MANCHESTER UNITY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3865, 10 April 1928, Page 28

MANCHESTER UNITY.

ODDFELLOWS IN CONFERENCE. meeting at Roxburgh. The annual meeting of the District' Comnattec of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (Otago district) was held in Roxburgh on Saturday. .; • DELEGATES PRESENT/ t The delegates present were:—Prov. GAI. P. W. Stabb (presiding), Prov. D.G.M. tV. J. Johnson, Prov. C.S. J. A. Hopsraft, Prov. Treas. A Sligo, P.P.G.M. J. H. G. Clarke. Delegates: Hand and Heart Lodge—-G.M. F. Berfenshow, V.G. L. Boyne, E.S. Thomas Tate, P.P.G.M. 15. H. Rosevear, P.G.’s F. Austin, W. H. Liddicoat, A. W. Poyntz, W. H. Poyntz, R; Hv Cumberbeach; Dunedin —N.G. Ji' A. M'Gall, E.S. Allan M'Dougall, P.G.’s W. S. Cowie, J. Knox, G. Crosbie, G. Scoones; Prince of Wales —V.G. R. S. Jack,

P.P.G.M. J. H._ Crawford, P.G.’s J. Fitzgerald, W. D. Campbell, J. S. Thorn; 1 Albion—N.G. W. J. Gifford, V.G. W. Longworth. G.M. H. Alpine, E.S. A. F. Harwood, P.P.G.M. W. Sullivan,'P.G. A. J. Smith; Oamaru —V.G. H. G. M‘Kay, P.G. H. S. Campbell; Tuapeka Pioneer — G.M. T. A. Weather all,,Per. See. J. Russell, P.G. George Gare; Alexandra—V.G. F. W. Arthur, Per. See. A. M. Wylie, P.G. W. 11. Mennell; Roxburgh—N.G. E. Omond, Per. Sec. J. H. Waigth/ P.G. R. George; Tapamii—N.G. E. M'Auley, G. J. Mercer, V.G. J. F. Robertson; Palmerston —N.G. I. Pittaway, Per. Sec. W. Pittaway, P.G.S. J. Varcoe; Cromwell —P.G.M.’s N. Jolly, J. Hoskins, P.P.G.M. ■ R. S. Black; Mount Wendon —V.G. W. M’Kee, P.G. A. Christie, -jun.; Mosgiel— Per. Sec. W. Weir, P.G. G. A. Irvine; Caversham —N.G. H. T. Emmerson, G.M. W. J. Wallace, P.P.G.M.’s A. R. Lawry, J. Wilson. P.G. E. J. W. Hey; Valley— V.G/ E. J. C. Varcoe, P.P.G.M. C. H. Russell, P.G.’s W. H. Young, W. J. Hutton; Ngapara—Per. Sec. J. Russell, G.M. G. Meikle; Dunback —P.G.’s A. Murray, G. E. Glover; Pride of Kaitangata—N.G. J. Leishman, E.S. H. Connor, P.G. A. Gibson; Milton —N.G. G. G. Woodhead, V.G. V. R'. Clark, P.G.’s D. Moyes, J. Taylor, W. N. M'Lean; United Brothers —Per. Sec. E. Morgan, P.G. J. Morgan; Maniototo —Per. Sec. J. M. Miller, P.G. A. Kerr; Centenary—N.G. J. E. Farquharson, G.M. R. E. Mercer/P.G. W. M‘Allan; Vincent —V.G. T. Read, Per. Sec. O. C. Austiug; Queen of Otago—N.G. C. Gil-’ tnour, G.M. A. Neil; Princess Mary—N.G. H. Watts; Victoria —E. J. C. M'Kinney, Per. Sec. H. Lockhart. WELCOME TO ROXBURGH. The Mayor of Roxburgh (Mr F. Laloli) R'eleomed the delegates to the town. He laid those who were engaged in such work' is the distribution and administration of aeelimulated funds for the alleviation of sickness and distress would find a ready welcome in any town. He hoped the meeting would prove successful in every way, and wished all the delegates a plealant week-end in the district. The Prov. Grand Master replied on behalf of the Order, and congratulated the district on the rapid strides ’ eing made in its development. ’efore proceeding with the roll call, the Chairman referred to those who had died since last meeting, referring particularly to the loss suffered by the Order, through she death of P.G. Bro. Harris, of the Loyal Albion Lodge. Members stood in silence as a tribute to the memory of the dead. The Provincial Corresponding Secretary (Bro.' T A. Hopcraft) then read the roll call. A welcome was extended to the Past Prov. G.M., Bro. Gahagan (Christchurch), who was also a past grand master of the New Zealand branch, both the Prov. Grand Master and the Past Prov. Grand Master (Bro. J. H. G. Clarke) speaking of the excellent work done for Manchester Unity in New Zealand, and also in Otago in particular. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of the district officers was placed before the conference. ECONOMIC After some premilinary. inquiries and correspondence in regard to the matter, the corresponding secretary wrote, under date June 22 last, to the Minister of Defence taking strong exception to the practice of the Avar Pensions Board of deducting the amount received by way of sickness benefits from friendly societies against economic pensions, payable. It was pointed out not only was the action of the Pensions Board guilty of taxing the prudent to the extent of deducting the amount of benefits which nienioers had paid in for years to ensure, but they-even failed to allow a deduction, of the amount of contributions which must still be paid in to hold the benefits; The War-Pensions Board’s ideas of. justice, sympathy and desire to encourage thrift was exemplified in the answer received from tho Minister of Defence who, under date July 1,5 last, wrote thus:—With reference to v our letter of June 22, I have now to advise that the War Pensions Board has decided, after fullest consideration, to adhere to its practice of charging lodge benefits in full against any economic pension payable.

Ihe matter was subsequently passed on lo the Friendly Society’s Council, which considered the question and wrote as' follows—

. -I have to state that the council is fully . in accord with your protest, and steps are now being taken to get into touch with sister councils in the Dominion, with a view of bringing before the Minister in charge, a strong protest from all societies in New Zealand. This council .considers tho action of the War Pensions Board is beyond comprehension and beyond all reason. ~T he Piov. Treasurer (Bro. A. Sligo) said that they were up against something in this subject which was distinctly wrong and unfair. The present stater of affairs made a protest absolutely imperative. He moved that the following resolution be forwardeel to the Minister of Pensions, also suggesting that a copy of the resolution should no forwarded' to the conference of Foresters in Invercargill:— • That this meeting of deputies assembled expresses strong disapproval of the. action of the Pensions Board in regard to their decision, that before assessing economic pensions, they will deduct benefits received

from friendly societies and not even allow against such receipts, the contrin.itioris payable to assure such benefits. That the prudenoe of years should thus be taxed is astounding, and that the Pensions Board should so offer a premium -fur improvidence called for a strong protest from the Otago District M.U.1.0.0.F. through this meeting.” A recommendation, from Bro. J. H Waigth (Roxburgh) that tho protest Lh amended to include old age pensions as well met with opposition- from all quarters it being considered unwise to involve the general principle of pensions K in this matter. ■ The resolution was carried. GRAND MASTER’S ADDRESS. In moving the adqption of the annual report and balance sheet tho Prov GrandMaster (Bro. P W. Stabb) said: The proposals put forward at the annual ‘meeting in Cromwell of last year have become operative, and I feel sure, that when the machinery was turned on on July 1 last year, the foundation stone of the biggest monument that can ever* L-e erectea to our great fraternity' was laid. Let us for' a moment reflect that this disposition was made possible by the unselfishness of our surplus lodges handing over practically their all under our scheme of consolidation, and thus allowing surpluses to create further surpluses until we were able to dispose of £50,000 for tho, betterment of our membership. 1 had Tittle to do with consolidation, something more than a little to do in the disposition of surplus, and it is one of the happiest experiences of my life'to have felt that during my term of office our first surplus has been -o satisfactorily dealt with. It will, I think, please you ail to know that an amount of £415 19s 6d has already been paid out .under the" extra three shillings per week for continuous sickness. It must lta v e proved a veritable God-send to many of our sick members. Further, your executive has been able to deal much more liberally with distress cases coming ur.Jer our notice, and as your agents have, I feel sure, brought many a ray of sunshine into homes that have felt the greyne=s and misery of distress. May the adminis trators of the future ever have foremost in their minds that surpluses, no matter how they mav be created, should be large y used for the members who may have met misfortune by the way. Ours is a grand and glorious heritage, brethren. It has been trantled down to us untarnished* and I would like to think that the great oid pioneers, of our movement would approve of our administration and‘the disposal if our surplus. FEMALE LODGES.

We have in our district to-day three female lodges, and we are pleased to have representation from each of them at this meeting. They are now firmly established, and we are probably in a position to review their value to our movement. It is known to all that I fought strenuously against their formation, not against their social value, but I was of the opinion that they would prove an undue strain on' our financial position. I still hold that opinion, but I must, however, be honest enough to say that they have proved an immense advantage from the social side, and as ritualists they are equal to the best. These virtues, if I may -use the term, probably outweigh any financial risk a strong society like ours may experience. Certainly now that they are established I would not oppose the formation of female lodges in any part of the district where they may be successfully fonned.i I would, however, like to say to these lodges that they should seriously consider the formation of sewing and working bees, etc., as I feel sure a big field is open to them where they could give service by assisting the distressed of our society. They must all know of some brother or sister Oddfellow who is up against it, and by kindly offer of assistance in household duties or the making of clothes, etc., would be a practical demonstration of their value. I feel sure the district would assist financially in the purchase of materials, etc. Ever remember that however pleasurable social evenings mav be, the big thing is service to one another. I leave it at that. PAST GRANDS’. LODGE. It has always been a matter of deep regret to me that the Past Grands’ Lodge, has been ..allowed to remain-dormant for ■so many years, and the time is long past, due when it should be again functioning. I feel it a little blot on my own administration that is has not been restarted’. My year.has been somewhat full, and I did not seem to have the necessary time to give to its reformation. That it did good work in the past is certain, and the very fine team of ritualists that we have giving the various degrees to-day is the outcome of its past activity. I really think that it is the inner circle where the closer bond of brotherhood could be cemented and much good to our Order accrue. Let us see to it that. steps are taken to reorganise and reconstruct it' so as we can meet again as. past grands of our Order, imbued with the desire to foster our fraternity. SECRETARIES AND TRUSTEES OF . '• LODGES.

I want to express my admiration 'bf our secretaries Bro. Stabb continued. They are practically the lenders, and on them to a great extent lies the responsibility of .the success or non-success of the lodge. For little remuneration, and, in some cases, with practically no previous experience, they have taken up secretarial duties for the love of the Order. Little difficulties arise from time to time, but the standard is very high indeed, and we must be immensely proud of our lodge secretaries. The time has, I think, arrived when our district should take some steps to close our books for the annual balance at some other date than December 31.. It would have many advantages from the members’ point of view, but the reason that prompts the suggestion is that it would give our secretaries freedom from the special work of balancing, etc., at a period of the year when holiday-making is in the a|r. Like the secretaries, the trustees are also doing great work, and, as much of their work is of a confidential nature, the great services they render are not always known. I would suggest to them that if they have difficulty in finding suitable investments they should make use of the central investment account rather than, hold any moneys uninvested. . JUVENILE LODGES. It will be remembered that at our halfyearly district meeting, held' in Port Chalmers, legislation was passed so as

to create a jo.uncil to govern these lodges. —.There is still much to do in connection with this matter, and the committee -deserves our best thanks for the attention it is devoting to it. ” There can be no doubt that with the competition between Orders to increase membership this splendid recruiting ground should be encouraged • in every possible way. Many of the young men who have been transferred from the juvenile lodges are showing particular promise in the adult membership.

’•/ 1000 MEMBER CAMPAIGN. ■< My .remarks, to-day would certainly be incomplete if I did not make some reference to the 1000- member campaign. Launched' by that enthusiast, P.P.G.M. Bro. Lawry, it has received considerable impetus by the initiation already of some 200 members. Circulars have been sent to all members, and the response has been? admirable, but there can be ho letting up in the movement. Committee meeting after committee meeting has been held. The leaders are. doing their best, but the success of the campaign lies in the hands of the members themselves. HOSPITAL TREATMENT AND FEES.

. There has been a good deal of publicity given in the papers to the treatment of members of friendly societies in Jiospital, he continued, and may I say much of it has been contributed by people who know nothing about the matter.-'One gentleman from Wellington had the temerity to say we were prostituting the friendly society movement by asking for concessions when we had funds amounting to £3,337,683, quite overlooking the fact that practically the 'whole of the moneys belong to the sick and funeral fund, and can only be used for that specific purpose. It is not, however, a question of funds. What is desired is that a scheme should be formulated whereby the friendly societies guarantee payment of the fees of the members. It will be noted that the charges'are to be guaranteed, and the collection is certain. This is largely the reason that prompts the hospital authorities to negotiate and not a particular desire to be given any concessions. The scheme must be equitable; I stand for that. The charges should be easily ascertained. The hospital authorities have no doubt in their possession the percentage of fees collected from the public to-day. That should be the basis of the contract, less a certain sum that the collection of fees cost. - I just want to say here that we fully appreciate the assistance we receive from the friendly societies’ department. It is always approachable, and gives us much actuarial advice. Outside of this w'e do not look for Government assistance, and it is ridiculous to see articles appearing in the press from time to time about our demands. They are practically non-existent. It is our de-s-jre to assist the Government with the social problems of our Dominion, and I know this is recognised by our legislators. PERSONAL. What little sucess, he concluded, I have attained as your grand master is largely due to the kindly co-operation and assistance received from my colleagues on the executive. Our deputy, whom I feel sure you will honour to-day in electing as your grand master, has served his apprenticeship so well that he goes into the highest office equipped with every qualification necessary to make him an outstanding success. I think I can safely couple the semipermanent officers of the executive in tendering to them my best thanks. 1 have so often expressed my admiration for my late chief, P.P.G.M. Bro. Clarke, who goes out of office to-day, that I feel it is not necessary to add thereto except to say that the executive' will indeed be the poorer by his absence. The promise he made to assist me in every posable way has been more’than amply fulfilled. EARLY RECORDS. The committee appointed to go into the question of compiling the history of the Otago District, M.U.1.0.0.F., reported having met. While it recognised the importance and usefulness of the proposed records, the committee considered *bat the cost of the production wo'uld be too great. The expenditure was not justified. P.P.G.M. Bro. Russell (Valley Lodge) said that the cost of the compilation would doubtless be prohibitive, but he pointed out that the task of collecting data was yearly becoming more difficult. He suggested that the records should be collected and preserved, whether a publication was issued or not. Future generations could perhaps shoulder the expense, and if they should wish to do so in the years to come, the collected material would be invaluable. The report was referred back to the committee for further consideration in reference to the collection of all available records and information. PURPLE LECTURES. When the question of the appointment of time, d; te, and place for the holding of the next purple lecture and past officers’ degree meeting was being considered the Prince of Witles Lodge delegates introduced a .remit to the effect that these meetings when held in Dunedin should be fixed tor a Saturday night. It was contended that country members would thus be £iven v a better opportunity “-to attend. 'Train arrangements and other circumstances in the country made it difficult for past grands and others interested to be present on any other night but Saturday. It was therefore suggested that baturday should be fixed as a constant night for. these" lectures. Bro. Clarke said he opposed the idea of making any definite rule in the matter. He was in agreement with, the idea of a Saturday night function, but he would notsupport any endeavour to make a hard andifast rule. Several others spoke against the remit, -and the C.S. (Bro. ■Hopcraft) pointed out that such a remit would necessitate an alteration of the bylaws. -j

Prince of Wales Lodge then withdrew its remit in favour of the following motion submitted by the prov. treasurer: “That the place and tinje for holding the meeting in question be left in the hands of the executive to arrange. with a recommendation that-Saturday night is a'suitable night to hold such meetings.” The motion was carried.

RECOGNITION OF OFFICERS. The Prince of Wales Lodge submitted a remit suggesting that in view of the valuable services rendered by P.P.G.M. t °tt xl H. Rosevear and P.G. Bro. 'W. I i- U /> ton ln connection’ with the hand book, the executive be authorised to present them with a token of the district’s appreciation. •The Prov. G.M; read a letter from Bro. Hutton absolutely refusing to accept any recognition in the form of a presentation for work which had been a pleasure. Bro. Campbell (Prince of Wales) spoke of the work done A by the two officers in question There was a lot to do, and they did it without .any cavilling. I n respect to Bro. Hutton’s letter, he did not consider that the executive should be guided by it. Perhaps he thought he aid not merit such recognition, but the executive might have a different opinion. Bro. K b. Black said notice should be taken of Bro. Hutton’s wish in the matter. -A good form their appreciation mighttake was greater care and promptness on the part of lodge, secretaries and officials in sending m information. The speaker thought that the officers concerned would far rather .have the thanks of the meeting m the form, of a letter of appreciaf e wa A. con vmced that the presentation of something of material value would detract from the pleasure Bro. Hutton felt in having done the work well. Other speakers suggested that the matter shou d be referred to the executive. Another sard it should be sent back to the movers. Bro Sullivan, however, said the meeting should either accept or reject the remit. He wa s not in agreement with the remit. The Prince of Wales Lodge had been ill-advised m presenting it in its present forta. The mover (Bro Camp-b-eil) when asked to replv said that in sav W ’ the opposition Fe h atl nothing to The remit was thrown but. JUVENILE COUNCIL. The District Executive introduced the following remit:—“That the members at present composing the Juvenile Council be re-appointed till the annua] meeting of the council in February, 1929.” Bro. Clarke said the work undertaken by the committee was not yet completed, and for that reason the executive thought the present committee should carry on.— The remit was adopted. SURPLUS FUNDS. In respect to the rules governing the appropriation of surplus funds, the executive moved that rule 60 be amended to make the payment to male members for sickness in excess of 12 months’ duration 3s per week with a special rate of Is 6d per week for all female members. ‘ It was explained that the payment in respect of females would be retrospective. The remit was carried, the effect of it being that female members, who had not previously been concerned in the distribution will now participate to the extent of tho sum named per week. HALF-YEARLY LEVIES. Tho Prov. Treasurer moved that the levy for the next half-year for the District Benefit Fand should be 2s 6d per member. —Carried. GRAND-MASTER. On tho motion of Bro. Sullivan it was decided to place the name of the Prov. G. (Bro. Stabb) on the merit board, and to give him a' certificate to sit for the Past Prov. G.M.’s degree and Prov. G.M.’s jewel.—Carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Provincial grand master, Bro. W. J. Johnston; provincial deputy grand master, Bro P. Young; provincial corresponding secretary, Bro. J. A. Hopcraft; prov. treasurer. P.P.G.M. Bro A. Sligo; auditor, P.G. Bro. C. Grater; lodge-book examiners—P P.G.M. Bro. W E. C. Reid a,, d P.G.’s Bros. J. G. - Patterson, J. W. Smeaton and Bro. A. J. Simmonds; Arbitration Committee—Bros. B TT Rosevear, E. Longworth, G. Crosbie, W. D. Campbell’ E. J. W. Hey,- F. Austin, A. M. Wylie. J H. G. Clarke, G. T Scoones, J. Knox, C.II. Russell, R. S. Black; Competitions Com-mittee-Bros. A. R. Lawry. C. H Russell, P H. Young I Friendlv Societies’ Council Committee—Bros. Clarke, Austin, Wilson and Knox. SOCIAL. The installation of officers was carried out with all’ the ritual of the Order in the and in the evening the delegates were tho _ guests of the Roxburgh Lodge at a social evening in the nublic halL, On Sunday the visitors were taken on a tour of* the development works around Roxburgh, being shown the plant and stations of the Teviot Power Board and the various irrigation works in the district.