INDEPENDENT ORDER RECHABITES

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14023, 28 March 1919, Page 3

INDEPENDENT ORDER RECHABITES

SIUNNIAUPCuNCIL.

The Council of the Rccbabito Friendly Benefit Society met in Hamilton on Wednesday, and was presided over by the District Chief Ruler, Bro. W. Pirrett. Thirty-five delegates were present from all towns in the Auckland provincial district, among them being Bros. C. Beer (Cambridge), H. Gavin (Huntly), G. Lowry (Te Awamutu), and F. Nicholson, G. Thomas. T. Davies, I. Gardner, and J. Jcbson (Hamilton). The report stated that 2G members had died while on active service. One hundred members were still away with the Expeditionary Forces. Two members—Bros. Goo. Thorpe and S. Grainger— have been awarded the Military Medal. The total funds in the district now amount to £26,680, an increase of £2312. Benefits paid out during three years amounted to:—Sick pay: 1916, £827; 1917, £872; 1918, £1140; total, £2839. At death: £335, £402, and £415; total, £1152. Maternity, nil, nil, and £264 to 66 members; total, £264. The suggestion that the payment on the death of a member be increased from £2O, as now paid, to £IOO, was referred to the incoming executive. It was reported that there were received into the juvenile branches during the past year 55 new members, while 17 juveniles were transferred to th adult section.

The reports showed that out of a total membership of 1094, seven had died during the recent epidemic. The fact that members arc all pledged abstainers, and that the deaths were only one-half per cent, was commented on by members of the Council, and it was unanimously agreed that it would be in the best interests of the community that the sale of alcoholic liquors be prohibited. It was decided to inaugurate a progressive) campaign throughout the province for the extension of the Order. Special provision was made to give assistance to returning soldier members.

District officers were elected for the ensuing term as follows: District Chief Ruler. Bro. T. W. Marshall; District Denuty Ruler.’ Bro. R. Wilson; District Secretary, Bro. J. W. Foster; District Treasurer, Bro, A. .Tenkin; D.G.. Bro. G. Day D.S.J.T., Bro. R. T T. Wilson; Auditors. Bros. H. -T. Baker and IT. moailtnrs D ; s_ i ~ : ' v t Executive, Bros. D. Bodlev. H. r, atripling, R. T>. Brodip and -I. .Tebson: Delegates to Friendly PocieHes’ Conne*l, Bros. d. W, KVater, W. Pirrett, .Te n kins. nnd Marshall.

The retiring P.D.C 8., B’-o. J, JpK son. was presented with an illuminated certificate.

Bros Cooke. D. Bodlev, Gilliam. IT. Campling, and H, B-dce’- wero nuPointed a District Juvenile Committee.