Friendly Society Jottings

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 956, 28 December 1933, Page 4

Friendly Society Jottings

ivs.xj., x.0.0.r Thurs.. Dec. 28—Riccarton, Papanui ( Belfast. Branch), Kaiapoi and Papanui Juveniles. Tues.. Jan. 2—Kaiapoi. Wed.. Jan. 3—Perseverance. Thurs., Jan 4—Papanui. Sister Pearce i and Volunteer Juveniles. 1.0.G.T. Thurs., Dec. 28—Bastion Memorial. Mon., Jan. I—Ever Onward. Tues., Jan. 2—Union and Rawhiti Juveniles. We<l.. Jan. 3—Lily of Sydenham, Sumner Pride. X.0.0.F. Thurs., Dec. 28—Star of Opawa. Tues., Jan. 2 —Star of Sydenham, Golden Link, Wnitea. Wed,, Jan. 3—Templeton, Daphne, Naomj, Sunshine. A.Q.X*. Tues., Jan. 2—Thistle of the Forest, Star of Belfast. Wed., Jan. 3—Ashburton Juveniles, Court Star of Canterbury, Pride of Courtenay. 1.0. R.— Thurs., Dec. 28—Star of St Albans Juvenile Tent. Sat.. Dec. 39—Philfpson and Whakaroa Juveniles. Tues., Jan. 2 —Enterprise, Hope of Addington. Wed.. Jan. 3—Riccarton. Thurs.. Jan. 4—Hope of Richmond, Phil ipson. TJ.A.O.D. Tues., Jan. 2—Hope of St Albans, Anchor, Timaru, Trafalgar, Olive Branch. Wed.. .Tan. 3—Oak of Sydenham, Ellesmere. 1933. The passing of 1933 is not without its lessons to Friendly Society members. The year has been full of anxietv to executive officers of the various Orders. The primary object of the movement is to assist members, and the benefits prescribed for a weekly contribution have been far exceeded in the stupendous effort to maintain membership. The j unemployed question is not by any I means .disposed of, but, by internal legislation and the great assistance in tli is- direction tendered by the Friendly Societies Department, special attention has been given to the assistance of needy members. The funds which have been accumulating for many years have been tapped and to all intents and purposes the societies are no worse off. The help which has been extended during the past two years lias proved more valuable to members than it is possible to estimate. There is no need for anxiety in the future as the 1930 quinquennial valuations give ample evidence of surpluses in almost every society. Several societies, in view of the accumulated surpluses, must give early consideration fp increased benefits in some form or other, and there is no doubt that any additions to benefits should be made to the older members, whose contributions over the past twenty, thirty, or even more years, have been the backbone of the Orders. Increased funeral benefits, sick pay and reduced weekly contributions will give executives plenty of scope for thought in the distribution of the surpluses. It is recognised that no further benefits than those registered under the rules can be extended without the consent of the Registrar, whose main attentions are directed towards the solvency and liabilities of the societies. Recently it was quoted that to increase the funeral benefits by £lO in one society the department assessed the additional liability of that Order to be close on £15,000. It is of paramount importance that membership should not decrease to a Point below an average over, a number of years, and throughout the Dominion every avenue has been exploited whereby needy members received assistance. This was the example, set by the exodus of thousands of soldier members from 191 4 on—wartime conditions—and now peace-time conditions have rendered an equally strong demand for assistance, to which the Friendy Societies* have risen in a magnificent manner. If no other thing has been done during the past year, this concerted effort to restore membership will be a lasting monument to the efforts of the societies i in New Zealand. Prosperity and Progress. Judging by the annual report of the Friendly .Societies’ Department, recently issued, there should he very few cloud's on the horizon for 1934. A slight decrease in membership, equal to 3.41 per cent, is surely a matter for congratulation. The total accumulated funds of the societies increased from £4,277,715 to £4,398,158, the average capital per member being now £43 Is 13d, as against £4O 9s 9d at the last report. The. net interest credited to the sick and funeral funds totalled £164,841, equal to a rate of £4 31s 1 Od per cent, as compared with £5 3s Id per cent ; last year. The total net gain in the sick and funeral funds amounted to 18s 7d per member. In comparison with statistics of Australian States, the capital per member in New Zealand is in every instance much higher, and in some cases twice as great. Viewing the amount of sickness benefit paid in i relation to weeks of sickness the aver- *

age benefit per week is found to be 12s i 10d. as against 13s 2d last period. With I j progress indicated in all directions—save that of membership—the year, 1 ahead must fill us with great hope and I faith. : i The activities of Canterbury societies ! have been marked with an enthusiasm hitherto unknown. The keenness with i which the ritual competition* have been i taken up is the most stimulating example of interest in lodge work. There are no Orders that are not holding their competitions, and to-day one can safely ’ | say that the ritual work of societies is; of a very high standard. . The introduction of syllabus events lias added zest to those who were onJy ; , casual attendees, and amongst the items set down in the programmes for the , year arc subjects of interest—intellectually and socially;—which, will have a magnetic influence in lodge attendances. The sporting side of life has not been, neglected, fpr cricket, bowls, swimming, hiking, basketball and hockey clubs are • springing up amongst the societies. The most, helpful syllabus items are those providing for public speaking and debates. which should be encouraged to • the fullest extent. Impromptu speeches are particularly attractive items, and if • the subjects are allotted by ballot there is scope for all. Before leaving • the subject of debates, a suggestion is thrown out to the U.F.S. Council to enlarge its activities by promoting a , series of inter-lodge debates. It seems as if the main functions of the council have been absorbed by affiliation with the Dominion Council, and the oppor- | t unity is surely there for some other form of activity. 1.0. R. Star of St Albans.—Brother L. Marlin presided, and a motion of sympathy i was expressed to the superintendent (Sister K. Rees) in the of her I father. Brother John Smith, of Addington. Officers were elected as follows: ; P.C.R.. Brother L. Martin C.R.. Sister R. Hincksman; D.R.. Sister J. Chaplin; Levite, Brother L. Chambers; secretary. Brother J. Leigh: steward, Sister L. Mac-ready: guardian, Brother A. Leigh. The installation ceremony was conducted by Brother A. Martin, assisted by Sister L. Beattie, Hearty thanks were accorded the retiring officers. Subsequently a Christmas reunion took place, when under the direction of Brother Martin all present took part in various amusements. A violin solo was given by Brother J. Leigh, and recitations hv Sister B. Beattie and Brother 1,. Chambers. The adult Tent was represented by Sister Martin and Brothers G. A. Bristowe and A. D. Hassall. M.U., 1.0.0. F. Loyal Addington Lodge.—The N.G.. Brother G, F. Dawson, presided over an attendance of twenty. It was decided that the offer of the State Fire Insurance office, to send an officer to explain its offer of an agency, be accepted, and that be be invited on the evening of January 29, Brother T. Candy’s resignation as sick visitor was accepted. Brother K. M’K. Yarrall, P.G., was appointed. It was resolved that Dr Davidson be placed on the medical list in place of Dr Pull on, who has re- • signed. The doctors’ reports were received, and sick pay amounting to £24 18s 4d was passed. Receipts amounted to £55 9s 9d. Flag “ 500 ” was played, and the winners were Brothers J. M’Guinness, P.G.. J. A. Clarke, P.P.G.M., and F. Harris, P.G. The Christmas tree of the Loyal Addington Lodge was held at the Trotting Grounds. Father Christmas de-’ dared the function open by distributing the toys to the children. Each child was the recipient of a toy, bag of lollies, ice-cream, soft drinks and biscuits. Much credit is due to the committee who were in charge of the Christmas tree, viz., the N.G., V.G., E.S.. F.S., Brother J. A. Clarke, P.P.G.M.. Brother H. W. GourJay, P.D.G.M., Brother J. M’Guinness, P.G., and Brother A. J. Forsythe. P.G. Loyal Sister Pearce Lodge.—Sister H. Taylor. P.G.. presided, and an apology was received from the Noble Grand. Letters were received from the Loyal Kaiapoi asking the lodge to visit them in March instead of January as set down in the lodge handbook, and from the State Fire Insurance Office. It was j decided to ask the representative to attend at the meeting on February 1 and explain the scheme they have put into action. Members will be pleased to learn that the lodge has decided to purchase a complete set of Manchester Unity regalia for the officers of the lodge. Christmas greetings were received from Brother T. .T. Archbold. Grand Master of the New Zealand branch. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 4, and the evening will be given by the married sisters.” Visitors present included Brother T. J. Archbold (Grand Master N.Z.8.), Brother A. Gow, P.G. <Committee of Management), and members of the Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge. After ihe meeting supper was served by the Social Committee, and afterwards a display of handcrafts, made by the sisters Df the lodge, was shown. The articles exhibited included wool mats, tinsel pictures, supper cloths, knitted cushions, crochet work, d’oyleys, cushions, duehesse sets, table centres, aprons, pen painting, and many other articles.