GRAND LODGE U.A.O.D.

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 154, 25 March 1920, Page 3

GRAND LODGE U.A.O.D.

PRINCIPLE'OF DOMINION BODY AFFIRMED. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand (North Island), U.A.0.D., as meeting in conference in Wellington; the following being present:—Grand Lodge officers: Bros. E. P. E. Flanagan, G.P.; W. Lee Martin, G/V.P.j J. N. Grant, G.S.; J. H. A. Loughton, G.L.T.; G. fudehope, G.G.j A. Newburn, J.P.G.P.; and J. 'Johnston, G.L. Trustee. Delegates: Bros.N. 1!, Armstrong, T.A.j E, J. Simliffe, V.D.P.; F. Jkwhinnoy, P.S.; W. Jl'Laughlin, P.S.; L. Price, P.D.jf.; J. P. Ella. P.A.; C. S. Eush, P.D.P.; W. F. Hauton, P.D.P.; C. J. Sharpe, P.S.; G. Lamb, P.S.; ■ J. Jones; 'C. A. Brown, P.S.; G: H. Letliaby, P.D.P.; "A. Thompson, P.G.P.; T. H. Wilson, P:S.j •T. French, I'.DP.;. C. Haggitt, P.D.P.; F. F. Flatt, P.D.P.; S. Clarke,' P.A.; J. Ward, W. D. Murray, W. J. Hart, H. Miller, and F. BeckerstafT. The chair is occupied by Bra. Planar glmn, Grand President. \ The matter of the'consolidation of the sick fluids was discussed at some Jougth. The question had bepn under review for about ten years, and the opinion was expressed th!at the t'mo had arrived

iv'jen it should he decided. Advocates of the scheme held that consolidation would /give the order greater solidity, and would be a much greater guarantee- to every 'lodge, and member. If the Order was to maintain, its position in the friendly . societies of the world consolidation must ho adopted.' One of the. strong points niado by the opponents of the scheme was that the lodges would be more lax :n administration of the, sick fund. Experience had disproved this. The following-.motion was then adopted:—On and after December ], 1920,

, there, shall be a fund to be called' the 'Giand Lodge Consolidated Sick Fund, out of which shall be payable all s-ickness benefits tn members of the lodges as constituted under these rules. All sick funds at present held by lodges shall form part of this fund, and shall bo controlled by tho Grand Lodge accordingly, and for the effectual carrying out of this object it is provided that tho piesont lodge sick funds shall be transferred to.and vested under the Grand Lodge Trustees and by them placed to the credit of the Grand Lodge Consolidated Sick Fund.

Considerable discussion followed as to the machinery governing the 1 dministration of the fund and the contributions' thereto, but all tho clauses were adopted and subsequently confirmed.

, Grand Lodge for New Zealand. A, eoimiranication containing the following resolutions was received from Otago Grand Lodge, which, with Canterbury Grand Lodge, is at present affiliated to un Australian body :—(1) • "'That the Grand Lodge toko steps to sever its connection with the Lodge of Australia with a view to forming a Grand Lodge for Now Zealnnd." (2) "That the Grand Ledge approves of tho principlo, of 0 Grand Lodge for New Zealand." t Bro. Thompson moved, and it was decided: "That this Grand Ledge assembled affirms the principle of a Grand Lodge for Now Zealand, and requests the executive to bring About the desired cfioctV ' District Advisory Boards. Bro. Steel, Grand Lodge of Otago, addiessed the delegates on the Matter of advisory boards, and contended Ihaf. they were very useful in advising the Grand Trustees'as to the investment of funds. Following h's address, it was decided to set up advisory boards in such centres as the executive deem advisable, on the same lines as worked on in Otago.