriated, and will ask for an explanation from' the other before the date of your meeting. In the meantime we desire to express j the opinion that this sort' of thing ought not to be allowed to continue. Lodges are by this time sufficiently educated as to the illegality and danger of misapplying the sick and funeral fund, and ought to be taught by more stringent measures than have prevailed in the past that they must not make up management fund deficiencies by appropriating af> convenience moneys set apart for other objects. QUINQUENNIAL VALUATION. Your officers have been in communication with the district valuers wi h the view of ascertaining the results of valuation of the society as at the 31st December last, and as will be seen by the businesß paper, hope to be able.to lay the valuers' report before you on the day of meeting. In the meantime we have been favoured with a rough summary of the resultß of valuation, which shows the society to be in a very satisfactory condition indeed. Commencing at the date of last valuation (31st December 1884) with a net prospective deficiency in the sick and funeral fund of £3907, the rough summary shows that this deficiency has been converted into a net prospective surplus of over £3800, or an improvement in the condition of the society of about £7707 as the result ofjfive years' operations. Whilst submitting this gratifying information, we may further add that taking the lodges individually the progress made by some of them is so great as to appear almost phenomenal, and we have no doubt when the complete results of the valuation and report thereon are submitted, there will be room for congratulation nearly all round. CLEARANCE QUESTION. Pursuant to powers conferred up them by resolution of Oamaru district meeting of September 1889, your officers appointed the follow-, ing brethren to act with them as a committee to consider the question of surrender value in connection with clearanceßT— viz , P.P.G.M's A. Sligo, W. Harrop, A. Deacon, H. S. Fish, and P.G. W. D. Milne. The committee have met and have given careful consideration to the question in its various aspects, and their report, which we append hereto, forms an item upon the business paper of your forthcoming meeting, to be dealt with by you. CONCLUSION. It will be satisfactory to note from the foregoing statements that our society has progressed fairly well Jboth in regard to membership and funds during the past year, and the fact should stimulate us to further efforts in spreading the principles we profess and the benefits we confer. We should not only direct our attention to increasing the membership and funds of existing lodges, but also to the creation of new branches. There are now many places within the district forming desirable fields for new lodges, and where -the existence of such institutions would be of public benefit. We have during the past term had inquiries fro a two suitable localities, and are hopeful of some good eventuating therefrom, and we would exhort members generally to interest themselves in this method of increasing the strength and influence of our society. In conclusion, wa trust that our second Tapanui meeting will form another pleasant reminiscence in connection wi h the affairs of the district, and that your .deliberations will be fruitful in still further promoting the interests of the district and order. — We are, &c, P. Miller, Prov. G.M. F. J. Lake, Deputy Prov. G.M, B. Black, Prov. C.S. J. Robin, Treasurer, J. Wood, P.P.G.M. Dunedin, 21st February 1881.

P.P.G.M^ StiGo, in moving the adoption of the report, said that it'was a pleasant duty for him to do so. He was highly gratified that the funds were steadily increasing ; and he was] glai ha could say that the funds were careful" y investpj, and the rate of interest, although perhaps not the largest that might be found, most remunerative. He moved — "That the report of the district officers be adopted." Carried unanimously. P.G. Bro. Milne moved—" That the balance sheet and auditors' report be received' and adopted."— Seconded by P.G. Bro. F. Calvekt and oarried. ', Bro. Allen moved, and Bro. P. G. Hopcbaft seconded — " That the distress levy should cease." ' < Bro. P.S. Whelan was of opinion that the funds ought to be devoted to relieving members in distress as well as what it was devoted jto at present. The more its benefits could be extended, the greater good would flow from it. Bro. P.P.G.M. Robin said that by making reference to the rules he could not see that the fund could be extended further, unless it was extended to the general community. [ Bro. P G. M'Lbnnan thought that the f unla was for widows and- orphans only, but if it was extended to members he was of opinion that it ought to be continued. . Bra. Fro. G.M. Miller pointed out that there were some oases which this fund might be devoted to, bat it would be necessary to' consider well before any action was taken. Bro. P.P. G.M. Gbddes moved that the' next purple lectures and past-officers degree meeting be held in the lodge-room, District Chambers, Dunedin. Bro. Brown seconded tho motion, which was carried. Resolved that Bros. Brown, Chapman, Allen, and Palmer be appointed to the District Arbitration Committee. Bro. P.S. Whelan moved— "That the item No. 4, re altering district rule 44, be passed over, aud that the business be proceeded with." Seconded by Bro. P.P.G.M. Fish, and carried. Bro. U.S. Black gave an explanation of the rule referred to. On the proposals from Dunedin Lodge re purple officers and degrees coming up,' Bro. P.P.G.M. Fish moved— " That the next business be proceeded with " He thought it unwise' to be always tinkering at the rules. Seconded by 'Bro. P.G. Brown, and carried. Bro P.P.G.M. Ibbotson moved the adoption of the next item as follows :— " That district rule No. 34 be amended by adding the following as an additional clause: — 'All purple officers not having received their degree three years prior to the date of purple degree meeting as fixed by the District Committee, and residing within a radius of three miles of place of meeting, and having been duly summoned at' least seven clear days prior to the date of such meeting, and failing to attend, shall be fined 2s 63, unless a written, apology be received. Seconded by Bro. P.G. Allen. Bro. P.P.G.M; Sligo said he did not believe in fines, and if they had to be imposed he thought it said very little fr r the members. Bro. P.P.G.M. Geddes also spoke on the subject. Bro. P.S. Whelan said that being compulsory, instead of tending for the good of Oddfellowship, it acted otherwise. He thought it would be a pity to pnss such a rule. Bro. Pro O S. Black thought it unwise to say that fines did no good. In some cises it might be so, but he had seen great benefits derived from imposing a fine. Bro. P.G. Milne thought that tho rule might bethe better of an amendment. Skill he was of . opinion that by making it compulsory it would do a great deal of good for the Order. Bro. P P G.M. Ibbotson, in reply, said he believed that if a fine was not imposed it would be a failure. If there were no fine, he feared there would be no Purple Lodge. On a vote being taken, 15 voted for and seven against the motion. Bro. P.P.GM. Ibbotson moved — "That the proposal from Dunedin Lodge to appoint a committee to revise the district laws be adopted." Bro. P.P.G M. Sligo moved as an amendment, on the grounds of economy — " That the rules remain as at present." —Seconded by Bro. Fish, and, on a vote being taken, carried. The motion from Dal ton Lodge re uniform scale of payment to sick and funeral fund was. withdrawn. Resolved— " That the name of P.PQ.M. Miller bo placed on the district merit board, and that he receive a certificate to enable him to. take the degree of P.P.G.M.'* Bro. P.G. M Lennan moved—" That tbe request of Batid of Friendship Lodge to meet at the Oddfellows' Hall, Kakanui, ba granted."— Carried, Bro. Sliqo explaining that it was through the liberality of the mover that the lodge building existed. Bro M'Lennan, on behalf of the Band of Friendship Lodge, moved—" (1) That a fnnd be established, to be called the ' Accidental Emergency* Fund,' and that each member through

the order be charged 6d per year (if that be sufficient) towards the maintenance of the same, similar to the Distress Fund. (2) That no member be entitled to receive the benefit accruing from that fund unless he be an absentee on a journey from his home, or following any calling or duty away from bis home in any part of New Zealand. (3) That any member absent from his home requiring medical-aid from or through that .fund, shall write or cause to be written a statement of such accident or sickness, signed by the medical attendant on bis first visit, to the N.G. of his lodge, who shall see that such expenses be applied and paid for, after deducting the arrears that may be due." He said that it might be thought presumptuous for such a small lodge to put such an order upon the paper; but the lodge he represented was comprised of a large majority of working men, and they were often away from home. He thought they should look at the matter in a broad way. -He quoted a case to prove the necessity for such a fund. Bro. P.S. Whblan seconded the motion. Bro. P.P.G.M. Fish moved as an amendment that the matter be dealt with at the neit halfyearly meeting, giving several substantial reasons for so doing. Bro. Sligo seconded the amendment, as it was necessary that consideration should be given to the question of how such a fund, if raised, was to be disbursed. So far as the distress fnnd was concerned, a member travelling could in every instance receive assistance from any district. While the order was willing to do all the good they could, still in matters of this sorb grave consideration was necessary. Bro. Robin, speaking of the distress fund, thought that it could not be used for any such purpose. On a vote being taken, the amendment was carried. Bro. Fish moved—" That the report of the district sub-committee on the clearance question be adopted, and that the district officers take such steps as may be deemed natfessary." Seconded by Bro. Mason, and carried. Bro. Oalvebt moved, and Bro. Milne seoonded — •'That the letter re conference of delegates at Nelson in April 1892 be received." Bro. Fish moved — " That the letter be referred to the district officers for a report at the next half-yearly meeting." Bro. Gbddes seconded the amendment, which on being put was carried. The C.S. proceeded to read the report of the district valuer, but as it occupied 22 pages of closely written matter it was thought a waste of time, and on the motion of Bro. Fish, seconded by Bro. Ai.LEN.the first 20 pages were dispensed with, and the C.S. read the remainder. Bro. C.S. Black also read a statement of the assetß and liabilities of the several lodges throughout Otago. Bro. Calvebt moved, and Bro. Ibbotson seconded— "That the report as read be received and printed." — Carried. Bro. Sligo read the report of the Friendly Societies' Gardens Committee, which extended over a period of four years. He was glad that be could say that what was considered to be a losing affair would, in all probability, prove remunerative. At the present time, for the money expended, 13s 4d in the pound oould be received. A vota of thanks was accorded to Bro. Sligo for the report, as this was outside of the usual business. On the motion of Bro. Robin, seconded by Bro. Allen, the rate of levies w« re fixed thus : — "2s 4d for the sick and funeral fund, and Is for the incidental fund." Bro. Sligo moved, and Bro. Fisher seoonded — '• That the next meeting be held ia the lodge rooms in Stuart street, Dunedin." Bro. Gbant moved an amendment — "That Outram be the next place of meeting." — Carried, on being put to a vote. The election of district officers and auditor was then proceeded with, with the following result :— Prov. G.M., Bro. F. J. Lake ; Deputy Prov. G.M., Bro. W. D. Milne ; Prov. C.8., Bro. Black; District Treasurer, P.p G.M. Bro. Robin; Auditor, P. G. Bro. F. Calvert. The Secretary read a letter from the Oamaru Lodge, asking that their petition r,e opening a new lodge afc Ngapara be granted, as there were 86 ready to become members. Bvo. M'Lbnnan moved; and Bro. Sligo seconded—" :bat the application be granted."— Carried. Bro. Sligo gave some information in regard to the expense of opening a new lod^e. In the past the lodge opened paid the expense, bub he thought the district officers ought to bear some of that expense. He therefore moved that tjiey make arr mgements for the opening of this new lodge, arid that they defray expenses. Bro. C. S. Black said that there was opposition in the field. Bro. Fish said that if the opposition lodge was as he had heard it represented, there was little danger to be apprehended from it. The motion was oarried. Bro, Sligo, in a few appropriate remarks,

i introduced the newly appointed Prov. G.M., • Bro. Gbddes, doing a similar duty for the Deputy < Frov. G.M. Each of these gentlemen returned thanks for the honour that had been bestowed pnon him, and stated that in the future, as in the past, it would be his pleasing duty to do what little he oould to further the growth of Oddfellowship. C.S. Bro. Black and PP.G.M. Bro. Robin returned thanks in a suitable form. Bro. Fish moved a vote of thanks to the retiring officers. — Seconded by Bro. Gbddes, and received unanimously. Bro. Slioo moved—" That this meeting beg to record their thanks to the members of the Tapanui Lodge for the way that everything has been carried out."— Seoonded by Bro. Allen, and carried. Bro. P.P.G.M. Miixbb returned thanks for the vote they had so kindly given the' retiring officers. He trusted that although their term of office bad expired, they would still do what they could for the furtherance of the order. This brought the business proceedings to a dose. THE SUPPHB. At 8 o'clock, p.m. Host Simmond's dining i room presented a most inviting appearance, the 1 tables being fairly loaded with good things. i About 60 were present, including twp lady I friends— Mra O. T. Whelan, and Mrs Black. His ' Wprship the. Mayor ( J. B. M'Alister) occupied 1 the'ehair, supported on the' right ..by Bros. Lake * and Black, and on the left by Bros. Whelan and > Fish. After full justice had been done to the many good things, the tables were cleared. 1 The Maiob, on rising to propose the toast of " The Queen and. Royal , Family," said he was • very glad to find amongst their number several who were present seven years ago, and he trusted that he might again see ■ them on a future occasion. ; Bro. Sligo proposed the toast of " The ; Parliament of New Zealand." He said that they had an H.H.R. amongst them in Bro. Fish, who was not only an able politician but an Odd- : fellow. He therefore coupled -the name of Bro. Fish with the toast. . Bro. Fish taid he had great pleasure in ; responding to. the toast. He .thought the ' present .Government the best that had been in the colony. There would be no illumination, but the Government would try to make laws not for the few but for the masses ; and, he had ! every hope that in the future they would be ; talked of as men. that did their doty for the colony nobly, and well. Bro. Whblan proposed " The Order of Oddfellowship," which he thought was of more interest to them than Parliament. In Odd- ' fellowship there was but one side, which had for ifcs basis providence and thrift. He thought that if the base was more widely known their numbers, though large at present, would be increased. With the roast ho coupled the names of Bros. Lake "and Black. ' . Bro. Lake returned thanks for the honour 1 done to the honour. He went on to. show the ; benefit, of friendly societies, quoting one case > where a member had drawn over JESOO in sick 1 pay. 1 Bro. Black followed in the same strain. i They need uofc expect a speech from him, as his mind was in a perfect chaotic state from the 1 duties of the day. He said that there had been some good questions before them that day, such as the clearance question and the surrender value. They might in the future have a greater question to grapple with, but he felt that the increased funds would enable them to do so. Bro. Robin proposed "Tito Mayor and Councillors of Tapanui," stating that when ho was here seven years and a-half ago he was note greatly impressed with the appearance of the ' town, but he was glad that day that he had reason to alter his opinion. The larger towns had hotter beware, or they might be superseded. The Mayoh, ip replyiug, said it was unnecessary for him $o praise the town, as Bro. Robin had already done fo. No doubt the township- . bad undergone great improvement, which would have been greatly inoreased if the funds had* held out. He begged to thank them for the way thuy had drank the toast. Bro. Miller proposed « The Tapanui Lodge of Oddfellow*." It w«w unnecessary for him to say much, as everyone could se« from the way that they had been entertained what kind of men compostd the lodge. He might say that s lodge a success waa in & great; measure attribute able to its eeerefewy. Now Tapanui stood seeontf to none in that respect, as had been shown by its remarkable progress. Hej spoke from personal knowledge. With tbts toast he coupled the name of Bro. Whelan. Bro. Whblan returned thanks on behalf of the Tapanui Lodge. At one time ib was all up hill work, but now he thought the grade waschange*?. Duriug the past five years they had mode great progress. Not only had they wiDed off a debt of £500, but they had increased their funds by £700. He hoped thai; they wool! again meet on a similar occfcsJoß, Bro. CAiT.eai proDoj^a. .vTjja founts Befc,

Xo value of Lodge funds, isb January 1890 ... ... ... £50,265 9 1 Hntrauee fees, sick and funeral funds ... ... ... 123 6 ( Contributions, sick aud funeral funds ... .., ... 2,593 8 I Funeral olaims refunded by district 460 0 I Interest, sick and funeral funds ... 2,620 01( Sundry receipts, sick and funeral funds ... ... ... 116 7 II Contributions and levies, management funds ... ... 2,776, 8 ! Interest and rent?, management ' funds ' ... ... * ... 115 19 I Sundry receipts, management funds 420 3 >. Receipts on account other funds ... 129 1 ( £59,620 4 ! BXPHNDITtXBE. By sick pay ... ... ... £2.020 12 < Funeral olaims ... ... 473 10. < Funeral levies to district ... 524 6 ', Other sick and luneral fund expenditure ... ... ... 281 16 I Medical attendance and rnedioine... 2,138 8 ' Salaries and allowances,.. ' .. 413 0 ( Other management fund expenditure ... ... ... 861 16 ! Expenditure on account of other funds ... ... ... 30 2 ( Value of lodge funds, 31st December 1890 ... ... ... 52,816 12 <