DRUIDS' ORDER

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 34, 10 February 1913, Page 3

DRUIDS' ORDER

CONFERENCE AT MARTON. The eighteenth biennial conference of the North Island Ancient Order of Dnuds was held last week, at Marton, and was attended by 90 delegates. Bro. Wade, the Grand President, was in charge of the proceedings, which lasted three days, concluding yesterday. It was reported that the funds amounted to £31,915 lls lOd, an increase since last conference of £7141 7s 9d. This included £3000 odd belonging to the investment account. One of the most important questions discussed was that of the death levy. ™,ra long debate, it was decided to abolish the old death levy, and the conference adopted a new scheme prepared by the executive, providing for tho full benefit of £100 upon the payment of £1 per annum. Amendment*! 'were- proposed in regard to the election of JAstnch Presidents, but, with certain small additions, the old rule providing for their election by the lodges of the respective districts was retained. Past Secretaries were made eligible for election a 6 District Presidents. , The conference adopted the following resolution dealing with the dispute with the Auckland lodges :— "That, while regretting the necessity for the suspension by the executive of the Auckland and Eden lodges, the Grand Lodge, after full consideration, being desirous of bringing about a settlement, hereby 'resolve forthwith to remove the suspension of the said lodges on their recognition of the authority of tho Grand Lodge by compliance with the rules and paying all dues, and will place them in the position they formerly held as though no suspension had taken place." Executive officers wero elected as follows :• -Grand president, Bro. A. Thompson (Auckland): Grand Vice-President, Bro. J. Tcnnant (Greymouth); Grand Secretary, Bro. J." N. Grant (Wellington) ; Grand Treasurer. Bro. R. Fletcher (Wellington) 5 Grand Guardian, Bro. F. Jennings (Wellington). Excellent arrangements were made by the local secretary, Bro. C. R. Cooke, for the comfort of the delegates, who showed their appreciation of his efforts by presenting him with a gold sovereign case and a handsome electroplated fruitdish.