ODDFELLOWSHIP

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 66, 22 March 1929, Page 6

ODDFELLOWSHIP

TARANAKI DISTRICT, ANNUAL CONFERENCE. ...District Grand Master J. M. Bates (Elthani) presided at the annual con ference of the Taranaki district of th Manchester Unity htUd at Stratford yesterday. There was a large attendance of members, and New Zealand Grand Master F, I'ntchard (Aghburton) and Deputy Grand Master H. S, M. Qui|gley (Dannen virke) were alsq present.

In his address D.G. M.. Bates said tho. total sick pay for the year was £1671 9s 2d and funeral claims £520, these figures representing increases of 25 and 60 per cent, respectively over tho previous year. In spite of this the total of tho sick fund had increased by £3055 17s, to £47,835 16s 9d. Tho result of tho 1925 valuations disclosed a most satisfactory position. "With tho exception of Mid. hirst, which had a deficiency of £l7l, all the lodges showed substantial surpluses. It had been suggested that lodges with surpluses should make a levy to place Midhirst om a sound footing. . Tho district officers, D.G.M. Bates, D.& N, B. Bellringer and D.D.G.M. W. Marr, reported that benefits paid during the year had amounted to £5905 0s 4d. made up as follows: Sick pay £1671, funeral benefits £520. maternity allowances £384. moflval benefits £1798 13s 9di. hospital benefits £1155 12s sd\ surplus benefits (reduced contributions') £l2l- 13s 6d, | increased funeral benefits?* £250 lis fid. Tho interest-bearing funds total.: led £55,248 4s lid, thd revenue de_ rived from this amount beino- £3194 10s 3d, of which £2991 9s 0d was retained in the sick and funeral funds of the lodges, the balance being transferred to the management fund. District officers elected were : Dis- | trict Grand Master, Bro. W. Marr i (Kaponga) Lodge); Deputy District Grand Master, Bro. S. Bollon (Egmont Lodge) ; District Secretary, Bro. N. B. Bellringer (Excelsior Lodge); District treasurer, Bro. T. R, Julian (Egmcltfs Lodge); district warden, Bro. F. J. Brabant (Waitara Lodige); i trustee, Bro. R. S. Sage (Union [ Lodge); audtor, Mr A. J. Tunbrdge i (New Plymouth); management comj mtttee committee, Bros. M. Gern- | hoefer (Toko), S. J. Bennett (Manaia), R. Steere (Midhirst), R. &'. ,'Sage (Union), J. L. Walton (Excelsior), and A. A. Dagg (Manaia). The same officers were elected as an arbitration committee. As book examiner and auditor Bro. N. B. Bellringer was appointed.

Owing to the fact that the Loyal Midhirst Dodge had a deficiency of £l7l, it was decided that) lodges in the district be requested to contrii "bute with a view to putt'ing the Mid--1 hirst loflge into a solvent position. The management levy for the year i was fixed at Gs for men and 3s for /women. It was decided that when money belonging to the funeral fund was 'available for investment, notices re'questing applicatins for investments he circulated to all districts. A notice of motion was given that the conferences be held in different 'towns every year in rotation. It was decided t'o present Bro. Bellringer with the past district scfficers's jewel and degree. Following afternoon tea the offiI cers were installed.