FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Southland Times, Issue 21420, 15 June 1931, Page 2

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

DOMINION COUNCIL. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS DISCUSSED. The first general meeting of the recently formed Dominion Council of Friendly Societies was held in YVellington, the G.M. of the M.U.1.0.0.F., Bro. H. S. M. Quigley, presiding, and there were present 16 delegates, representing 13 separate societies, as follows: Manchester Unity of Oddfellows (N.Z. Branch), Bros. H. S. M. Quigley, A. G. Shrimpton; Otago District, Bro. A. Sligo; Lyttelton District, Bro. W. T. Foster. U. A. Order of Druids (Grand Lodge, North Island), Bros. J. Laughton, F. Mawhinny. Independent Order of Oddfellows (N.ZI.), Bros. D. F. Smillie, W. F. Crooke. Ancient Order of Foresters, Wellington District, Bro. A.- W. O. Travers; Otago District, Bro. J. K. Macfie; Canterbury District, Bro. O. Jacobsen. Independent Order of Rechabites (Central District), Bro. T. Fathers; Canterbury District, Bro. C. W. Bascand. Grand United Order of Oddfellows, Bro. W. N. Bain. British United Order of Oddfellows, Bro. C. Pearce. P.A.F.S.A., Dunedin, Bro. A. Devlin. An apology was received from Bro. Jackson, Grand President of the North Island Druids, owing to illness. Prior to the consideration of the articles of association correspondence was read from several societies who were not represented at the meeting. In one instance, namely, the District A.0.F., Auckland, the opinion supplied was against the formation of the council. In all other instances the letters indicated a favourable reception of the association.

Rules for the constitution and the government of the Dominion Council were presented by Bro. A. G. Shrimpton, G.S. of the M.U.1.0.0.F., and with minor alterations ' were adopted. The rules provide that the objects of the Dominion Council are to promote the mutual co-operation of all Friendly Societies, to keep a watchful eye on Parliamentary proceedings likely to affect the principles of Friendly Societies, to promote improvements in the Friendly Societies Act and the promotion of health, education and other social services generally. Following on the adoption of the constitution and rules the executive committee was elected as follows: President, Bro. H. S. M. Quigley; vice-presidents, Bros. A. W. O. Travers, J. Macfie; secretary-treas-urer, Bro. A. G. Shrimpton; auditor, Bro. T. Fathers.

Future meetings of the Dominion Council are to be held in the last week in May. Many important questions affecting the Friendly Society movement generally were discussed, and the executive committee was empowered to deal with or furnish reports to the next annual conference in respect to the following matters: Obtain an expression of opinion from all societies regarding the closing of lodge books at June 30 instead of December 21. Review the rates charged members as patients in Government sanitoriums. Approach the Post-master-General with a view of introducing the system of Friendly Societies operating on Post Office Savings Bank accounts by cheque. Furnish a report to the next Dominion Council on members who leave one society by non-payment of dues and join another society. Fully investigate the question of a Dominion hospital scheme for Friendly Societies. Present a report to Friendly Societies’ Dispensary Boards of the loss suffered by dispensaries in the Hawkes Bay district and solicit assistance to rehabilitate the sufferers.

During the discussion on remits, comprising actuarial valuations, maternity applications and economic pensions, the general opinion was one of appreciation for the services rendered the Friendly Societies by the registrar, actuary and staff of the Friendly Societies’ Department. Votes of thanks to the promoters and the president closed a very successful conference, which augurs well for the future functioning of the council. In thanking the delegates for the valuable constructive assistance rendered and proceeding upon sound and reasonable lines, Bro. Quigley anticipated that with the united effort of all societies the council would accomplish a great deal for the comspon good of the whole Friendly Society movement.