ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5461, 13 January 1896, Page 4

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

.m , ' LYTTELTON DISTRICT. The annual meeting was held on Jan. 9 at the' Oddfellows' Hall; Lyttelton ; present — Prov. G.M. B. W. Harris, Dep. Prov. G.M. R. M. Griffiths, Prov. C.S. John L. Carrell, district warden W. C. G. Taylor. Deputies were present from the following Lodges:— Loyal City of Norwich, P.G.s Brice, Foster, - Sima and • G.M. Kay ; Loyal Good Intent, P.G. Eames (appointed); Loyal Timaru, P.P.G.M/s Liggott and Hilton and P.G.s Earl and Bascatid ; Loyal Hand of Friendship, P.G. Graham (appointed) ; Loyal Hand and Heart, P.P.G.M. Scott ; Loyal , Perseverance, P.P.G.M. Toomey (appointed) ; Loyal Heart of Friendship, P.G. Milne (appointed) ; Loyal Pleasant Point, P.G. Starck. The officers of the North Canterbury district, Prov. G.M. Cleworth, Dep. Prov. G.M. Gough and Charles Foster, Prov. C.S., with P.P.G.M. Kent, were also present, and received a hearty welcome. The Prov. G.M. briefly addressed the meeting, expressing his pleasure in again meeting deputies, and at the satisfactory position of the Lodges which, had been visited during the past • six months. He stated that the sick and death rate had been severe, i>loo having been refunded in funeral donations, the mortality being principally that of mentbers' wives. He expressed regret at Bro Starck being removed from Pleasant Point, and of; the loss sustained by the district thereby. j Correspondence was read: — From the Prov. C.S., Otago District, suggesting that the clearance question should be deferred Until united action could be taken by all the districts in New Zealand,. From the book examiner, resigning his position. From the registrar, enclosing the- printed circular in regard to Friendly Societies reform. The balance-sheet and auditors' report were read, showing a credit of assets of .£l4B 12s 8H i It was resolved that the action of the district officers in granting temporary privileges to the Pleasant Point Lodge should be approved, and that a committee consisting of the Dep. Prov. G.M., Prov. CIS. and P.G. Brice, should consider the circular from the registrar and report at next meeting. . ■.. . . . ,i The election of the district officers was then taken, resulting in Depl Prov. G.M. Griffiths being elected as Prov. G.M. ; P.G. Earl; of Loyal Timaru, as Dep. Prov. GcM., and P:G. Sims as ! junior auditor, vThe resignation of PIP.G.M. Baker as book examiner was accepted. P.G.s Sims and W. Foster were appointed book examiners. : It was resolved that the usual privileges be accorded to Peninsula Lodges to grant sick pay on sick visitors' certificates; Nominations for July meetings were then taken, Waiiriate and Akarda being nominated, tho election resulting in favour of Akaroa. : v .'■.-' Deputy Strack having to leave by boat, addressed the meeting, expressing his regret at severing connection, with the district, and wishing the brethren prosperity. It was resolved — " That the district grant to Bro Strack a letter of recommendation to the district he . is joining." . . > x : - The report from the Canterbury conference regarding clearance surrender values was read and unanimously adopted. It was resolved that if a further conference should be required the Prov G:M> elect should be sent as delegate. '; At 6 p.m.' an adjournment took place for dinner. On resuming business atj 7 p.m. the following degrees were conferred :— 'Bros Taylor and Kay, Past V.G. ; Bro Sims and Kay, Past N.G. The Past Grands' Lodge was then opened, the officers of North Canterbury District assisting, and the Purple Degree was conferred; upon, P.G.s David Mpore, W. E. Sims, ;L. A. Graham and A. W. Bascaud. The installation of officers was then proceeded with, Bros Cleworth and teoiigh acting as installing officers. The, Prov. G.M. Bro Griffiths and Dep. Brov, G.M. duly returned thanks for their election. The retiring Prov. G.M., Bro Harris, was presented with the P.P.G.M. jewel 'by P.P.G.M. Kent in an appropriate speech, ■which was acknowledged by. the recipient. - The usual votes thanks were passed and acknowledged, and the meeting was closed at 9 p.m. The visitors were afterwards entertained at a supper in the hall.