ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING

Otago Witness, Issue 2664, 5 April 1905, Page 14

ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING

The- annual meeting of the District Committee was opened in tho lodgeroom of the Loyal Roxburgh Lodge, Roxburgh, on Saturday. Prov. G.M. Bro. J. Broadfoor presiding. The following delegates, in addition to those ment'oned above were present: — Oamaru. P.G. Bro. A. G. Lalou ; Tuapeka Pioneer — Per. Sec. Bro. G. Jeffery, P.G. Bro. W. G. Anderson; Alexandra, P. V.G. Bro. A. Rbggeiro; Cromwell, P.G. Bro. Rolrls: Dunbaok. P.G. Bro. T. Waiglh; Kaitang-ata— N.G. Bro. J. T. Ramnay, P.G. Bro. J. Fibbes; Waikaka, Per. Sec. Bro. J. H. Waigth ; Naseby, P. E'.cc. Sec. Bro F. Laloli ; P.G. Bro. J. George acted as tyler. A telegram from Bro. J. K. Macfio (A.0.F.) was received conveying fraternal greetings; also letter from Prov. Tieasurer Bro. J. Robin, apologising for his absent, and wishiitg tha delegates a profitable meeting. P.G Bro Grater telegraphed apologising for his absence. Letters wow received from the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Anglican Churcli ministers inviting the delegates to attend divine service on Sunday. —lt \va< r...=01-,ed that these telegrams and letters be suitably acknowledged and replied to

On the motion of P.G. Bro. R. S. Black seconded by P.P.G.M. Br O . Hamel, the mooting expres«-eci its rcsrrft at the death of lato P.G. Bro. Gow, the resolution bein» earned in si'ence a

THE RH IVD M VOTER'S >iDDHESS Tho Prov. GM. (Bro. J. Brcadfoot) delivered an address to ihc delegates, from which we. make the following extracts: —

"\\ orthy Deputy Grand Master Brethren —My first duty on this my first and last vi«ifc to Roxburgh as P.G.IvI. of the Otago District, M.U.. i= a very peasant and delightful duty indeed — viz., to hold cut the hand of friendship, love, and tiuth to you all, and in tl,e name of the Loyal Roxburgh Lodge extend to you worthy delegates, a hearty welcome. From my expeiience of country lodges on occasions such as the present one, I am sure the brethren of the Loyal Roxburgh Lcdca will »do their utmost to make your stay m Roxburgh happy and pleasant. Our worthy and respected C S. lias furnished me with the following information : —The application to open the ledge at Roxburgh was made to the half-yearly meeting of Distnct Ccn.mittee held in Dunedin on sth Febru?ry, 1869, aud the lodge was opened on the 16th June of the same year. Number of members on 31st December, 1869, was 48; total cf funds, £192 8s 6d. On December 31, 1904, the membership stood at 52. and funds £1284 13s ]od. There was a small deficiency in the lodge at last quinquennial valuation, at the end of 180y. and it is regrettable that, owing to the gradual diminution of sick and funeral funds, this deficiency will be increased at va'uation io be made this year.

You will be pleased to see by the report that the district, is increasing in numbers, although slowly, but surely. It is regrettable that there are so many who drop out by '" arrears." To a great extent this might be overcome in the future by the officers, past and present, taking a more live interest in the younger members, by explaining the ruTe3 ana pointing out to them that in the event cf their having to travel for work, no ma ft or where they went, in all probability they would find a lodge wherein they could pay moneys and receive all the benefits, as they would if at home. Regarding the lodges I have visited during my term, I thmk if they would all follow in the wake of the Loj'al Albion, Dunedin, aud do as they do. there would be fewer drop out by arrears. The officers of the Albion Lodge receive a list of those who are in arrears every three months. The brothers do not put the lists in their pocket 3 and let them remain there, but go to work at once, and report ever<todgr maiht unti'i these n-its are exhausted. I aui convinced a system of this nature, if adepted b}- other lodges in the district, won d soon result in a material reduction in the list of those fallen out by arrears.

The question of brothers seceding from the ranks of the Unity through arrears seems to bo a burning question in the Old Country. SeTeral instances were quoted by him m reference to methods adopted by some d.«tricts, taken from the Oddfellows' Magazine, which might be of advantage m this district. At Home I notice a large number of lodge* aro going in for forming cricket clubs and other outdoor games, also harmony, and all sorts of indoor amusements, with the object of retaining those who are within the older ji s well as to attract the young men who rae outside the Unity. During my connection wi!h the executive I have formed the opinion that if these past officers whom God has blessed with free speech and flow of language wou'd attend their lodges more frequently, and hold fortn occasionally on the beauties of Oddfellowship, and talk less about the order becoming more like an insurance society, in a very shoi 1i tune we would see an improvement in the attendance of members as well as a more rapid !!• crease in the membership.

How many delegates present can say they were ever asked, or the question put to them, if their life was insured, unless it was by one in- the person of an insurance agent? I am afraid none. I insured over 30 years ago, and I can safely assert I was never asked the question by any of my acquaintances ; but I hnvii been by insurance agents. I am convinced that if the day shou'd ever come when the Manchester Unity' might be looked up as an insurance society its end would soon draw to a close.

I take this opportunity of referring to the M.U. quarterly report of October, 1904, and wish to call your attention to the matter of the Egbert Lodge, in the Bedford District, England, and also the Friendship Lodge, in the Hohnforth District. They are both seceding lodges from their respective districts. There is a material difference between the two cases, and for me on this occasion to go' into details would take up too much of your valuable time. Suffice it to say, if members would procure a copy they would find it very interesting reading indeed.

I am sure it must be gratifying to the delegates present, and to all brethren throughout the Otago District, to observe from the report and balance sheet that p-s a district our finances are s.ti|l on the increase. It is a matter for rejoicing that the death rate is considerably lower this year than it was iast. This yea_r we have to mourn the loss of 29 broth§rs\ and amongst this number there ara two of whom it behoves me to say a few words. I refer to the late P.G. Bro. Gow, of the Loyal Palmerstou Lodge. While in this life he wes for a number of fears a frequent delegate a*

cur -district meetings. He was a keen debater, and took a real live interest in bis own lodge and the order generally. The other is our late Bro. J. W. Roberts, a membar of tne Loyal Hand and Heart Lodge, and hon. member and treasurer^of. the Loyal Valley Lodge for a ammber of years. Bro. Roberts was of a more letifing nature, perhaps, than Bro. Gow, yet Bro. Roberts took a very keen interest in the Valley Lodge and the order as a. whole. lam sure all those connected with these two departed brothers have the heartfelt sympathy of all assembled here to-day. In conclusion, I wish to say that during my

year of office as P.G.M. I have striven to do

my duty to the best of my ability. During the past year I have visited the Dunedin and

suburban lodges and some of the country lodges as frequently as it was possible for a working xnaai to accomplish. I am satisfied I liave not spared myself in trying to fulfil the duties of P.G-.M. of the Ofcago District. I have to thank all the brethren of the order with

■whom I have come in contact during my term

of office, as well as those lodges I have visited, for the very courteous, pleasant, and kind manner in which they have at all times treated me. iiave also to thank my colleagues on the executive for the constant courtesy and forbearance

shown to me.

Before saying good-bye as

P-G-.M., I feel I must go somewhat out of the usual course of procedure, otherwise I would " bust." T must thank especially cur worthy C.S. for the many kindnesses he has shown me, he being always ready and willing to assist and give me the benefit of his experience. It appears to me it matters little who is in the chair so long as' the district has such an efficient officer as our worthy G.S. I hope the business to be brought before this meeting

of delegates will- meet with' its strict atten-

tios to the various items on the business paper. I trust tne fruits of your deliberations to-day will prove to be beneficial to the Roxburgh Lodge and the order as a whole. It is to be hoped that one effect of this meeting being held here to-day will give a stimulus and create a vigorous and new life in the brothers of the Roxburgh Lodge, so that in a very short time "we will liear of the Lodge having a large increase in its

membership and finance.

P.P.G.M. Bro. Sligo, in speaking to the district officers' report, said he could congratulate the district on the funds of the lodges and district showing a satisfactory increase for the year. There was also a satisfactory increase in the membership (a distinct advance, both numerically and financially), showing-4hat the Otago District M.U. still held the premier place amongst friendly societies in this section of the colony. The financial advance was an advance not only in respect to the gross amount of funds, but also in respect of funds per member. Last year they not only had a net increase in membership of 160, but the average funds per member had increased until they were now £27 18s 3d," being the highest average for quite a^number of years — in fact, they had to go back to 1699 to find as high an average. The average period of sickness, taking all three stages, kept on the whole wonderfully uniform, and the averag© amount paid was also fairly uniform, not■withstanding the great differences noted between one lodge and another. The average rate o£ interest earned by the lodges' funds was also satisfactory. Taking the> registrar's statistics for the colony for December 31, 1902, it appeared that the number, of members of all socities was 43,408, and the total funds £846,314. The number of members of the M.U.1.0.0.F. was 17,315, and _ the total worth of the funds was £425,684. The total membership of the 11 other orders was 26,093, and the total worth of funds £420,630. Thus, it would appear that, of the 12 orders in the colony, the M.U. had barely 40 per cent, of the membership (two-fifths of the whole), and 50.3 per cent, of the funds. The average of funds per member of the M.U. was £24 lls, and the average per member of all other societies combined was £16 2s sd. As already stated, the average of funds per member for the Otago District was £27 18s 3d. The total funds of the friendly societies were rapidly approaching £1,000,000. Surely that was a great factor in the life and social well-being of the community. It was an old-age pension scheme, about the virtues of whicE there could be no dispute and no

two opinions. A vote of thanks was accorded to the G.M. for bis report, and it was ordered to be- printed with the proceedings. The district officers' report was adopted. P.P.G.M. Bro. Sligo presented the balance Bheet of the Friendly Societies' Grounds Committee, and referred to the resumption of the grounds by the Government and the steps taken by the committee in reference thereto. The question of giving a scholarship every other year, so that with the Harrop scholarship one would be given annually, was remitted to the district officers to draw up a resolution for submission to the next district meeting .to provide for necessary alteration in general laws to permit of a levy being struck for the purpose. P.P.G.M. Bro. Hamel moved, and P.P.G.M. Bro. Brundell seconded, the adoption of the balance sheet and auditors' report. Moved by P.P.G.M. Bro. Hamel,

seconded by P.P.G.M. Bro. Cable, and carried, that the next Purple lecture and past officers' degree meeting be held in District Chambers. Lodge book examiners' report was adopted ton the motion of P.P.G.M. Bro. Cable, seconded by P.P.G.M. Bro. Wood. Moved by P.G. Bro. Chisholm, seconded bj P.P.G.M. Bro. Brundell, that P.G. Bro. Win. Alexander, of the Loyal Dunedin

I/odge, be granted a certificate to represent the Otago District at the A.M.C. meeting _in Plymouth next month. — Carried unanimously. Moved by P.G. Bro. Ross, seconded ry S».P.G.M. Bro. Deacon, with regret, that the Lake Wakatipu Lodge dissolve.— Carried. Moved by P.P.G.M. Bro. Hamel, Seconded by P.G. Bro. TThomson, that P.P.G.M. Bro. Broadfoot's name be placed on the merit board, and that he receive the usual certificate. The funeral levy was fixed at Is 6d and incidental at 6d. Moved by G.M. Bro. Lyons, seconded by N.G. Bro. F. Stubb, that the next halfyearly district meeting be held in the Loyal Albion lodg-eroom, Dunedin. — Carried. ELECTION OP OFFICEBS.

The following officers were elected for the fer?suing term: — Prov. Grand Master, Bro. fW. E. C. Reid; Deputy Prov. G.M., Bro. 'R-. S. Black; Prov. Corresponding Sec, ißro. J. A. Hoperaft (re-eleoted) ; Prov. ;Treasurei% P.P.G.M. Bro. J. Robin (re-

elected) ; auditor, P.G. Bro. C. Grat&r ; lodge book examiner, Past Per. Sec. Bro. Burton; Arbitration Committee — P.P.G.M.'e Bros. Sligo, Hamel, Chapman, Brundell, Deacon. Brassy Cable, Wilson, P.G.'e Bros.

T M'Dougall, A. J. Smith, Grater, and Per. Sec. Bro. D. S. Munro. The newly-elected officers were obligated by P.P.G.M. Bro. Broadfoot and duly installed in their respective chair 3. P.P.G.M.'s Bros. Sligo, Deacon, Hamel, Brundell, Wood, and Briggs acted as conductors and installing officers. Moved by P.P.G.M. Bro. Deacon, seconded by P.P.G.M. Bro. Brundell, that a vote of thanks be accorded to the retiring officer,*. — Carried. The meeting then terminated. I BANQUET. ' The visiting delegates were entertained at a public reception and banquet in theAthenaeum Hall, Roxburgh, on Saturday evening. About 150 ladies and gentlemen sat down to an excellent spread, provided by Mr R. Kinaston, Roxburgh fruit be-ing greatly in evidence. The Roxburgh Brass Band, under the baton of Mr J. G. Briggs, played a number of excellent selections. N.G. Bro. A. Laloli, of the local lodge, occupied the chair, and, in a few wellehosen remarks, welcomed Ihe delegates to the reception. Songs were contributed by the following: — Bros. J. Bennett, P.G. Bro. P. Flynn, P.G.M. Bro. W. E. C. Reid, Prov. C.S. Bro. Hoperaft, P.G. Bro. A. R. Lawry; cornet solo by P.P.G.M. Bro. J. G. Briggs; recitations by P.D.G.M. R. S. Black. The accompaniments were efficiently played by Mrs J G. Briggs. Th& following was the toast-list : — " The King," proposed by the chairman; "Parliament of New Zealand," proposed by P.P.G.M. Bro. Hamel, coupled with the name of P.P.G.M. Bro. Sligo; " Civio Bodies," proposed by P.P.G.M. Bro. Cable, coupled with the names of P.P.G.M. Bro. Wilson. Per Sec. Bro. Jeffery, and P.G. Bro. Hart; "The \District Officers," proposed by P.G. Bro. Anderson, coupled with 'the names of the district officers; "The Roxburgh Lodge," proposed by P.P.G.M. Bro. Deacon. The other toasts were: "The Ladies," " Army, Navy, and "Volunteers," "Kindred Societies," and "The Press." P.P.G.M. Bro. Hamel asked the company to honour P.G. Bro. Edie, who had been 48 years a member of the order, by drinking his health. P.G. Bro. Edie suitably replied. P.G.M. Bro. Reid, in a few appropriate remarks, presented P.P.G.M. Bro. Broadfoot with a Past Grand Master's jewel. Bro. Broadfoot suitably replied, and thanked the district for the present. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman and the singing of " Auld lang syne " and " God save the King " brought a very successful function to a close at 11.30 p.m.

Saturday morning was occupied with a cricket matoh against a local eleven, Roxburgh proving an easy winner. On Sunday a church parade was held in the morning to St. James's Church, and in the evening to the Presbyterian Church, the local brass band turning out on both occasions. Several of the visitors were taken round fhe orchards and other places of interest, and left yesterday morning by special conveyances for Lawrence.