ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 956, 5 March 1917, Page 10

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

ASHLEY DISTRICT. Tlio thirty-seventh annual meeting of tlie Ashley District, M.U., 1.0.0. F., was held at the Oddfellows' Hall, Rangiora, on Saturday. There wore present: Pro. G.M. V. J. Rhodes (presiding); D.P.G.M., W. Smith; Prov. C.S., C. I. Jennings; Tyler P.G., J. W. I. Doggett; and the following delegates: —Rangiora Lodge, Bros. .). Marshall, C. R. Golding, E. N. Blackett, T. Hills, and M. Barrell; Nil Desperandum Lodge, Bros. A. J. Wotherspoon, G. Mehrtens, and S. J. Smith; Oxford, Bros. E. C. Barnes and H. B. Nelson; Gust, Bros. E. VV. Cooper and G. K. Crysell; Ohoka, Bros. 11. Diekhoff and W. L. Orchard; Woodend, Bros. P. Martin and M. Derbidge; Leithfleld, Bros. G. A. McLean and D. Palmer; Amberley, Bros, G. R. Ilolton and W. H. Hale. Apologies were accepted for the non-representation of the Waiaa and Waikari Lodges.

The Grand Master stated that the district was well represented by members at the front. The records showed that 127 were, or had been, jn military service, and at the present time 105 were still at the front or in training. Fourteen had been either killed irr action or had died of wounds or disease, four were reported missing, and seven had been honourably discharged owing to wounds or the effects of sickness. Referring to district affairs, he said that the membership had decreased by 54, tins result, being due to the restriction placed on the admission of members during the war. The tick and funeral funds of lodges had increased by £ll4O 4/7, being £28,629 11/7 at the beginning of the year and £29,769 16/2 at the close. There was a difference of only 14/2 between the amount of sick pay for tlue past two years, the total in 1915 being £1270 5/-, and in 1916 £1270 19/2. Funeral benefit claims amounted to £5lO, an increase of £220 as compared with 1915. The condition of some of the lodge uiauagemen' funds was the reverse of satisfactory, and the only remedy appeared to be an alteration of rules to permit of an increased amount being taken from contributions for man agement purposes. By special levy a sum of £307 3/1 .had been subscribed by members for the payment of the contributions of brethren on military service.

A resolution of sympathy was passed to P.P.G.M. Bell, iii the death of his son, Sub-Lieut. L. W. Bell, R.N., and to all other relatives of brethren who had made the supreme sacrifice. Business was adjourned for 10 minutes, out of respect for members who had laid down their lives. It was resolved to hold the next district meeting at R.uigiora on March 2, 1918.

P.P.G.M. McLean brought up the matter of a .suitable reception being given to soldier members on their arrival at the seaports when invalided home. He instanced a case of neglect in connection with the arrival of a number in Wellington. He moved that it be a re commendation to the executive of the New Zealand Branch that proper arrangements bo made to meet all homecoming soldier members at Wellington and Auckland, and also to communicate with the Bunedin lodges in reference to the matter.

It was resolved that it be a recommendation to lodges not to admit to membership any person over the age of 19 years during the conscription period. The question of affiliation with the Friendly Societies' Council of Canterbury was discussed, and it was decided not to take further steps in the matter. The election of officers was as follows: Prov. Grand Master, Bro. W. Smith (Rangiora); D.P.G.M., Bro. G. K. Crysell (Oust); District Committee of Man agement, P.P.G.M.'s, G. A. McLean and W. 11. Hale, P.G.'s T. Hills and E. Cooper; book examiner, Bro. J. Marshall; treasurer, Bro. W. T. Wilson; auditor, Bro. C. R. Golding. There were present as visitors from the North Canterbury District: —Director E. Davidson, P.P.G.M., Prov. CM. Geo. Green, Prov. D.G.M. W. R. Gahagan r Prov. C.S. T. J. Archbold, P.G. L. W. Longuet, P.P.G.M.'a J. A. Clarke and H. B. Veitch, and P.G.'s G. Ellen and S. RinaMi.

After the business meeting had been closed with the Oddfellows' war ritual, and the National Anthem, Director Davidson, acting on behalf of the IJoard of Directors of the New Zealand Branch, presented a Past, Master's jewel to Bro. .las. Marshall, in recognition of his services as Grand Master of New Zealand during the years 190S-9.