FORESTERS’ LODGE

Taranaki Daily News, 27 February 1935, Page 4

FORESTERS’ LODGE

TARANAKI DISTRICT MEETING.

NATIONAL INSURANCE OPPOSED. The half-yearly meeting of officers and delegates from the various courts of Foresters’ Lodge, Taranaki district, • was held in the Foresters’ Hall at Eltham on Tuesday, when the. following officers were present:—D.C.R. Bro. J. E. Cameron, D.S.C.R. Bro. R. A. Wall, D.W. Bro. G. F. Gyde, D.B. Bro. C. S. Lawrericd, D.S. Bro. A.. J. Tunbridge, D.T. BrO. A. J. Way. The following delegates represented the undermentioned courts: Bro. H. D. Hunt, P.C.R. (Court Taranaki), Bros. C. W. Green and S. Reilly, P.C.Rs. (Court Waireka), Bros. E. Nickson and L. S. King, P.C.Rs. (Court Inglewood Forest), Bro. H. Were, P.C.R. (Court Stratford), Bro. F. R. Vickery, P.C.R. (Court Raleigh), Bro. M Ritter, C.R. (Court Pride of Eltham), Bro. C. T. Hobbs, P.C.R. (Court Egmont), Bro. R. W. Hamerton, P.D.C.R. Sec. (Court Patea), Bro. J. D. Murray, P.D.C.R. (Court Opunake), Sister C. M. Julian, P.C.R. (Court Pride of New Plymouth). Bros. C. T. Mills, F. A. Coleman and V. Elliott were reappointed auditors at the same fees. The district arbitration committee was re-elected. It was decided by resolution that the district benevolent levy for the'ensuing year be 6d per annum, payable halfyearly. The district secretary’s and treasurer’s salary were both left the same 8s last year. A notice of motion from Court Inglewood- Forest: “That the following be deleted from the district rules, page 11, clause 11, line 6, ‘Courts requesting the attendance of all district officers should pay their reasonable expenses.’ ” The delegate for Court Inglewood withdrew the notice of motion.

A notice of motion from Court. Stratford was tabled to alter the’ day from Tuesday to some other suitable day in the months of February and August for the half-yearly meetings. The secretary mentioned that a national insurance scheme might be started in New Zealand and he said it behoved the friendly societies of New Zealand to take every notice of this movement.-The secretary said it would be detrimental to the friendly societies. • It was decided by the meeting that the,- district officers get in touch with other districts on the matter.

Tire next half-yearly meeting was decided in favour of Stratford, to be held on the last. Thursday in August.

The delegate from Court Stratford gave an invitation to all courts in the district to attend at the Forestefs’ Hall, Stratford, on the evening of March 18, when a court social evening would be held

In placing before the members of the Taranaki A.O.F. the final report for'the half-year ending December 31, 1934, the district officers placed on record, their appreciation of the many acts of kindness and consideration extended to them during” their term of office. They regretted attendances at court meetings had been very small in numbers and would like to have seen more interest taken by the members. New members for the twelve months Were 108, being a fairly large increase on the previous term. Payments from the benevolent fund included contributions of, distressed members, £9 0s lid, and donations £8 Bs. Ti.c officers had been discussing the question of creating a fund in the district for the payment of contributions of all members over the age of 60 years and the matter

would be referyed to the delegates for consideration. If the scheme was not applicable to the whole of the members of the district, then it waj the opinion of the officers that any court with a surplus available should endeavour to make use of. it to help the older members by an extra funeral benefit or a reduction in contributions. A targe .num-r ber of members were in arrears with contributions and every endeavour should be made' to help the genuine member who was so placed. The ■ halfyearly balance-sheet-showed £139 Is Id disbursements , from, the management fund, leaving a balance of £193 15s 3d to be carried forward. . , A vote of thanks was accorded Court Pride of Eltham for the- manner in which the district officers and delegates were received and entertained. • ; It was resolved that the district officers take in hand the resuscitation of Court Opunake as the membership had dwindled below the limit of membership suitable for the working of the court, which, at the present time was worked by the district officers. The district secretary considered it would be feasible to obtain many members on that coast to put the court On a satisfactory footing. ' . In connection with the members in the district over 60 years of age the delegates asked through the district Officers full information regarding the number Over that age and a suggestion for. working the scheme whereby the members might benefit. The following officers were elected and . installed by the chief ranger,, assisted by P.D.C.R. Bro. Tate, D.C.R. Bro. R. AWall, D.S.C.R. Bro. G. F. Gyde, D.W. Brbi C. S. Lawerence, D.B. Bro. F. R. Vickery, D.T. Bro. A. J.. Way, D.S. Bro. A. J. Tunbridge. P.D.C.R. Bro. J. E. Cameron was presented with the jewel and his name is to be placed on the merit board for services rendered.