FORESTERS’ CONVENTION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 636, 12 April 1929, Page 11

FORESTERS’ CONVENTION

FORTY DELEGATES AT HENDERSON CHIEF RANGER’S ADDRESS Thirty-three courts were represented at the opening of the 56th annual convention of the Auckland District of the Ancient Order of Foresters at the For- ' esters’ Hall, Henderson, yesterday. Bro. ! W. A. Knaggs, district chief ranger, presided. Mr. F. G. Platt welcomed the 40 delegates on behalf of the Henderson Town Board. In his presidential address the D.G.R. said he did not propose to make a general review of the problems that would come up, but would deal broadly with questions that would not be found specifically on the agenda paper. He would first draw attention to the need of a. supreme governing bodv for the A.o.l’’. in New Zealand. The retiring executive had done a good deal toward the realisation of such an ideal, but a great deal more remained. If the order was to retain its position in the friendly society world such a supreme body was vital. Bro. Knaggs said no organisation could succeed unless it was fully conscious of its own mission. Forestry stood for much more than the mere paying of contributions to secure certain fixed benefits. It aimed at a better undrstanding between all men, the practical expression of sympathy, and the holding out of an ever-readv helping hand. These principles are eternal. He would ask the adoption of the slogan, “Go forward with consciousness of a great cause and still greater success will be ours.” GENERAL BUSINESS The district accounts for the year ended December 31, 1928, were adopted. In order to discourage the formation of separate hospital accounts by individual courts, all are to join the consolidated hospital fund. The insurance fund of the order came in for congratulatory references, but it was pointed out that there were many members who had not takc.i advantage of the low premiums charged. Steps will be taken to bring the insurance scheme prominently before all courts. Business connected with the new central buildings occupied a good deal of time. On the motion of Bro. W. M. Latto, a member of the executive, the meeting resolved by 32 votes to 6 to rescind the decision of a special district meeting giving the enure control of the construction of the block to one man. In its place, it was resolved that all work be directly under the control of the executive. This will apply also to all future building proposals. The following officers were elected: D.C.R.. Bro. A. G. Osborne; D.S.C.R., Bro. S. King: D.T., Bro. W. J. Porter; D. 5.8.. Bro. W. M. Latto; D.J.8., Bro. G. H. Hughes; trustees, Bros. F. Bartlett, H. T. Hoverd and W. A. Knaggs: insurance board, Bros. Seaman, Hoverd, Mitchell and Blackwell: juvenile superintendent, Bro. G. Jarrett. The installation ceremony will be conducted on Thursday, April 25. in Court Birkenhead, the branch to which the chief ranger elect belongs. It is interesting to record that Bro. A. G. Osborne is the first member who .joined the order as a juvenile to reach the highest position in the province. Bro. Osborne is a graduate of Court Victoria’s Pride, Devonport.