ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11947, 5 March 1917, Page 3

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

ASHLEY DISTRICTANNUAL MEETING. The thirty-seventh annual -meeting of the Ashley District. M.U., 1.0.0. F., was held at tho Oddfellows' Hall, Rangiora, on Saturday. There were present:— Prov. G.M. V. J. Rhodes (presiding) j D.P.G.M., W. Smith; Prov. 0.5., 0. I. Jennings; tyler, P.G., J. W. I. Doggitt and the following delegates: Rangiora Lodge—Brothers J. Marshall, 0. R. Golding, E. N. Blackett, T. Hills and M. Barrell; Nil Desperandum Lodge, Brothers A. J. Wotherspoon, G. Mehrtens and S. J. Smith; OxfordBrothers E. C. Barnes and H. B. Nelson ; Oust— Brothers E. W. Cooper and --G. K. Cryscll; Ohoka—Brothers H- Dickhoff and W. L. Orcchard; Woodend—Brothers P. Martin and M. Derbridge; Leithfield—Brothers G. A. M'Lean and I>. Palmer; Amberley—Brothers G. R. Holton and W. H. Hale. Apologies wore accepted for the non-representa-tion of the Waiau and Wakari lodges. The Grand Master, in his opening address referred at some length to tiie war, and in tho course of his remarks stated that the district was well^ represented by soldier members. The records showed that 127 were,.or had been on military service, and at the present time 105 were still at the front or in training. Fourteen had either been killed in action, or had died of wounds or disease, four were reported missing, and seven had been honourably discharged owing to wounds or effects of sickness. During last year nine members made tho supreme sacrifice, and within the past two months three f others had laid down their lives for their country, one being the eldest son | of P.P.G.M. Brother C. W. Bell, an j esteemed officer of the district. _ ReferI ring to district business affairs, the Grand Master stated that the membership had decreased by 54, tho roll number at the beginning of the year being 1902, and at the end 1038. This result was due to the restriction placed on the admission of members during the period of the war by the central bodv, and the increased number of deaths due to the war. The sick and funeral funds of lodges had increased by £ll4O 4s 7d. being £28,629 lis 7d at tho beginning of the year and £29 769 IGs 2d at the close. There Vas'a difference of only 14s 2d between the amounts of sink pay for the past two years, ths total in 1915 being £1270 ss, and in 1916 £1270 19s 2d. Funeral benefit claims amounted to £5lO, an increase of £220, ac compared with 1915. The condition of some of tho lodge management funds was the reverse of satis- j factory, and the only remedy appeared to be "an alteration of rules to permit of an increased amount being taken from contributions for management purposes. E-v special levy a sum or £307 3s Id had been subscribed by members for tho payment of the contributions of brethren on military sex vice. The Grand Master concluded with a brief reference to the business of the meeting, and with an expression of his thanks for the way in which he had been received by the lodges on his

official visits. P V G M M'Lean referred to the loss sustained bv P.P.G.M. Bell in the death of his son, Sub-Lieutenant L. W. -Bell, R.N., and moved an expression of deep svmpathv with him, find also with all other relatives of brethren who had made tho supreme sacrifice for their countrv. The motion was seconded by P.P.G.M. Barnes, and \vas carried by the meeting standing in silence. Business was then adjourned for ten minutes out of respect for members who had laid down their lives. On resuming reports of the Cornrnitteo of Management and auditors (Brothers H. C. Wilson and T. Hills") were submitted, together with the district balance-sheet, all of which wore satisfaetorv and were adopted. The book inspector (Brother J. Marshall) reported that he had found the books, on the whole, kept in a satisfactory manner.- The Leithfield Lodge held the record for the year in having paid the smallest amount per member in sick benefit, namely 7s 10<1. If, was resolved to held tne next district meeting at Rangiora on March 2, 1918. P P G.M. M'Lean brought up the matter of a suitable reception being rWven to soldier members on their_ arrival at the seaports when invalided home. He instanced a case of neglect in connection with the arrival of a member in "Wellington. He moved that it be a recommendation to the executive of the New Zealand branch that proper arrangements be made to meet all home-coming soldier members at Wellington and Auckland, and also to communicate with the Dunedin Lodges in reference to the matter. It was resolved that it be a recommendation to lodges not to admit to membership any person over the age ot nineteen years during the conscription •. j

period. , The question of affiliation with the Friendly Societies' Council of Canterbury was discussed, and it was decided not'to take further steps in the matter. The annual report and balance-sheet of the Mew Zealand Friendly Societies Mutual Fidelity Guarantee Association was received, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the executive officers for their continued careful management of the funds of the association, enabling a further granting of free policies. i The, meeting confirmed the action of the Board of' Directors in deciding to become an approved society under the Finance Act, 1916, thereby securing to members the maternity benefit, and endorsed resolutions parsed by the board in connection therewith ;;s follows: (1) That as, the Friendly Society movement has been of such incalculable benefit to the State in the encouragement of thrift, the scheme does not, in any measure satisfy the just claims of Friendly Societies on the State to assistance especially in view of the responsibility undertaken by the societies in connection with the war mks and is of opinion that the maternity benefit should be unconditionally available to Friendly Society members: (2). that in view of the equality of membership under the constitution of our societies, the board strongly disapproves of the wage limit stipulated by the State; (3) that the board renews the societies' tlisapproval of the opposition of the National Provident Fund which is financed by the State, to the detriment of Friendly Societies. Officers were elected as follows : Prov. 0. Master, Brother W. Smith fltsmgiora); IXP.G.M.. Brother G. K. Cryscll (Cust); district committee of management, P.P.G.M.'s G. A. M'Lcau and W. H. Hale, P.G-.'s T. Hills and E. Cooper; book examiner, Brother J. Marshall; treasurer. Brother W. T. Wilson; auditor, Brother C. R. Golding. After the installation of the officers a very hearty vote of thanks wa.i passed to the retiring Grand Master (Brother Rhodes) for the efficient manner in which ho had discharged the duties of his office. It -was also resolved to place his name on the merit board, confer on him the Past Master degree, and present him with a jewel and honorarium. There were present as visitors from the North Canterbury District: Director E. Davidson, P.P.G.M.; Prov. G.M., George Green; Prov. D.G.M., W R. Gahagan; Prov. CS., T. J. Arehbold; P. 0., L. W. Longuet; I' P.G.M.'s, J A Clarke and H. B. Veitch; and P.G.'s G. Ellen and S. Rinaldi. After the business meeting had been closed with the Oddfellovrs war ritual and the National Anthem, Director

Davidson, acting on behalf of tho Board of Directors of the New Zealand branch, presented a Past Master's jewel to Brother James Marshall, in recognition of his services as Grand Master of New Zealand during tho years 1908-9. In making the presentation Brother Davidson said that Brother Marshall was one of the best workers the New Zealand branch had known. He had filled the office of Grand Master with much credit. No member's opinion in matters relative to the Order was more respected than than of Brother Marshall, and when special committees wero set up he was always one of the first nominated for a seat. Ho was a good Oddfellow, and not a little of his Successful career in the Order was duo to the fact that he had a wife who was also a thorough good Oddfellow at heart. P.P.G.M. Clarke added his testimony to Brother. Marshall's sterling qualities both as an Oddfellow and in private life. Brother Marshall in returning thanks said that the friendships he had made in his connection with the officials of the Order had been an inspiration to service. He joined the society in 1880, and taking office on the second meeting night after his initiation had been in office ever since. It had been his privilege to take part in the establishment of the New Zealand branch, having always been confident that it would prove a step in the right direction. The Central Funeral Fund also had his strong support, and ho hoped that the day would not be far distant when the sick funds of lodges would also be centralised.. The effects of the war was making abundantly <;lear the wisdom of centralising Friendly Societies' funds. At the conclusion of tho presentation ceremony afternoon tea was served and a social hour was spent, the proceedings being enlivened by Brother E. Barnes with patriotic songs of his own composition. , Before leaving the visitors expressed their hearty thanks for the very cordial reception they had met with.