ORDER OF FORESTERS

Otago Witness, Issue 3397, 23 April 1919, Page 36

ORDER OF FORESTERS

ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING. The following is a summary of the District Executive report presented at the titty-fifth annual meeting of the Ancient Order of Foresters, Otago District, on Saturday, at Invercargill:—" We are more than proud of our members who responded in such large numbers to the call of duty. Some 900 of our brethren have gone to uphold liberty and justice, and well and loyally " did their bit." We mourn the loss of 140 of our brethren, who unselfishly gave their lives To the relatives and friends of our gallant band of brothers we extend our heartfelt and deepest sympathy. At December 31, 1917, the membership was 3029; from the returns' furnished there were initiated or joined by transfer and clearance 366; total, 3395. From this total we deduct—Lost by death 79, by arrears 115, total 194; leaving 3201 members at the end of December. 1918 —an increase of 171. Of this number 34 are from the new Court Queen of Green Island, opened in January, 1918. The district is to be congratulated on the numerical progress made. Tho funeral claims amount to £IBOS against £llsO for last year, and represent claims of 78 members, six female members, and the wives of 19 members. The amount paid in sick pay has increased very considerably. Tho sick pay for the year comes to £4185 18s-9d, against £2450 lis lid for tho previous year —an increase of £1735 6s lOd. All our courts were called upon to meet heavy claims during the period of the epidemic. The total amount of funds under the control of the district is £73,742 3s 6d; from this deduct central investment fund, belon'Mii"- to courts, £1919 6s 4d; leaving the value of the district funds. £71,822 17s 2d. The amount collected for interest was £4121 9s 4d.