ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12754, 29 March 1910, Page 2

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

BIENNIAL MOVEABLE COMMITTEE. [United Press Association.] Napier, March 28. The Biennial Movable Committee of tho New Zealand branch of the Manchester Unity of the Independent Ordeo* of Oddfellows, was opened this morning. The Grand Master (Bro James Marshall) in his opening address, said it was a great pleasure to him to preside at such a large and representative meeting. In referring to the progress of the Order, he said it was gratifying to notice that settlement in the North had' been closely followed up by the Auckland district in the way of opening new lodges. The lodges connected with the New Zea-. land branch were on the whole, in a prosperous condition. Tliere had been several applications for permission to appropriate surplus funds, to enhance the benefits to members. A resolution was passed to the effect that the meeting viewed with pleasure the affiliation of the North Canterbury district with the". New Zealand branch. The report of the Grand Master and tlie board pf directors -stated that the unity was making slow but steady pro-, gross. One factor that had affected the unity in New Zealand in common with other societies was the wave of depression that had been passing over the Dominion during the past two or three years. The directors could hot help, thinking there was a spirit of indifference abroad with reference to making provision for the future. It behoved them ;tb see that the friendly societies -were not too much'endangered by the provisions for relief in cases, of old age, sickness, and accident made by the Government. ' The directors recommended that the co-operation of the other friendly societies be sought in having the clauses made law that wereeliminated from tlie new FriertdlySocieties Act. Reference was made to tlie approaching centenary of the unity and the directors bespoke the earnest consideration of the district for fittingly celebrating that interesting event. ■'..'•' The balance-sheet of the branch was adopted. The receipts of the management f und wore shown to be £277 9s, and the expenditure £216 13s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £60 15s 9d. The relief fund showed a credit balance of £147 17s 9d.