WELCOME GIVEN TO I.O.O.F. GRAND MASTER

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 62, 14 March 1931, Page 14

WELCOME GIVEN TO 1.0.0. F. GRAND MASTER

SOCIAL EVENING CONCLUDES CONFERENCE.

“ The movement stands for the betterment of humanity,” said the Grand Master of the New Zealand branch of the M.U., 1.0.0. F., Brother ii. S. M. Quigley, when replying to the welcome extended to him by the Mayor (the Rev J. K. Archer), at the conversazione held in the Oddfellows’ Hall last evening. This social gathering, which was well attended by members and their friends, brought to a conclusion the sixty-eighth annual conference of the North Canterbury M.U., 1.0.0. F., New Zealand branch, which commenced yesterday morning.

Brother A. E. Brown, Grand Master of the North Canterbury district, was in the chair. With him on the platform were Deputy Grand Master C. J. ITolsey and other officers of the lodge. The honoured guests, the Grand Master New Zealand branch. Brother H. G. M. Quigley (Dannevirke), and the Deputy S.M. of New Zealand, Brother T. J. Archbold (Christchurch), were also on the platform, together with the Mayor. “It gives me very much pleasure to welcome to this city your Grand Master,” said the Mayor. Referring to the great disaster in Hawke’s Bay, the Mayor said that he felt sure that all the members of the society would help in the reconstruction. The great work of the society was that of bringing people together in harmony.

After thanking the Mayor and the members for their cordial welcome,, the G.M., Brother Quigley, outlined the objects of the society and the tremendous growth made since its inception. If it were not for the friendly society movement public expenditure, such as charitable aid, hospital and other expenses would be greatly increased. The society was a public one and deserved the support of public men. The growth of the society was not due to monetary' help but to the fraternity which it created and what the society endeavoured to do for humanity. Co-operation Needed.

“ Co-operation,” said the Grand Master, “is badly needed.” To this end he had tried to form in Wellington a Grand Friendly Societies’ Council, that could as one body handle all matters for appeal and place them before the Government or other authorities.

“ We are proud of our own society/’ said the G.M., speaking of the Manchester Unity as a whole in New Zealand. There were nearly 34.000 members, and already they had 247 lodges in the Dominion. They were well managed at a minimum of expenditure. It cost 2ad per member per week to maintain the society. Referring to the North Canterbury district, the G.M. emphasised the need of increased membership. They owed much, he said, to those pioneers who bore the burden and stress in years gone by. It was also necessary to encourage the young people to enter the ranks. The advantages of the friendly societies should be placed before them. He was pleased also that ■ the sisters of the movement were doing such good work. He hadr rKTt approved of their admission at first, but had now changed his views on the matter. Call to Personal Service.

Personal service was required from all members. “ You should endeavour to help along the Unity, and in dcing so you are helping along the unity of the country,” he said. Speaking of the earthquake, which he referred to as a great leveller, Brother Quigley told the audience some of his experiences. There were a number of lodges affected in Hawke’s Bay. The Loyal Napftw Lodge had suffered the complete loss of its hall and would not function again for some time. The society would recognise its full liabilities, and twenty shillings in the pound would be paid in the Hawke’s Bay district.

Entertainment was given by Miss E. G. T. Hill (songs), Mr J. P. Darragh (item), Sister Jean Houghton (sword dance), Mrs E. Jory (song), Brother W. East (banjo solo), Mr J. Costello

(sketch). Brother A. Low (musical saw). Brother Norman Carson played accompaniments. The evening concluded with dancing.