N.Z. BRANCH MANCHESTER UNITY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 163, 30 March 1918, Page 9

N.Z. BRANCH MANCHESTER UNITY

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS. The biennial conference of the above society will open at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lambton Quay, on Monday, presided over by Mr. 1. Salek, of ■Wellington, Grand Master. Deputies .will be present from Auckland, Ashley, Ashburton, Hawko's liay, Nelson, Motueka, Ma-rlborough, Westland, Wa-ligan-ni, Now Plymouth, Canterbury, and 'Wellington. . The business to be brought before the conference is of great importance, having regard to the payments of benefits to .soldier members and to make provision for tho extra liability cast upon the society by reason of the war, as tliis is the only important friendly society that has been paying sick benefits" to soldier members on active service. There is also the question of providing for annuities to members on their reaching tho age of sixty, and also the 'question of providing for maternity benefits. A strong and energetic' committeo has been at work for some ,ttme arranging for the comfort and entertfflnment of tho officers and deputies and, their wives, and to take the opportunity to let the visitors see as muoli of Wellington and its attractions as time will permit. , ' Tho Mayor will this evening accord a reception to the officers and deputies attending fho conference.