ORDER OF RECHABITES

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2121, 13 April 1914, Page 5

ORDER OF RECHABITES

THE CONFERENCE

Members of the New Zealand District Nos. 84 and 86 Independent Order of RechabitflS met in conference at the District Office, Kilbirnie, on Saturday morning. Bro. A. Jenkins presided, and tho following delegates were present:— Auckland, Bro. A. Jenkins, D.H.O.R Bro. D. M. A. Bodley, P.D.H.C.R., and Bro. J. W. Foster, O. 8.; Wellington, Bro. B. H. Taylor, D.H.C.R., Bro. j! Hash, P.D.H.C.R., Bro. W. J. Gaudin, sen., P.D.H.C.It Bro. J. S. Muiiro, D.D.R., Bro. T. W. Leslie, D.T., Bro. H. G. Heyward, D.5.J.8., Sistor Lodge, P.C.R., and Bw. Stringer, P.C.R. Overseas Relationship. '■ A report dealiug with the oversea representatives was furnished by Bro. Gaudin, the representative to the Homo Conference in-1913. He stated that the idea was to occasionally have the HighMoveable Conference held in the Dominion, or that deputations be sent to the conferences in the United Kingdom. After discussion, a motion as followe was passed:—"The question of tho relationship of the oversea districts with tho Homeland having beon referred to ;by the last H.M.C. to a committee to consider the matter and gather information from the respective districts, the New Zealand districts wish to put on record their loyalty to the High Offico. Endowed as we are with the- fullest freedom'of government arid action in our respective districts, and consequent on tho prestige thus established, wo feel that no legislative propaganda on the part of the Order can bind us toI gether with stronger bonds than now ! exiet. In view of ■ the distance separating us from the Motherland, direct representation would give inadequate returns. It has been our. experience that such a delegate on his.return from a conference can only reach tho members in a more or less perfunctory manner by the presentation of his report. Wo are ■of the opinion, that a delegation from the Home Office to traverse at intervals, of not'less than five years, the various oversea districts would, through their personal contact with a largo number, of members, as the accredited representatives of the Order, achieve far better results than for one delegate to. at-" tend a conference at such a distance." Amalgamating Districts. _Tho question of amalgamating the two districts in the Dominion, being the principal business of the conference, was i discussed; at length, The following motion dealing with this matter was carried unanimously:—"That the executive, after considering the financial position of the two districts, aro of the opinion that to accomplish amalgamation it will, be necessary for the members of No. 86 District, who joined under the old scale, to increase their contributions to the scale of No. .84 District at age .of entry, thus reducing the financial. difference between tho districts, and placing all members throughout -the. district on the same scale of payments as the New Zealand District No. 84." .. _It was decided to recommend that sick benefits be increased to £2 per week, members to have the option of taking tho increase in. 10s. shares. At 5 p.m. the conference adjourned until 9.30 a.m. to-day. Social Evening. ' On Saturday evening the visiting delegates wer,e entertained at a social function' at Godbor's Rooms, Courtcnay Place. The Chief of the New Zealand Central District (Bro. R, H. Taylor, of Chris'tchurch) presided, and was supported by the. v ..Chief of the Northern District (Bro. A. 'Jenkins, Auckland). Among others present was a very old 1 member of the Order in tho person of Father W. Johnston, 74

years of aj;e. Mr.-Johnston originally came out to New Zealand with the 65tb Regiment, and landed in Auckland, where ho assisted in tho formation of tho Order in that city. Later lie came to Wellington, where he instituted tfhe Order. At Saturday evening's gathering he delivered a speech, dealing with the early days of ttie Order, and ex tended a hearty welcome to the visiting delegates. The Mayor, Mr. J. P_ Luke, and, Mrs. Luke were also present, the former ■ making a short address of welcome, . '