ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Colonist, Volume XLI, Issue 9097, 15 February 1898, Page 2 (Supplement)

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

MOTUEKA DISTRICT.

r The meeting of the Motueka District, 1.0.0.F., was held at the Oddfellows Hall, Takaka, on the 31st ult., Prov. Grand Master Cozens in the chair. Prov. D. G. M. Henry O. Drummorkl. and Prov. CS. Robert Pattie were also present. The several lodges in the district were fully represented. Motueka Lodge, P.P.G.M. Wm. Boyce, P.P.G.M. Frederick Parker, and P.P.G.M. Henry Rumbold ; Good Intention Lodge, P.P.G.M. George James, and P.G. Everett ; Takaka Lodge, P.P.G.M Joseph Packard, and P.P.G.M. J. F. Rose ; South Star Lodge. P.P.G.M. Noble Win and P.G.M. W. Humphreys. P.The financial reports read by the Prov C.S., showed that the Motueka Good Inteng tion and South Star Lodges had made a •substantial addition to their Sick and Funeral Funds during the year, while there was a decrease in the Takaka Lodge. During the past year there was paid by the several lodges for Sick pay £574 Is 9d, for Medical Attendance £153 2s fid, for Funerals £60. The Sick and Funeral funds are : Motueka Lodge £3712 9s 7d, the Good Intention Lodge £2123 lis Bd, Takaka Lodge £1241 19s, and South Star Lodge £275 12s 9d. The District funds £1853 18s sd, Juvenile lodges £116 2s 2d. Total amounts of District and Lodge funds, £971irJs5d. Tho quinquennial valuation of the several lodges in the District was received from the Actuary last August and showed that the Motueka and Good Intention Lodges had a surplus, ahd the Takaka and South Star Lodges had a deficiency. The sickness in the first six months period was less than the expectation, but in tbe second six month's period and in the after twelve month's period, and in the total was greater than the expectation. The sickness in the Motueka and South Star Lodges was greater than the expectation, and that of the Good Intention and Takaka Lodges, less than the expectation. The sickness per member of the Motueka Lodge was the highest on record. One member of tho South Star Lodge, who died in 1894, had been continuously sick for upwards of nine years, and received as sick pay nearly the whole amount of the existing eficiency. A large and animated discussion took place on the advisability of altering the third rate of sick pay viz., 7s 6d per week for all continuous sickness after the first twelve months. The rate of sick pay is looked upon by many members as being (in n, great man cases) not sick pay in the proper acceptation of the term, but an annuity which the member's contributions never had been sufficient to provide. The discussion resulted in the following notice of motion being given for next meeting. " That at the next District meeting the third scale of the Sick benefit be altered to read as follows :— 7s 6d per week for thirty nine weeks, and for the continuation of sickness, 4s per week." The election of District officers: Prov. D.G.M. Drummond and P.P.D.G.M., H. Brougham were nominated for Prov. G.M., the ballot was for Drummond 5, and for Brougham 4, the Prov. D.G.M. was thereupon elected Prov. G.M., and for Prov. D.G.M. P. G. Satchell and Everett were nominated. The ballot was for Satchell 6, and Everett 2. P. G. Satchell was thereupon elected Prov. D.G.M., the Prov. C.S., Treasurer, Examining and Relieving Officers remaining in office. The newly elected District Officers were inEtalled by P.P.G.M. Packard. A vote of thanks to the retiring District Officers was passed; also that the retiring Prov. G.M. receive the honours of a P.P.G.M.