ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2696, 16 February 1916, Page 7

ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS

ANNUAL MEETING

WAR PROBLEMS & THE LODGE

The 68th annual meeting of the Wellington District Committee, Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity,

vas opened at L.jyal Antipodean Lodgo ,'csterdiiy afternoon. Delegates from

all over tho Wellington District wero present. I'.G.M. J. S. Wiley presided, and' D.G.M. A. M. Kalek was vicechairman. P.C.S. G. Si: Godbar and P.T. C; S. Powell wero also in attendance. Ofliccrs of tho NX Society,

G.M. Bro. J. Smith, D.G.M. Bro. I. Siilek, and C.S. Bro. J. Kershaw, paid an official visit, and weie received with the honours of the Order and gave patriotic addresses. i

The annual report presented by tho Management Oommrttco referred to' the A.M.C. held at Manchester in 1915. The total membership of the Order was sbown.as 1,516,-178, an increase for tho year of 4472. The meeting decided to strike a levy of "<l. per member per month to pay the contributions of .thoso members who had joined the forces. Regarding Wellington District matters, the teport- states that the question pf, special district rules has had serious consideration;- and the draft of proposed rules has, been circulated to lodges.- The hospital scheme has also received, consideration, and a report showing how the scheme is ivorkcd in other parts of the Dominion will bo presented. It. is a matter, for consideration whether this question should bo proceeded with in view of the unsettled state of the Dominion owing to the war. The United Friendly Societies' dispensary was asked if it'could

initiate the" scheme, but could not do so. Mention is made of the work done by Bro. A. I'errin in information on this matter, it is reported with regret teat the Juvenile Ledge lias decided to closc, owing to lack of new members and the difficulty of obtaining adult mombers to take nn interest in the work. In common

with other districts, Wellington is feeling tho strain of the war, both numerically and financially. The number of members' who have left for the front or are in camp is 125, and six have died, funeral benefits having been paid for them on receipt of the Records Offico certificate. In circular letters

from the society's oificcrs, it was suggested that, in the mattor of paying contributions, members should bo kept as free momberp on tho books of the several lodges; also that- no candidate should be initiated during the currency of tho war.

The Provincial Grand Master, in tho course of his address,-said that most of the work during the year had been in connection with the war, and with regard to members going to the war, and the effect it would havo on tho funds of the various lodges. Considering tho number of members who had offered to

lay down their lives for tho Empire, surely no sacrifice on the part of those who remained" behind could be too great to assist the men who had gone, and their dependants. Six members;-of tho district had already laid down their

lives, and ho extended heartfelt sympathy to their relatives. Proposals would be put before the meeting iu connection with the war and he was sure they would not shrink'from facing any liability that might occur in doing something for those brave members who have, loft or are leaving for the war. Ho thought they should do more than keep the names of members good on the books of the lodges, and lie considered they should do something inthe way of assisting tho small hxlgcs who havo not the capital behind them to help themselves should they have several mombers go to the war. One good plan, ho considered, would be that as this is quinquennial valuation year, lodges with a surplus capital, could dovote with ease a certain amount of their surplus not only-to assist the lodges that are weak financially,, but towards a fund for the express purpose of the relieving of those members who have been wounded, or who have" left their dependants in poor circumstances. Referring to a visit to the district lodges, the chairman remarked that the Wairarapa lodges especially appear to take a great interest in the work of Oddfellowship. The juvenile work of tho Order appeared to be losing ground, there being a~loss in-the Unity of no fewer than 1526 on tho year's working. Tho Wellington Juvenile Lodge had been closed. In conclusion the chairman re marked that although obstacles might occur in connection with tho war, tli6 outlook was satisfactorj;. Ho especially thanked members of the Management Committee, also the D.P.G.M., for their assistance and particularly mentioned the corresponding secretary (Bro. G. E. Godber), and Bro. A. C. Holmes. It was decided to support the Auckland district in calling on the Government to convene a conference to consider the National Provident' Fund from the Friendly Societies' standpoint. The book, examination report on various lodge books was adopted. It was decided that the next-district meeting-be hold in Master ton in twelve months' time. .

• It was resolved to strike a levy ot Is. per member per quarter to pay contributions and form a relief fund foi members at the front.

In the evening' 'delegates dined to getherat tbe Burlington, when a short toast list was' honoured. Later, delegates visited His Majesty's Theatre, as the guests of thp Antipodean Lodge. The meeting will he continued at 9 o'clock this morning.