PEACETIME JOB

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 56, 8 March 1946, Page 7

PEACETIME JOB

HELPING REHABILITATION WORK FOR LODGE MEMBERS (0.C.) Marton, March 6. “in peace we still have a job we can do to assist in the great work or rehabilitation, not only of members of our Order who have served overseas, but of all servicemen and women, so that by the example of our assistance we will prove to those who are not members of the Order that Oddfellowship is a noble institution, and we will, I feel sure, induce many of our returned men and women to join our ranks.” So declared the retiring district grandmaster (Bro. G. H. Denbow) of the Wanganui district of the Manchester Uniiy Independent Order of Oddfellows (N.Z.) at the annual district conference held in Marton recently. Those present were: District Grand Master, Bro. G. H. Denbow; Deputy District Grand Master, Bro. C. H. Morgan; 1.P.D.G.M., Bro. C. V. Christiansen; District Treasurer, Bro. W. D. Harris; District Secretary, Bro. G. Wilson; together with the following district deputies:—Wanganui: P.D.G. Bros. J. H. Kench, S- Cowley and F. J. Wilson, P.G.’s R. J. Shaw. J. C. Austin, R. O. Thurlow and C. Rumney; Manawatu: P.D.G.M. Bro. H. Shannan, I.P.D.G.M. Bro. C.' V. Christiansen, and P.G. Bro. S. J. Matthews; Hautapu: P.G.’s Bros. G. Woodcock and F. C. Vincent; Manchester: P.D.G.M. Bro. E. A. Garlick; Kimbolton: P.G. Bro. H. S. Pretious; Apiti: P.G. Bro. W. Hogan; Foxton: P.G. Sister G. A. Morgan; Raetihi: P.G. Bros. Dobson and T. Langdon; Marton: P.G. Bro. A. S. Campbell; Rangitikei: P.G. Bro. L. G. P. Mahoney; Sister Victoria: P.D.G.M. Bro. W. D. Harris. GRAND MASTER S ADDRESS

“It is with great pleasure that 1 welcome all deputies to the 1946 conference, and at the same time regret that it will bring to a close my term of office as your grand master—a year of pleasant memories among the members of the Order in the Wanganui district. The year, has been an eventful one, the cessation of hostilities both in Europe and Japan and peace reigning once again has brought relief to the hearts of mankind in every country of the world,” declared Bro. Denbow.

“My journeyings around the district on lodge visits were a pleasure to me, and the reception I received on every occasion was most cordial. I can only express my regret of not being able to visit all the lodges through pressure of business, etc. The visit of the Grand Master, Bro. J. Allen, to Wanganui in June las.t was largely attended by members from all parts of the district. “With regard to membership, I notice that Loyal Marton Lodge has again won the Dilks Collar, and I would commend their efforts to the other lodges who were not so successful. I also notice that Marton Lodge has the largest number of lady members, and am wondering whether there is a connection here with Loyal Marton’s ability to obtain new members. It may be worth while looking into when planning your next membership drive,” he jocularly informed his audience.

“The finances of all lodges appear to be in a very healthy state, most lodge funds showing an increase over last year’s figures,” Mr. Denbow added, concluding with best wishes to his su cues: or.

It was resolved that the 6d per quarter contribution at present being paid by district members to the district benevolent fund be discontinued. District members are to be approached with a view to ascertaining whether they are agreeable to a transfer of the sum of £lOO from the district benevolent fund to the district management fund. In the event of the proposal not materialising, the matter is to be brought forward at the next management committee meeting. The district secretary reported on his examination of the books of the various oldges, and stated that without exception all lodge secretaries were carrying out their duties in a commendable manner.

Reference was made to the recovery of an outstanding debt of £llO which had been previously written off the books of the Ohakune Lodge, and which now has been placed to the credit of the district members’ funeral fund. Special reference was made to the part played by district treasurer Bro. W. D. Harris, hi the recovery of this amount.

It was resolved that the district levies remain the same. The election of officers resulted as follows:—District Grand Master, Bro. C. H. Morgan; Deputy District Grand Master, Bro. T. Dobson; District Auditors. Bros. S. Cowley and H. H. Norris; District Trustees, Bros. E. L. Miller, R. O. Thurlow and F. J. Wilson (re-elected); Management Commi i tee, Bros. J. H. Kench (Wanganui). H. S. Pretious (Kimbolton), W. R. Eyre (Manawatu), A. S. Campbell (Marton), G. Woodcock (Hautapu), T. Langdon (Raetihi), W. Hogan (Apiti); deputies to Napier M.C., Bros. Harris and Cowley. In the event of any refund being received from the War Members’ Relief Fund, no redistribution to lodges is to be made until after the next district management committee meeting in July, and lodges aie to be advised that the conference has suggested that the sum of £lOO be withheld from the total amount received trom the society for district management fund purposes. At the invitation of Loyal Hautapu Lodge, the 1947 conference will be held at Hautapu.

The Deputy Grand Master presented Bro. Campbell, of the Loyal Marton Lodge, with the Dilks Collar, Marton being the winners of this coveted prize. Bro. Campbell suitably replied, intimating that he would convey the good wishes expressed to his lodge. It was resolved 'hat Bro. Denbow receive the P.D.G.M. degree, his name be placed on the merit board, have his photograph taken, and receive a P.D.G.M.’s collar, together with a cheque for expenes. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Bro. Denbow for his services to the district during his term of office.

At the request of the grand master, Bro. S. Cowley acted as installing officer, with Bros. Thurlow ai d Miller as conductors. Bro. Morgan was installed as district grand master and Bro. Dobson as deputy district grand master for lhe ensuing term. Both the newly-installed officers returned thanks for the confidence reposed in them. A vole of thanks was accorded the ladies for providing morning and afternoon Im.