LODGE M.U.I.O.O.F.

Evening Star, Issue 20132, 23 March 1929, Page 11

LODGE M.U.1.0.0.F.

ANNUAL MEETING OF DISTRICT COMMITTEE The annual meeting of the District Committee of the M.8.1.0.0.F. (Otago district), was commenced this morning in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Stuart street. Provincial Grand Master W. J. Johnston presided over a very large attendance. Those present were: Prov. D.G.AI. Young Prov. G.S. J. A. Hopcroft, 1 rov. Treasurer A. Sligo, P.P.G.M. P. VV. Stabb. Delegates: Hand and Heart— V. Allan Jenkins, G.M. L. P'-’yoe > P.P.G.M.s J. H. F. Hamel. J. U. V Clarke, P.G.s F. Austin, H. Pithie, W. H. Liddicoat, A. W. Poyntz, Flee. Sec. B Cotton. Dunedin-r-N.G. Allan APDougall, V.G. B. H. Haugh, G.M. C. B. iiarrowclouglii P.G.s G. Crosbie, J. A. M'Coll, C. H. West. Albion— Past Eko. Sgc. A. G. Monk, G.M. W. Longworth, P.G.s E. Longworth, E. H. Downes, C. L. Calvert, S. Smith. Prince of Wales—N.G. L. J. Jack, V.G. S. C. Brown, Elec. See. R. G. Cromarty, G.M. R. S. Jack, P.G. W. D. Campbell. Oamaru, Per. Sec. W. Couper. Tnapeka Pioneer-MUG.s: G. Gare, A. Hart. Prince Alfred —N.G. F. Aitcbeson, P.G. A. T. Park. Naseby —Per. Sec. E. W. Newman, P.G.s A. J. Smith. E. J. W. Hey. Alexandra— N.G. J. Murdoch, V.G. H. L. Hopkins, P.P.G.M. A. M. Wylie. Roxburgh— G. F. J. Allen, P.G.s T. P. Michelle, Jas. Galvin. Tapamii—V.G. A. J. Potts, G.M. J. Robertson. Palmerston —Per. Sec. W. Pittaway, P.G.s G. Morrison, Tan Pittaway. Cromwell— V. J. A. Price, P.G. L. J- Y kls ’ P.P.G.M. R. S. Black. Mount Mendon—P.G.s G. Cruickshank. , ™ Davidson. Band of Friendship, lev. Sec. W. S. Barnett. Mosgiel— Per. bee. W. Weir, P.G. A. Cameron. Caversham—N.G. W. J. Mowat,V.G.L.ltoy, Per Sec. R. D. Sonnne.ss, P.P.G.M. A. R. Lawry. P.S. J. W. U. Lmiam. Valley—N.G'. Ml, P. Varcoe, G.M. E. .1. C. Vurcno, P.P.G.M. J. A. Robson, P.G. F. Millier. Ngapara—N.G. J. 'Temple. V.G. E. Lory. Dunhack— P.G.’s A. Murray, F. Venn. Knitangata—N.G. H. L. S. Connor. V.G. Thos; M‘Kinney, P.G.’s C. S. Hislop, Jas. Leishman. United Brothers, Per. Bee. M. Morgan. Milton—N.G. S. T. Man-vatt, P.G, A. W. Holton. Waikaka," G.M. Thos. AlasHn. Middlemarch— P.P.G.AL’s J. Wilson, J. G. H. Biicss. Centenary: V.G. E. Butcher, G.M. J. l>. llarlstangc, P.G. J. E. Fart|iiliarson. Vincent, G.M. T. Read. Upper Clntha, P.P.G.M. G. A. Goughian. Victoria—N.G. Sister 0. Oliver, P.G. Sister M. N. Hawke. Princess Alary—N.G. R. Muntz, P.G. S. D. Isaac. Dalton: V.G. Gordon Moffat, G.M. Leslie Moffat, P.G. J. A. Johnston, Guardian A. Moffat.

As a mark of respect to three m_emhefs of the lodge who have died since the last annual meeting, those present adjourned for five minutes.

A motion expressing gratitude or flio fact that His Alajesty the King was well on the way to good health was passed. A letter was received from the Grand Alaster of the order congratulating the lodge on its splendid spirit of Oddfellowship. and wishing it all success during the present year.—On the motion of P.P.G.AI. 13ro. Hamel, it was decided to thank the Grand Alas ter for his message, and convey their appreciation of the ideals lie had expressed. P.P.G.M. Bra. R. S. Black moved that a message of congratulation be sent to the pioneers of the province who’-were to-day holding their anniversary function at the Early Settlers' Hall. They should appreciate, he said, the work that bird been done by those old settlors. Evidence of their efficiency and farsightedness could be seen in the beauty of architecture in the older buildings. They had succeeded ia laying out a beautiful city in a wonderful situation.—ll was decided to send a message to the association appreciating the past endeavours of the early pioneers, and trusting that their good work would he curried on by their successors.

It was resolved that the appointing of the place, date, and time for holding the next purple lecture and past officers’ degree meeting be left in the hands of the district officers.

DISTRICT OFFICERS’ REPORT. The District Officers’ report showed that the net number of male members was now 0,108, ami the net number of female members 225. The financial statement for male members showed that on January 1, 1928, was £505,922 10s Gd, and on December 51, the value was £521,207 15s Bd. The value of the female members’ financial statement showed an increase during the year from £414 Gs .‘id to £557 9s lid. The average amount paid for sick pay per member over all the lodges was £1 3s Gd, ranging from 5s 9cl in the Centenary Lodge to £3 Is in the Mount Wendon Lodge. The average rate of interest realised on the investment of the sick and funeral fund for male lodges for the year, taking the district as a whole, was £5 16s 9d per cent., female lodges £2 15s Id per cent. Through the efforts of P.G. Bro. A. .Smith, of the .Loyal M.aniototo .Lodge, the' establishment of a female branch in that district became an accomplished fact. The executive, therefore, had groat pleasure in repoiting the opening of the lodge at Ranfurly on Saturday, November 17, 1928, when twentyfour candidates \vero initiated. The ceremony of the installation of officers was impressively performed by the Fro viucial Grand Master, assisted by the members of the executive, the officers of the Loyal Princess Mary and _ Loyal Maniototo Lodges. The juvenile movement was now firmly established in the district and was fulfilling a useful purpose. From Tuesday, February 12, to Friday, IGth, the district officers had the pleasure of visiting the lodges of our northern area; Loyal Palmerston, Dunback, Oamaru, Band of Friendship, and Ngapara lodges being called on in the order named. The fact that harvesting operations were in full swing militated to some extent against the attendance of members at the meetings, but this notwithstanding, the general tone _in the lodges was distinctly encouraging and signs of a spirit for and a desire to progress were not far to seek. Although the goal was not reached, the executive was particularly pleased with the result of the 1,000-member campaign. The campaign was conducted on lines in keeping with dignity, and there could be no exception taken to the methods by sister societies. No extravagant or misleading statements had been authorised or made, and it was felt that prestige had not been in any way impaired as was so often the case during revival periods The executive was deeply grateful of the great work put iix by the committee and the indefatigable efforts of the organiser mid originator of the scheme (P.P.G.M. Bro. L.iwry) were greatly appreciated. During a discussion on the 1.000member campaign several speakers referred to the splendid work done by Bro. A. R. Lawry, and on the motion of P.P.G.M. Bro. Hamel, seconded by G.M. Bro. T. Read, the following motion was carried;—“That this meeting of delegates desires to place on record its satisfaction at the splendid _ results achieved in the 1,000-membership campaign, and submits that while the members jointly and severally did much to secure the increase of members they universally affirm that the accojnphsh-

incut was made possible by the untiring energy, zeal, and marked ability imparted to the movement by P.P.G.M. Bro. Lawry, Further, that this meeting records its sincere and hearty thanks to Bro. Lawry for his great service, and that it bo” an instruction to tbe incoming executive to mark Hie district’s appreciation in a tangible manner.” _ It was decided to recommend a donation of £25 to Bro, Lawry. The report was adopted.