ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1276, 15 March 1918, Page 10

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

NORTH CANTERBURY DISTRICT. Tho fifty-fifth annual conference of the North Canterbury district of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows was held in the Oddfellows’ Chambers 0:1 » Wednesday. The Provincial Grand Master (Bro. W. B. Gahagau) presided. Deputy Grand Master of the society (Bro. F. W. Watt) was present, and was accorded the honours of the Order. Lodges were represented as follows: — City of Christchurch: E. Kent, P.P.G.M., T. Palmer, A. L. Winter, E. W. HewinBon, P, Chick, C. J. Wood, and W. Beat? tie, P.G.’s. Benevolent: W. 11. Buown, P.P.G.M., A. F. W. .lames, P.G. Kaiapoi:P. Bate, P.P.G.M., D. IT. Fisher, P. S. S. Harding, P.G.’s. Perseverance: L. P. Longuet, F. W. Henley, J. Harper; P.G.’s. Volunteer; .1. R. Mcnjman, P.P.G.M., L. L. Cooper, T. Burt, A. J. Wilson, P.G. ’s. Malvern: J. Henry, P.G. Phillipstown: J. Cleworth, P.P.G.M., F. N. Warlnirton, P.G. Leeston; G. H. Barnes, R. Johnson, P.G.’s. Papanui: IT. K. Morgan, P.P.G.M., E. Sisson, P.G. Addington: C. H. Winny, P.P.G.M., W. Johnson, T. Candy, P.G.’s. Coleridge: E. Charles, H. Luke, P. Prcstidge, P.G. 's. Heart of Oak: J. A. Clarke, P.P.G.M. Riccarton: C. E. T. Hill, G. Cullen,. P.G.’s. Jubilee; J. McNally; W. Ash, P.G.’s. P.G.’s, Sister Pearce, Sister W. C. Car-j nie, P.S.’s. Waimairi: Geo. Green, P.P.G.M. Provincial Corresponding Secretary, T. J. Archbold. The Grand Master opened the conference with the special war ritual, and | gave an address. He said that the membership now stands at 2049. Thirtyeight members were initiated during the year; 51 members died (the war being " responsible for 2(i of the number). The sum of £1330 was paid for funeral benefits, as against £BBO for 1916. The amount of sick pay for the year was £2433, as against £2751 in 1916, a decrease of £3lB. The total funds of the district amount to £60,961, being an increase of £1620. He took the opportunity of expressing the filial loyalty of Oddfellows to the Sovereign of the Realm, and their unfailing sympathy to him and all his advisers in this gigantic .•struggle against militarism and oppression. They could only hope that with -God’s help Britain and her Allies would be rewarded by a victorious and honourcable peace, when nations would live in perfect harmony, and war should be ■no more. In this titanic struggle they had now over 200,000 members of the Manchester Unity, who nobly responded to their country’s call, and over 8000 of tlfese had made the supreme sacrifice. From this small district there had •gone 280 members, and out of these 38 had given their lives for King and -country, whose memory they would ever ■gratefully cherish and revere. To their dear ones they tendered their heartfelt sympathy, and trusted that the sad blow would be lightened by the knowledge that their loved ones gave their lives for so righteous a cause. To the wounded and sick they wish to express their deepest sympathy, with the hope that they would be speedily restored to health and their friends and families. He hoped that the tlmfr was not far distant when their brethren would be returning, after an honourable peace 'had been declared. He trusted that ’both here and at the B.M.C. meeting they would face the momentous question with hearts guided by justice, expanded by benevolence, and in the true ■spirit of Oddfellowship, realising that they must not be less courageous in their duty than their brethren and comrades on the field of battle. ‘ ‘ Theirs is a service of sacrifice; ours should ibe the same. They are sacrificing their Jives; we are ony asked to sacrifice our time, our talents, and our money.” The election of officers resulted as fob

lows:—Prov. G.M., Bro. S. Rinaldi; Prov. D.6.M., Bro. L. P. Longuet; Prov. **C.S., Bro. T. ,T. Archbold; Prov. Treasurer, Bro. J. R. Merrimanj management committee, W. Johnson, A. L. Winter, L. L. Cooper; deputies to 8.M.G., J. R. Merriman, T. J. Arehbold, H. E. Morgan, 'C. Green, W. R. Gahagan; trustee, G. Green;, auditors, H. E. Morgan, C. E. T. Hill; irook examiners, C. E. T. Hill, E. Kent, A. L. Winter. It was decided to present the retiring '■G.M., Bro. W. R. Gahagan, with a testi--monial as a mark of appreciation of the •splendid services rendered during his term of office. The newly-elected officers were install- ■ ed by Bros. C. H. Winny and J. William:Bon, P.P.G.M.’s.