FORESTERS' MEETING

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2950, 9 December 1916, Page 15

FORESTERS' MEETING

The annual meeting of tho delegates of the Wellington District Ancient Order of Foresters was held at the Foresters' Hall, Lambton Quay, on Wednesday last. There was a full attendance of delegates, and the presiding officer, Bro. A. J. Yortt, in opening tho meeting, referred to tho disabilities brought upon friendly societies through tho war. A vote of condolence to the relatives of those members who had met their death while on activo service was passed. A lengthy discussion took place 011 tho provisions of the Finance Act, 1916, relating to members of friendly societies, and it was resolved: "(1) Whilo not agreeing that tho Act gives that measure of assistance to friendly society members commensurate, in our opinion, with tlio beneficial work initiated and successfully eouductod by friendly societies amongst tho community, wo decide to recommend our next triennial meeting to amend our rules so tliat we may become an approved society for tho purpose of ensuring to our members payment of the maternity benefit. (2) That as tho maternity bcnolit is considered to be a free gift from the State, ive think it should not be compulsory for societies to adopt tho annuity scheme as set out in the Act and the model rules, in order tliat the maternity benefit may become tlie right of our membors. (3) Whilst conceding that tho aims and objects of tho Provident Fund equally with tliose of friendly societies aro worthy of encouragement, wo consider that the existing system of State aid to tho Provident Fund places a serious handicap on tho work of our societies. (4) We are totally opposed to tho proviso whereby_ an incomo limitation operatos against tho benefits being available to all our members."