UNITED FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18791, 28 May 1923, Page 9

UNITED FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

OPENING OF NEW BUILDING. The members of th* United. Friendly Societies and a number of guests met in the Central Hall on Saturday evening to celebrate the opening ceremony of the Societies’ fine new building in Guyton St. Prov. Bro. C. Pearce, (President of the U.F.S. Dispensary Board), occupied the chair, and amongst the guests were the Mayor (.Mr T. B. Williams) Mr W. A. Veitch M.P., Messrs T. 11. Battle (architect), J. Jones and Sons (builders), S. L. Freeman (electrician), O. Allom.es, (Messrs Hughes, Allomes and Tarrant, painters and. decorators), Dobbs and Cullinance (electricians), A. Doig (representing the Pharmaceutical Association) and. G. Davidson (U.F.S. Dispensary manager). Prior to the meeting an inspection was made of the new buildings, which arc iu every respect commodious, thoroughly up-to-date and well constructed.

A lengthy toast list was then musically honoured, the programme being interspersed with musical items.

Mr Veitch, in proposing the toast of Friendly Societies of Wanganui, said it was a fitting occasion to compliment the societies on the good work of the past and to express his confidence iu the continuance of their good work in the future. The Society had been of great value to hundreds of people who needed help badly. One of the greatest indications of the growth of the Friendly Societies was the great number of young men who were now holding ollice in the various ledges. It was gratifying also to se& the numbers of young men taking part in the present proceedings. Veitch drew a comparison between the Australian and New Zealand Societies showing that whilst the accumulated capital in Australia represented £lB per annum the corresponding amount per capita iu New Zealand at 31st December, 1921, was £3l 8s Bd. Australia Lad nothing to teach the New Zealand societies in the matter of sound finance. (Applause). The consolidation scheme was going to be a good thing for everyone. The day would come when there would be .a Friendly Societies’ Council in every centre under one central executive. It would bung the societies closer together and ultimately they would have their own wholesale bouse. (Applause). Last year there was £2.500,000 of invested money belonging to the New Zealand Friendly Societies. (Applause). The speaker complimented the Friendly Societies’ Council on the excellent work done in connection with the dispensary. The societies woujd now sit rent free in the buildings they occupied. (Applause). The following representatives of riie various lodges and societies responded: Bro. J. O’Keefe (Bishop Lodge), Bio. McCullam (Foresters’ Lodge), Bro. A. J. Cooper (Pyramid Lodge), Bro. E. Taunton (President Hibernian Society), Bro. S. Goddard (Oddfellows’ Lodge, N.G.), Arch-Druid Bro. Coucliman (Aramoho Druids), Ero. F. B. Clark (Rechabite Order), Bro. Ansley (Sons and Daughters of Temperance). The toast of the U.F.S. Dispensary Board and Staff was proposed by the Mayor, who said the question of “ Unity” cropped up among the Friendly Societies. ho present strong financial position was a result of that unity. As long as the present president was in charge it would continue to be a success. The United Dispensary had been in the nest interest of the members, and if the members were united in their desire to assist the board, the movement must continue to grow.

Pro. Bro. Pearce, responding, said that in 1912 it was decided to raise £l5OO. Of this £750 was secured, and they bought the business of Mr Ma'k, who managed it for them admirably. At the expiry of the lease, after much difficulty, a renewal was obtained. There were now 1500 members of the society in Wanganui. Since the inception of the dispensary they had received £25,000 from sales, had spent £20,000 in purchases and £5OO in wages. They opened with a stock of £370, and to-day they had to carry £2 400 worth. Many concessions were now granted to members representing a saving to them of about £3 50 per year. The U.F.S. was not antagonistic to other chemists. The Society belonged to the Chemists’ Association, and they had an interest in the Night Pharmacy, During the war the Society had a hard light. Then came the epidemic which was a good thing for the chemists, but very bad for the U.F.S. Bro. Pearce eulogised the work of the Board and that of Mr. Davidson, the dispensary manager, who was working with excellent tact. He was confident the dispensary would be a success. (Applause). Mr. Davidson responded on behalf of the stall. Bro. W. Hanton spoke warmly of the work of the Friendly Societies’ Council. Mr. W- Smith suitably responded. The chairman then proposed the toast of the architect (Mr. Battle), the builders (Messrs John Jones and Sons), the sub-contractors (Messrs Hughes, Allomes and Tarrant, Mr. S. L. Freeman, and Messrs Dobbs and Cullinane, electricians). The various gentlemen briefly re-, sponded. In speaking to the toast of the British Medical Association and the Medical Association of Wangani, Prov. Bro. Sharpe said that the Society had received far more help from the local doctors than had been received from doctors by societies in other towns. He objected to the suggested establishment of an istitute and the retention of their own doctors. He was strongly opposed to it. He also spoke of the harmony existing between the U.F.S. and the local chemists. Mr. A. Doig responded and confirmed the very happy relationship existing. The toast of the Wholesale Houses was also honoured, on the proposal of Bro. Peters, Messrs Burden and Willis responding. Congratulatory speeches were addressed to the president who had taken a very active interest in all the operations of the Society. Bro. Pearce replied. The musical programme was furnished by Messrs Gregg, McDonald, Buckley, Tyler and Battersby. The function closed with the singing of the National Anthem,