MANCHESTER UNITY, I.O.O.F.

Otago Witness, Issue 2924, 30 March 1910, Page 37

MANCHESTER UNITY, 1.0.0. F.

ANNUAL MEETING OF OTAGO DISTRICT. The annual meeting of District Committee of Otago. District M.U.1.0.0.F. waf held in the lodge-room of Loyal Pride of Kaitangata on .Saturday last. DELEGATES: AND OFFICERS. The following District Executive officers were 'present:—Prov. G.M. Bro. C. J. Wood. Prov. D.G.M. Bro. A. M-Dougall, Prov. C.S. Bro. J. A. Hopcraft, Prov. Treas. Bro. J. PI. F. ' Hamel, P.P.G.M, Bro. J. H. .Crawford. Delegates. —Hand and Heart: N.G. Bro. W, A. Taylor, V.G. Bro. W. C. Washer, Elec. Sec. Bro. J. M. Rodger, G.M. Bro. J. T. Roberts, P.P.G.M. Bro. J. Wood, P.G. Bros. P. Thomson, S. J. Lvon, and W. H. Lyons. Dunedin: N.G. Bro. W. Trewern, P. Sec'Bro. C. G. 0. Naumann, P.G. • Bros. G. Gallaway, G. Crosbie, and! G. T. Scoones. Dalton: P.G.-Bros. T. ! Hanson, W. Bain; D. T. Fleming, N.G. Bro. J. Hi. Knowles. Prince of Wales: N.G. Bro, J. H.; Wilmot, P.P.G.M. Bro. "A. Cable,' P.G*. Bro. J. Emmerson. Albion: V.G. Bro. A. Marshall, P.G. Bros. G. A. Coughlan. J. H. Wright. A. P. Smith, and J. M'Neill. ■ Oamaru; P.P.G.M. Bro. W. El G. Reid, N.G; Bro. W. J. Knight, and P.G. Bro. W, G, Brownlie. Tuaipeka Pioneer: V.G. Bro. D. Christie; an apology for absence was received from Per. Sec. Bro. T. Pilling. Waitahuna: P.G: Bro. G. Dunn. Prince Alfred: P.G. Brps.. J. Beel and D. Russell. Waipori: Per. Sec. Bro. F. W. Knight. Bluespur: P.G. Bro. H. Cuthbertson, P.G Bro. S". J. Varcoe. Naseby: P.G- Bros. W. S. Reid, G. Murphy, and E..-P. Lavery. Alexandra:' P.G. Bro. J. B. Campbell and G.M. Bro. A. C." In glis. Roxburgh : G.M. Bro. G. Vernon, P.G. Bro. T. Michelle, Tapanui: N:G. Bro. J. Edgar, V.G. Bro. D. Jenkins, and Elec. Sec. Bro. L. Smith. Palmerston: P.G. Bro. W. Dreaver, Per. SecBro. W. Pittaway Cromwell; P.P.G.M. Bro. D. S. Muftfo. Mount Wendon: Per. Sec. Bro. A. M. Wylie and P.G. Bro. T. Middlemass. Band of Friendship: P.G. Bro. W. G. Cole. Outram T P.G. .Bros. U. Shrimpton and. J. E. Wildoy. Mossriel: P.P.G.M. Bro. . Broadfoot, P.G. Bros. G. Thomson, R. Smeaton, and J. Stephens. Caversham: P.G. Bros. G. T. Webb. A. R. EawVy, N.G. Bro. H. J. Hill, V.G. Bro. J. Arnold. North-East Valley: P.G. Bro?. A. W. Palmer, T. Millier. and J. A. Brown. Ngapara: P.G. Bro. J. Oliver. Danback: Per. Sec. Bro. F. W. Venn, P.G. Bro A. Murrav. Kaitangata: Per. Sec. Bro. E. M'Fadven," N.G. Bro. W. M'Laren. and. V.G. Bro. H. Sttibbs. United Brothers: P.P.G.M. Bros. C. E. Brundell and J. G. Briggs. Milton: P.G. Bros. A. 'Powley. S. Carston, and W. Wells. Wa-i- ' kaka: P.G. Bros. J. O'Kane and M. Ford„ Middlemarch : P.P.G.M: Bro. R. S. Black. The meeting- was opened by Prov. Grand Master Bro. C. J. Wood, and at once adjourned for 10 minutes out of respect to the memrory of /the- late P.P.G.M. Bro. A. -Sligo. / . _' On resuming - , the town clerk of Kaitangata was introduced to the'meeting. and welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Mayor and councillors, the Mayor being unable ro be present owing to illness. The town clerk expressed the hope that their visit would prove an enjoyable one. and! conducive to the best, interests of the Otasro district and local lodges. The P.G.M. acknowledged the compliment, in suitable terms, and ■on th-e motion of Bro. Hamel in was resolved that the meeting record its hieb appreciation of the kindness and hospitality extended to the deputies of the Otawp District of Oddfellows assembled in Kaitangata. Greetings were received from the Grand' Sec. 1.0.0. F.. District Sec. South Otacjo District. Lcdne. T.0.0.F.. P.P.G.M. Bro. .T. Robin nnd . P.G. Bro. Richardson, and Bro. J. Macfie,. Sec. A. 0.: Foresters. •'. ■■ >- GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS. The Prov. Grand Master addressed, th* meeting as follows: - • Worthy Deputy Provincial Grand Master and Brethren.—Another year onvthe journey of life in connection with our .order in, this district expires to-day 1 , and according, to ancient usage, and following the custom* of my predecessors in this chair, it is mj' duty and privilege to address you on the chief events that have been before us since our last meeting; but before doing- so* I desire to.present, to you all, on behalf o£ the Otago District, its fraternal greetings, and give you a hearty welcome to Kaitangata. The Loyal Kaitangata Lodge was opened in March, 1895, with 52 members, and today the membership is 192. and the value of "the funds £1893 4s lOd. I corfgratulate the lodge on its progress' whicß but goes to show what the industrial classes can accomplish by habits of thrift, selfhelp, and self-denial. I thank the. Kaitangata brethren for their cordial invitation to meet here to-day. During my term of office I have had the opportunity, of visiting some 16 lodges in the district*,, and have always been well received byl the officers and members. I have noted? with great regret the few members who attend the lodge meetings. There seems to me to be a great lack of sympathy arwS thoughtfulness. There are members in! «ome of the lodges who should be encouraged, as they are, or will make, goocT workers fo- the order. The privilege o£ helping others is a noble one, and! is well worth the sacrifice, wbicß

is always the price ' of privilege. " Nov. to be ministered unto, but to minister " is the best, rule for the ideal lodge. Since last district meeting there has been held in Dunedin an. initiation competition (the first, I believe, to be given in its entirety), which was very successful, and I know it will not fail in the object of its promoters. The various purple lectures .and degree meetings for the term were fairly well attended, and I. have to thank the brethren who so kindly assisted me to ?ive the various degrees in Dunedin and tfso in Palmerston,. Balcluhta, Tapanui, ■and Waikaka. There is no doubt' in my mind' that the formation of a Past Grands' Lodge, could we only get_ information as to how to' start and maintain it, would"be a step in the right direction, and • vould materially provide the lecturers ■ vith needed help and be the means of • idding more dignity and impressiveness to the ceremony. You will remember, that the executive was empowered to write the Home authorities for information concerning Past Grands' Lodges, and also about regalia, furniture, and drapings for purple lectures, but the answer cannot be considered satisfactory. This year s Haod•book has been for the 6rst trine issued '-meter the official seal of the, Otago dis'irict "and has been very favourably reseived and commented upon. The lodges "have responded most heartily to the call 'for funds to issue the book, and this year 'the Handbook Committee hopes to make \ reduction in the charges. I mCtst make ', passing word of praise to the editor and Secretary for the manner in which they have compiled and placed the book before us. On October 10 of this year we will celebrate the centenary ,of the Manchester Unity. A hundred years ago .the first lodge was started, but in the absence of early returns there is no record of membership or funds for the first tew years. To-dav, however, we have'over a million members and a capital of over £14,000,000. The Manchester Unity i« the only friendly society in the world that has a- subscribing membership exceeding one million: persons, a distinction worth persevering: to maintain unchallenged- I hope all members will strive to attend the functions that will take place on that occasion. The obituarv list this year has been fairly heavy, ~iisany members having been called to the Supreme Lodge, but I cannot refrain from mentioning: one, the greatest loss of all— PP G.M."Bro. Sligo. He was one of the most prominent men in the work of our order He was initiated into the Hand and Heart Lodge in 1864, and wa,s in harness right, up to his death. His enthnsi;asm in the work and his ability to grasp points in friendlv society matters soon ■brought him to the forefront, and his courr-el and advice were often sought, and as readilv aiven. The- son of our'Deputy Provincial Grand Master gained the Harrop scholarship at. the last examination. The next examination will take place in 'December of The scnoki'ship is tenable for two roars at £25 per anti Um. It was recent!v my very pleasing/dutv and .p-rivilesre to assist in onening a new lodge In Rahfurly—the Loyal Maniotpto Lodge. It was opened under the happiest auspices, and I trust that our latest \ addition will brimr lustre to our order. It has been mentioned that there is room for new; lodsrc-s in several districts where the population warrants it. and I sincerely hope that the matter will be established ere long Before commencing the active part of our proceedings I must call your attention to the decrease in membership for the year—namely, five. Foi a district with a net. membership o" nearly 4500 this state of affairs is certainly appalling, and might have' been materially altered had there been more attention paid to th© members already admitted. This- is not creditable, and, I think, is to be attributed in a great measure to two kinds of opposing forces. The first and more serious is irom within—the apathy of the members themselves, who, knowing the- advantage of belonaring to a sound society, do not Impress it sufficiently upon others who are not connected with- a. similar association. It is obvious, if the Manchester Unity is

to hold its own, that members must not be content to let its merits remain unadvortised; we must be _ missionaries ::.among our fellows, convincing them of their' duty to make adequate assurance against sickness invalidity, and that with no other society can a better, or even an equally good, assurance be made. The other opposing elements are front without ■'' '— t.be paramount claims o f sport and the 'existence of a series of so-called societies b£ an exotio and mushroom-like growth, and, in a lesser degree, the 'promise of an &ld-age oension. These and other factors 4re leading many of the young men of the present day to think that there is how no need for providing for the 'future, a* that sriil be assured. -By the report you will also

notice that the number of seceding mem- , l»rs is again a disturbing feature. This » a very vexed question. Many writers and speakers have referred to it. but we get no nearer the solution. I find it is mostly young members who are lost to -our lodges, and I urge lodge officers and vigilance committees to keep in closer touch with the young brothers and make the lodge room even mo-re attractive than ids present. The social and literary side .of our work is still too much neglected. Let us have more social evenings and ~f outside sporting •'contests, for these will generally bring the members more closely together, and by such means create a ■greater interest in the order. I think if ithis were done there would be fewer ' secessions. I urge all members to set about getting new members for this oensenary year. To my deputy and the rtst of my colleagues on the executive I have to offer my heartiest thanks itSC, al *d appreciation of, their loyalty to their chief, for their kindness and forbearance with me on all occasions, and in parting from, them as chairman of their meetings during the past year I venture to hope (that their remembrance of my presidency /will be as pleasant as my own recollection d# their willing deference to my decisions and eonduct while in the position that some of them have held and the remainder JMjpe'to attain-'. The C.S." I have also to ihank for his kindness to me during my jfcerm of office. Hie thorough knowledge of ,etfr rules and procedure stamps him rs an officer of the highest worth, whose adviee as- valuable and whose information is reliable. ' I hope he may long be spared to hold the honourable position of & Secretary. This year marks the twenty-fi (h of • jhis career as an Oddfellow, ami Ins brethren are looking forward to a -.nni.ar length of time in the secretary s chair, in Conclusion, I desire to say that [ hope my work during the term expiring o-day few met with the approval »f my brethren

generally. It is with regret that I will leave this chair and a work which has boon so pleasant to me, and I earnestly trust that I have given you and the members of our district such satisfaction mat there is no rea«son to regret that they appointed me to this honourable position. After the address had been delivered by the Prov G.M.. Past Grand Bro. S. J. Lyor. moved that the P.G.M. bo thanked, and that the address be printed, and concluded by moving the reception of the district officers' report.—Carried. DISTRICT OFFICERS' REPORT.

The district officers' report contained the following information : —The following are particulars compiled from the returns supplied by lodges':—

Numerical Statement. —Number of members January 1,1909, 4422; number admitted during the year, 262;—total, 4684: .number left during the year, 267; total remaining December 31, 1909, 4417; decrease for the year, five. Financial Statement.—Receipts: To value of lodge funds, January 1,1909, £123,530 10ft Id; receipts from other sources, £20,957 Is 2d;—total, £144,487 lis 3d. Expend: ture: By sSck benefits, £4594 17s 6d; funeral claims, £320; district funeral levies, £991 14s; sundry payments, sick and funei-al funds, £282 17s 3d; medical attendance and medicine, £4420 15s 4d; salaries and allowances, £ll7l 12s sd; sundry payments, management funds, £l7Ol 7s 3d; decrease in value of other funds, £32 3s 6d; .vahie of lodge funds. December 31, 19Q9, £130*472 4s;—total, £144,487 lis 3d. Adding 'the available funds of the central body—£3sl4 10s 3d—we get a- grand total of £133.986 14s 3d—an increase for the year of £7153 3s lid.

Among those who passed over to the great majoirifty was. P.P.G.M. A. Sligo, who joined the Hand and Heart Lodge in 1864, and twice occupied the Prow G.M.'s chair as well as filling the office of C.S. for several years. Your executive foi-warded a letter to the family, which, by resolution of the District Standing" Committee, was inserted in the minutes of meeting held on January 11 last. The sickness experienced was as follows: — First six months. 2546 weeks 2% days: second, six months, 446 weeks 5 days; third six months, 4027 weeks 1 day. This shows a decrease of 433 weeks 1£ days for the first period, 27 weeks for the second period, and an increase of 179 weeks, 2 days for the third period. The average sickness experienced per member of lodge ranged from two days 11 hours in the Pride of Kaitangata Lodge to five weeks five days nine hours in the Blue Spur Lodge. The average for the district was one week three days 15 hours. The'amounts paid for sick pay per member of the lodge for the year ranged from 8s Id in the" Pride of Kaitangata. Lodge to £3"4s 3d in• the Roxburgh Lod«o. - . The next competition for the Harrop scholarship will be held on a date at the end of the year to be fixed by the Education Board, of which due notice . will ■be given. The scholai-ship is, tenable for two years at £25 per annum. To bring the matter prominently before all members your executive suggests that a notification be inserted On the notices for next summoned meeting drawing their attention to the conditions of the competition.

A supply of the " Manual of Instruction (Duties of District and Lodge Officers)", prepared in accordance with a resolution passed at the-Cardiff A.M.C. has been re ceived and issued to the lodges in the. district. The information given in the manual advises that it is incumbent on lodge officers to see that the ritual is performed in a dignified manner, and that anything approaching sloveliness is avoided. Your executive has received 'correspondence from two districts in the Dominion in reference to a proposal to establish a-n insurance scheme or additional funeral benefit in connection with their districts. Members may contribute for £25, £75, or £IOO. The full particulars will be available at the meeting. Your executive is exceedingly plerased at being able to announce the very successful, opening of a, new lodge at Ranf urly, in Central Otago. The lodge has taken its,name. Loyal Maniototo, from that of the vast plain of which Ranfurlv is the centre. " The Friendly Societies Act, 1909,". passed by Parliament last session, was successful as a machinery measure by incorporating- all previous amendments into a consolidated act. -Regret, however, must be expressed, at the rejection by Parliainent of clause 15, which provided that no society, should be perniitted to continue as a benefit society without, having a scale of contribu. iions certified to by«m- actuary as- adequate to . provide the benefits promised. This special provision, in the<bill was eliminated, notwithstanding: < the- general support accorded _it by the leading authorities on friendly society-finance, and the testimony of the experts who gave evidence before the Parliamentary Committee. It is not within Ihe province of your executive to give its opinion whv such a conclusion was arrived at by Parliament, but clearly its dutv to record the fact. Your executive will give all the assistance possible to rectify an unmistakable blunder by Parliament and again reinstate the sound financial methods of friendly society finance advocated for many years by the advanced thought of the various orders, and supported by the registrar of friendly societies.

Agreeable to the resolution passed at the last district meeMng, the Prov. C.S. wrote to the C.S. of the order, and received the following- replv:—"l ma'- state, for vour information, that a*- the Bradford A.M.C. held during last Whit-week, several -su" - - g-p-stions were made m to the manner in which districts and lod<reo- should also "efabrate '■-bo centenary of the unit" in their respective localities, and fK e fallowing are conies of nosoPutioTia adopted hv tb t 43T.0 ; ' That all districts and lodges V invited to celeh v ate the cent'irvy of the unity between the 7th and 16th October. T9'o, or on snmo other date convenient to lodi-T.s .nrn<T districts concerned. ;r>-f??ere«ice b?ing -riven to the Bth October.' 'That the following reoommendntion be submitted lo the next A.M.C :.—For the nurpose. of cav-ving into «ffe"t the instructions of feKi« A.M.C. th° A.M.C. of 1910' be recommended to suspend general rule 9. pM, 1. for the session off' WeifeofM'ajr, Mav 1 8. 1910. 2 to- 5 p.m.' 'That all ' districts be invited to arrange for religions services, 0.pnblic meeHiws, in. connection -""Ith the centenary of + >-° unitv. to hn held on t'->"

Hh October. 1910.' I hone tb«t action will •in taken b" your distr'ot. nnd fch*» several j. ,1/req therein, in tb»- direction indicated." Referrinc- to district oF"pvs' report Bro. Ha-'nol os >id be considered the order was in a position H Had never previously

attained iti Otago. He and his colleagues felt confident that when the quinquennial report was available it would show the order to be in a fine healthy position, and would reflect on the parent institution. Bro. Black traversed some of the points at length, and endeavoured to show that the figures upon which they were based were not actuarially sound. Bro. Hopcraft took up the challenge, and in the course of a few pithy remarks deir»nstrated to the satisfaction of the meeting that Bro. Black had, by overlooking the fact that a la-go number of members received less than 10s per week in case's of prolonged sick pay, taken up an untenable position. Bro. Munro some weighty arguments and convincing figures in support of his contention that the order had made solid progress, and he was pleased to see that everything pointed to a continuation of this. He concluded by urging lodges to send whatever moneys were available to the District Lodge for investment, instead of allowing them to remain idle for indefinite periods, and thus centralise remote and weak individual effort. - He contended that k would be preferable for lodges to face a small overdraft at less interest if occasion demanded it.

Bro.' Lawry, in f ndorsirig these remarks; said the burden of urgent calls really fell upon those lodges whose funds 'Were v well invested, thus emphasising the necessity for country lodges adopting a sound investment policy. ■ Bro. LyOns expressed the opinion that when a'really sound investment offered lodges, would be justified in obtaining a small overdnft for a short period to augment the sum required. He also suggested the founding of a centenary scholarship. - Bro.. .Hamel, in reply, said it had been suggested". that a " Sligo scholarship" shoa'.d be founded, and with sums already promised there would be no difficulty in raising £IOO to start wi£h. They would require £SOO in all to make the scholarship an annual one, "which he strongly favoured, and he thought they should direct their energies to that end. This was agreed to, and. the balance sheet and auditor's -report were adopted.

FUNERAL AND DEFICIENCY FUND

The meeting considered the following remit from Loyal Valley Lodge:—l. That the title of District Rule 31 in future be " District Funeral and Deficiency Benefit Fund." 2. That clause 1 thereof be amended 'as follows:—" There shall be established a fund to be called, the District Funeral and Deficiency Benefit Fund, towards which every lodge in the district shall contribute in proportion to the number of its subscribing members according to the ..last return sheet and the average age of such members asat December ,51 in each year. From the Funeral and Deficiency Benefit Fund shall be paid th 3 funeral' benefits of lodge and district members and their wives* sick benefits to district members, the deficiency in sick benefit to members whose lodges are. unable to pay the full sick benefits set put in these rules, and the levies to the Unity Sick and • Funeral Fund." 3. That_ the following new clause 2 "be inserted —' namely, "On making application for the deficiency between the 6ick benefits paid and the benefits set out in these rules, lodges shall fui-aish names of sick members, with full particulars of each sickness,- stating whether any member or members are capable of following some lignt employ ment, and on the receipt of such particulars the district executive shall authorise payment of such deficiency sick Benefit as it deems consistent in each case." Pursuant on the foregoing being carried, all resolutions relating to the disposal of the money accrued from the secession of the Loyal Lake Wakatipu Lodge are hereby rescinded, and it., be an. instruction to the district executive to place such moneys to the credit of -the d,bove fund so that they may be taken, into account in future valuations of the district. Bro. Hamel said the principle had been affirmed in 1877, and relief could be granted in another way by a tentative proposition. Ho moved as an amendment —" That the matter be referred to a committee, and by that committee means would be devised to settle tne point for all time. He pointed out that the preamble, as printed in tneorder paper,..was contrary to the clauses relating thereto in the Friendly Societies Act Rule. 47 cove&ed all immediate necessities, and he thought more mature deliberation was desirable before deciding finally. Bro. Munro pointed out that there was £2OOO belonging to the Lodge Wakatipu available if the Lo~dge Valley proposal were carried into, effect, and he strongly supported the latter course. f The motion was carried by 43 votes to 35. ; INSURANCE SCHEME.

In" affirm lag the desirability of an insurance Bro. Black stated that* being all picked lives, Oddfellows could insure on better terms than other people as a class, and under the proposed scheme the expenses would be email' compared with those of the leading insurance societies. Consideration was deferred. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES ACT.

P.P.G.M. Bro. Munro moved the following resolution :-—" That this meeting of delegates assembled is fully convinced that the non-inclusion of the proposed clauses 16 and 16 in ' The Friendly Societies Act, 1909,' ""'is a grave injustice to those friendly societies which, at the/instance of the registrar, have pisoed their_ finances on a sounder basis. More especially is this so when the weight of-evidence given before the Special Parliamentary Committee was in favour of the inclusion of the said clauses, and 'he registrar of friendly societies and tie aefcnarv strongly recommended their insertion. We trust an amending act embodving the clausss may be passed next session of Parliament, and the district executive is hereby empowered to act in conjunction with th , other kindred societies in taking such steps as they deem expedient to this end." _ A copy o-f this, resolution (which was carried), witr any further particulars the district executive considers advisable, is to be forwarded to members of Parliament in the Otago district. GENERAL.

The ledge book examiners' report in re Loyal Tuapeka Lodge books examination was read and received. The P.G.M. reported that Bros. Cob and Lawry had been appointed to conduct the Oddfellows' column m the press, but Bro. Lawry ■ having advised that he could not devote the necessary tim-e, that the matter be deferred. —Agreed to. After considerable discussion the necessity for a comprehensive universal lodge yas reaffirmed, and, the Ritual Com-

mittee having failed thus far to achieve that object it was resolved that Bros. Cable, Lawry, Cole, Munro, Wood, and Black be associated with the committee to hasten on the work.

The remit from Loyal Tuapeka Pioneer Lodge was after lengthy held over pending receipt of the executive's re- | pert on remit from Ledge Dunedin in re appointment of auditors under the act. The levies for the ensuing half-year were fixed as follow: Funeral fund, 2s; incidental fund, 6d. . It was resolved that a short biography and portrait of Prov. C.S. Bro. J. A. Hop-, craft be forwarded for publication in the magazine. . ' The centenary of the unity is to be celebrated by the Otago District in October next, and it was resolved that the executive x the date of the district meeting to correspond, and a committee was appointed to act in making arrangements for the celebration. Fifty pounds was voted for the distress fund for the assistance of a brother, the amount to be disbursed as the executive deems fit. It was referred to the favourable consideration of the executive' to vote a sum of £lO 10s to the Kaitangata Cottage Hospital. Hearty votes of thank? were accorded P.P.CM. Bro. J.. H. Crawford, the retiring district officer and the brethren of the Loyal Pride of Kaitangata Lodge for the reception accorded to the delegates and the hospitality to them during their stay. | ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

Provincial Grand Master, P.D.G.M. Bro Allan Macdougall. Prov. Deputy Grand Master, P.G. Bro A. R. Lawry. Prov. Corresponding Secretary, P.P.G.M, Bro. J. A. Hopcraft. Prov. Treasurer, P.P.G.M. Bro. J. H. F Hamel.

Perm. Sec. Bro. James Brown was elected auditor, and P.P.G.M. Bro. W. E. C. Reid was elected lodge book examiner. The following were elected members of the Arbitration Committee:—P.P.G.M.'s Brundell, Broadfoot, Briggs, Crawford, Munro. P.G.'s S. J. Lyon, A.'W.- Palmer, W. G. Cole, G. A. Coughlan, \V. H. Lyons, Peter Thomson, G. Gallaway. The various officer's were duly installed with the usual formalities, and briefly returned thanks. j VARIOUS FUNCTIONS, ! Over 120 delegates and members of the Kaitangata Lodge sat down to a dinner presided over by N.G. Bro. M'Laren. Among the guests present were Mr James Allen, M.P for the district, Mr Clements, town clerk, and Mr C. D. Arlidge. Apologies for .non-attendance were received from the Mayor, Dr Fitzgerald (lodge surgeon), and Bio. Corson (mice manager). A lengthy toast-list; interspersed with songs, recitations, and instrumental solos, was Carried out, and a pleasant evening's entertainment was concluded before midnight by the company joining in " Auld lang syne " and " God save the King." _ During the evening the newly-elected" Provincial Grand Master presented P.P.G.M. Bvo. C. J. Wood with a hanttsorne jewel, suitably inscribed, in recognition of valuable sew: ices rendered to the district during his term, of office. Or. Sunday a church parade was held, the service taking place at the Presbyterian Church. The Rev. W. Currie offici-' ated, and delivered a stirring discourse on the tenets of* the order. A sajred concert was held on Good Friday evening, the items being largely contributed by the visiting delegates. The .proceeds, amounting to over £2O were devoted in assisting a deserving widow and her family, whose late husband was not a member of the lodge. \. • BIENNIAL MOVABLE COMMITTEE. NAPIER, March 28. The Biennial Movable Committee of the New Zealand Branch of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows was opened this morning. The, Grand Master (Bro. James. Marshall) in Bis opening addjess said it was a great pleasure to him to preside at such a large and representative meeting. In referring to the progress of the order he said it was gratifying to notice that settlement in. the north had been closely followed up by the Auckland district inthe way of opening new lodges. The lodges connected with the New Zealand Branch were on the whole in a prosperous condition. There had been several applications for permission to appropriate the surplus funds to enhance the benefits to the members. A resolution was passed affirming that the meeting viewed with pleasure the affiliation of the North Canterbury district with the New Zealand Branch. The report of the Grand Master and the Board, of Directors stated "that * the Manchester Unity was making slowbut steady progress. One factor that had affected the unity in New Zealand in common with other societies was the waye of depression that had been passing over the Dominion during the past two or three years. The directors could not help thinking that there was a spirit of indifference abroad with reference to making provision for the future. It behoved them to see that friendly societies were not too much endangered by provisions made by the Government for relief in cases of age, sickness, and accident. The directors recommended that the co-opera-tion of other friendly societies be sought in having' the clauses made law that were eliminated from the Friendly Societies Consolidation 4ct. Reference was made to the approaching centenary of the Manchester Unity, and the directors bespoke earnest consideration by the districts for . fittingly celebrating that interesting event. I The balance sheet of the branch was adopted. The receipts of the management fund were shown to be £277 9s, and the exoenditure £216 13s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £6O 15a 9d. The relief fund showed a credit balance of £147 17s 9d. ■ i

At the evening sitting the Mayor of Napier welcomed the deputies. A telegram was received from the Prime Minister as follows :—" On the occasion of this important .gathering of delegates from, all parts of the Dominion, I take the opportunity of congratulating your order

on its solid and continued progress. I trust that the important proposals before you for the benefit of your large membership will still further promote habits of thrift and providence among our people."-