OTAGO DISTRICT M.U.I.O.O.F.

Evening Star, Issue 22147, 30 September 1935, Page 2

OTAGO DISTRICT M.U.1.0.0.F.

HALF-YEARLY MEETING f APPROPRIATED SURPLUSES DISCUSSED Tho half-yearly meeting of the Otago District, Manchester Unity, took place on Saturday at Outrarn, that locale being chosen to synchronise with the diamond jubilee celebration ot Uutram Lodge, The following delegates were present Hand and Heart—N.G. C. H. Bissland, E.S. .W. H. Masters, G.M. S. W. Lyon, P.G.sH. Pithie, E. L. Hope, A. H. Williams, H. Armstrong, F. Austin. Dunedin— N.G. J. Lees, V.G. E. W. Fulton, P.G.s J. Knox, E. D. Cameron, C. B. Barrowclougb, G. Crosbie. Dalton —N.G. J. Copland, .per. sec. H. U. Lyall, P.G.s J. Guest, A. E. Russell, A. Anderson. Prince, of Wales —N.G. D. MacLaren, P.G.s A. Robb A. b. McDonald, H. Williamson, P.P.G.M. R. S. Jack. Albion—N.G. R. M. Stewart, G.M. L. W. James. R. E. Rosevear, P.P.G.M. P. W. Stabb, P.G. L. Huntley, per sec. A G. Monk. Oamaru —N.G. Y. R. Cleveland, per. sec. W. Couper. luapeka Pioneer—P.G. G. Gare, per. sec. J. Russell. Naseby—Per. sec. W. Strong, P.P.G.M. C. L. Calvert. Alexandra—N.G. A. E. Paterson, \.G. R. 6. Wright, P.P.G.M, A. M. Wylie. Roxburgh—N.G, J. R. Haight, V.G. E. J. Dunlav, P.P.G.M, T. P. Michelle. Tapanui—V.G. T. J. Williams, per. sec. E. Arnold, P.G. J. L. Wylie. Palmerston—N.G. W. E. Brj.ll, V.G. J. N. Burgess, per. sec. W. Pittaway. Cromwell, P.P.G.M. R. S. Black. Mount 'Wendon—P.G.-A. W. Christie, N.G. John H. MTvee. Band of Friendship, P.P.G.M. E. Longworth. Outram—P.G. W. A. Barclay, per. sec. Ai J. Stewart. Mosgiel—N.G. F. V. Carr, E.S. A. A. Johnston, G.M. J. I. Thomson, P.G. W. R. Smeaton, per. sec. R. Wylie. , Caversham—N.G. Croft, V.G. V. Parker, G.M. F. P. Snook, P.G.s A. J. Miller, J. Russell, per. sec.. J. H. List. Valley—N.G. G. M'Pate, V.G. C. Bacbop, P.G. 6. Robertson, per. sec. A. W. Palmer. Pride of Kaitangata—P.G. J. Leisliman. P.P.G.M. T. Middlemass. Milton —N.G. R. M. Currie, V.G. A. Mackersey, P.G.s L. Lilburne,-6. C. Melville, per. sec. H. E. Ransome. W'aikaka, P.G. W. Thomsen. Centenary—V.G. 'J. A, M‘Allan, G.M. W, R. Sellar, P.G. F. E. Hebbarcl. Upper CJutha, G.M. W. J. Ryan. Princess Marv—N.G. C. M. Lunnni, V.G. E. M. Edwards, G.M. Ev. Longworth. Victoria^— G.M. E. Thornton, per. sec. E. Lockhart. Star of the North—N.G. M. M. Jenkin, G.M. A. A. Snook. Princess Elizabeth—N.G. M. Tosh.

Lodges unrepresented: Prince Alfred, Ngapara, Dunback, United Brothers, ' Middlemarch, Maniototo, Vincent, Queen of Otago, Queen of Maniototo.

P.G.M. Bro. J. D. Cameron presided, and associated with him on the platform were P.D.G.M.* Bro. E. J. W. Hey, Prov. Treasurer Bro. J. W. Johnston, Prov. C.S. Bro. A. Sligo, P.t.G.M. Bro. A. Hart. P.G.M. Bro. J. D.. Cameron extended a cordial welcome to all the delegates, and on behalf of the other lodges congratulated the Putram Lodge on attaining its sixtieth? anniversary. A delegate pointed Jut that some country lodges, as a result of lack’ of funds, were unable to send representatives, and he wished to recommend that consideration should be given to the question of establishing a fund for the benefit of such lodges.

DISTRICT OFFICERS’ REPOBT. The report of the district officers stated „ Obituary.—Among those who have crossed the great divide during the past six months are Bros. D. A. M'Nicoll (89), who was one of the founders of Loyal Outram Lodge and its first permanent secretary (he transferred to Hand and Heart in 1880); W.

J. Ansell (88), initiated 1877; G..A. Marks (35), initiated 1879; A. ■W. Rob; k' 74), initiated 1878 (this was ALT' § neral Sir Alfred, whose father was r many years provincial -treawas one of the sturdy pioneers, who kept the hag flying at Waikaia; J. Eskdale (80), initiated 1875, was an 1 auditor for Tapanui for some time; J. H. Stewart (62), initiated 1899, was a valued worker in the cause for many years as treasurer of Valley Lodge. There must, of course, be special mention of the late P.P.G.M. Bro, Alexander Cable (74), whose services to the district over many years, until failing health prevented his attending meetings, were such as is given by few. This gonial soul was a wonderful purveyor of happiness. A.M.C., 1935.—The parliament of our order, hundredth • and fourteenth .A.M.G., met this year_ at Blackpool, and this was the first time < in the history of the order that this town has been thus honoured, A brief review of the work of the conference does not reveal

any outstanding legislation, and is -reported as being somewhat barren of great achievement. Our special _ interest in the conference is intensified by the fact that our Prov. C.S., Bro. Hopcraft, was an honoured representative, and from the report of the proceedings we gather that Tie gave a splendid report of the work in New Zealand, with special reference to the influence of our district on the movement and the high ideals reached in these parts. The completion of the thirteenth valuation reveals a net sur-

■ plus of £2,295,226, an exceedingly fine ; achievement and a degree of financial progress only surpassed by the immediately preceding valuation. To combat the difficulties of so many unemployed members in relation to their inability to pay their contributions, the directors proposed to create a new

form of insurance at a cost to all members of one penny per week. This proposal met with determined opposition, from many deputies, and was eventually defeated, it being agreed that the voluntary effort of lodges and districts was jthe more commendable way of meeting the position. ... Installations.—At the invitation of the city and suburban lodges, tho district officers, assisted by members of the Past Grands’ Lodge, carried out the installation in the various lodges. The installation of the officers of the Loyal Midcllemarch Lodge was also carried out with the assistance of visiting brethren. . . Efficiency Shield Competition.—i he following entries have been received: Roxburgh, Albion, Caversham, P'l’fcess Mary, Milton, Mount Wendon, Middlemarch, Prince of Wales, Valley Victoria, Palmerston, Mosgiel, Dunedin. Membership Medals.— Following, on the resolution of last district meeting, the Competitions Committee, together with P.G. Bro. J. Swan, met to consider the matter of decorations tor member-making, and- the following are tb© recommendations of the coyinut+ee._(l) That in connection with the medals for 125 and 150 members initiated, the purple coloured ribbon be retained and a bar attached between the brooch name part and the medal, which will bo engraved with tjie number of members. (2) That the trausler of juveniles to adult lodges be nob counted as proposals towards membership medals. (3) Proposals of honoiaiy members not to be counted ton aids quota for medals. (4) • Prop< ® cepted and initiated m any lodge of the district shall count towards medal quota. (6) The committee considers that it should he a matter of hoiiom with members that only initiates proposed as. the result ofpei'sona wflpenee should count towards medal ' quotas, and that any person pioposed at the suggestion of along such lines as On ceualt oi Broth So-and-so, I propose for membership So-and-so,” and the proposal should be credited only to the one on wlios© bfih&lf it was made. . _ W Scholarship. —The Sligo memorial scholarship will be held at the end of 1935 ou a'date .to be fixed. Tnveniles.-The Juvenile Council and Management Committees are to be congratulated on the steady f the iuvenile movement. Several competitions, keenly , contested, haye been Li,] an d have given added interest to the meetings. The ritual competition was held at Milton on Saturday .August 31 lodges from Oamaru, Prince ot Wales Albion, Caversham, Taien, and Toko competing, Loyal Toko proving the winning team after a ve T ’ e l ' dering. The ritual work at this com petition is always of a very high stairdard, and shows definite evidence of training received for later years in the adult lodges. In spite of tlmfactthat 26 members were transferred into adult lodges during the past 12 months, the membership has increased from 2U to 218. It is interesting to note that --o members have been transferred to adult lodges since January 1, 1928—more than the total membership ot tlie juvenile lodges. A conference was held with the Juvenile Council to consider the question of the formation of a Scout movement in conjunction witu the juvenile lodges. After giving the suggestion every consideration, we weie reluctantly compelled to come to the conclusion that the formation of such a movement was not practicable. . One may take it as a hopeful sign that the amount of relief asked is-con-siderably reduced. It is somewhat distressing, however, to find claims coining for members that have been allowed to run to four years in syrrears, as it is certain that if the helping hand is given at the right time it is likely to be less costly and more satisfactory in every way. . . , The annual initiation competition was held on March 30. Among the teams competing were the Star ot the North and Loyal Oamaru, aqd although not successful, they are to bo congratulated on taking part in this important phase of our work. In all, seven teams competed, Loyal Caversham . being adindeed th© winners, wi.tli 1 rincess JViJiiy filling second place. . The initiation competition for lodges in the southern area of our district was held in lapanm on Saturday, May 4, when the lodge room was filled to overflowing with brethren from various parts of our district. The interest taken in this competition is shown hy the fact that seven lodges—Princess Elizabeth, luapeka Pioneer, Mount Wendon, Dalton, Alexandra, Milton, and Victoria—were enthusiastic enough to make tho trip in spite of the fact that midwinter conditions prevailed and snowstorms were the order of the clay; Tapanui also competed. Members from.Waikaka were present, but no.t competing. 'Hip winners of the competition, Loyal Princess Elizabeth, the baby lodge of the district, gave a very fine performance, and were presented with the shield at the close of the competition. / There has been a considerable amount of disagreement with the F.S. Department in regard to interest claimed in respect of such securities. The Act calls for interest at the rate of not less than 4 per centum per annum being paid on all benefit money invested in land or buildings occupied wholly or in part by the society or branch.. Some of our lodges have regularly paid a rate considerably in excess of this, but because. they failed in on© year to pay the 4 per cent, we were advised that, quite regardless of what was paid in the past or would be paid in the future, 4 per cent, per annum meant 4 per cent, each ■year. An attempt was made to relieve the position by transferring some of tho amounts overpaid to an adjustment account, but this was not allowed. The district officers decided to get a legal opinion on the. matter. Dominion Friendly Societies’ Council. —Tho fifth annual meeting of this council was held in Wellington on May 28, Otago District being represented by P.P.G.M. Bro. E. Longworth.

The meeting was attended by 29 delegates, representing 21 societies, with a membership of 89,464 out of a total of 100,237, and presided over by Bro. C. H, Bascand, of Christchurch. Several remits regarding the proposed national

health insurance scheme as propounded by the Hospital Boards Association Conference at Napier were fully discussed, and it was finally resolved : “ That the Dominion Council .or Friendly Societies, whilst recognising the earnest desire of the Hospital Boards Association in . consultation with members of the British Medical Association, to bring about an improvemerit in the present system of safeguarding the public health, will oppose the adoption of the limited scheme brought clown hy the executive of the Hospital Boards Association or any other scheme until the fullest investigations have been made, and . that the Dominion Council appoint a sub-committee with powers to collect all data and represent the council in any urgent matter arising in connection with a health or contributory pension issue, and that wo request that the sjiecial committee appointed by the Government shall enable full representations to be made by the council, when and during consideration of a proposed national health scheme. A remit to have a summary of mortgage legislation compiled for the benefit of societies and lodges was carried, tho executive. being empowered to prepare a treatise on such for distribution to all societies. The matter of a Dominion hospital scheme was again before tho conference, and, after a lengthy debate, the executive was instructed to wait on the Hospital Boards’ Association in an attempt to gain finality. After a lengthy discussion oni the question of interest in hall property, it was decided to leave th© matter in the hands of the Surplus Committee with power to act in. conjunction with the Provincial Committee. The report was adopted. OFFICERS NOMINATED. Nominations for the various offices were received as follow:—P.G.M., Prov. D.G.M. Bro. Hey; P.D.G.M.— P.G.s Bros. List, Monk, Alpine, Wilis, Roberts, and Hope; auditor, Bro. Davidson; lodge book examiners—Bros. Grater, Patterson, Davidson, Smeaton, Masters; Competitions Committee— P.P.G.M.s Bros. Clarke and Jack and P.G.s Bros. Huntley and Armstrong; Dominion Friendly Societies’ Council— P.P.G.M.s Bros. Robson, Clarke, Johnston, Longworth, and Stabb; Otago Friendly Societies Council— P.P.G.M.s Bros. Wilson, Longworth, Clarke, Robson, Calvert, and P.G. Bro. A. J Miller; Arbitration Committee — P.P.G.M.s Bros. Hamel, Jack, Stabb, Longworth, Calvert, Robson, P.G.s Bros. Crosbie, Smith, Robertson, Russell, and Per. Secs. Bros. Monk and Couper. APPROPRIATED SURPLUSES. The following remit was brought forward by tho district officers:—‘‘That in accordance with the circular issued the recommendation of the District Surplus Committee to call up the total amount of appropriated surplus available under district rules 59, clause A (2) and 59A, dlause A (2) be given effect to by passing the following amendments to rules: — “ Delete clause D of rule 59 and clause D of rule 59A, and add new rule 598 as follows: —

“ Rule 598. —(a) As from July 1, 1935, the District Surplus Accounts established by the lodges under rules 59 and 69A shall be wound up and the balances then held by lodges on behalf of the district shall be transferred to the district, while the balances owing by the district shall be paid over to the lodges concerned. “ (b) Transfers .shall, bo made in respect of amounts owing by lodges to the district either by payments in cash or by transfer of approved securities, but it shall be competent for the district to accept deferred payment of any amounts due by lodges, interest to be charged on all unpaid balances at the rate for the time being earned by the sick and funeral fund investments of such lodge or lodges; interest to be debited as from July 1, 1935. “ (c; Transfers shall be made in respect of the amounts owing by the district to the lodges either by payments in cash or by credit as deposits for investment by the district trustees, at the discretion of the district.

“ (d) Each lodge in the district shall forward a half-yearly return to the district, showing the amount that has been paid during the previous six mouths as additional sickness benefit, which shall be regarded as a daim for refund of the amount so paid, and being found in order shall be paid by the district.”

The circular referred to in the remit was in the nature of a detailed report on the position in regard to surpluses and it stated, inter alia:— “At a meeting of the District Surplus Committee, held on July 16, it was unanimously resolved to recommend to the District Committee that an alteration should be made in the method of handling appropriated surpluses and, that the reasons for so doing should be fully understood, it was decided to issue a statement of the position for the consideration of lodges. AVhen the 1924 surplus was released by the registrar of friendly societies, 23 lodges were required to retain in their sick and funeral fund am, counts an aggregate amount of £23,981 for the purpose of redeeming the S. and F. contributions of members arriving at the age of 65 years, in respect of members good on the books at December 31, 1924. Then 19 of these lodges were required to transfer from S. and F. fund to a special surplus account a total amount of £26,219; for district distress, district management, additional sickness benefit (£21,200), and for redeeming the S. and F. contributions at 65 for members of 11 lodges with insufficient funds to meet this call (£5,019), which meant the opening of 19 accounts in the district books debiting the lodges with £26,219, and 11 accounts crediting the lodges with £5,019 of the aggregate amount. Every lodge was required to open iT'spceial account showing in one section credits to the district to the amount of £26,219, and in other debits against the district of a total of £5,019, these amounts being debited or credited, as the 1 case might .be, to lodges’ S.- and F. fund accounts. Each half-year the central body was required to debit or credit each lodge surplus account with a certain .amount of ‘interest, and advise the lodges so that they in turn might credit or debit their surplus accounts with the same amount. _ Then the accounts required for additional sickness benefit, district distress, and district management funds were drawn from the lodges with credits to the district, on a percentage basis supplied by the F.S. department.

“ It must be realised that'to a big proportion of our secretaries, stalwarts, and first-class men to run the lodges, but not accountants _ or even clerical men, the. eternal entries needed to show correctly the position of these surplus funds has been something of a nightmare; it was not fair to have asked these workers to face the work involved. There is still a large amount of the 1924 appropriated surplus unused, and now wc have to consider dealing with the 1929 surplus appropriation. This will mean the opening of a new set of accounts, which will again be subject to debits against and credits to the district, and the credits to the district will he drawn upon on a different percentage to the 1924 appropriations. Knowing the difficulties which

have arisen m connection with tlx accounts in dealing with tho out surplus (1924), it is manliest that wc should be courting trouble to continue along' tho lines adopted. If we are to avoid a state of confusion worse confounded in connection with lodges and district accounts necessary to deal with the balance of the 1924 appropriation, the 1929 amounts and any surplus that may be subsequently released, it is imperative that an alteration in system should be arranged. “ There was, when the 1924 surplus came to bo dealt with, an idea that to eifect an immediate transfer of the various amounts to district and to lodges, as the ease might be, would involve the principle of individuality of lodges, and hence the surplus appropriation rule reads: ‘No transfer of securities of funds shall be made from tho lodges to the district,’ etc., hut none foresaw the work and difficulties that might arise. Conditions have altered since 1924, and in view of the fact that each lodge was required to open a district surplus account in regard to the amounts appropriated for A S.B. distress and management purposes etc., it is quite clear that the amounts involved were definitely at the call of the district at any tune, whether bv small or large levy, and to keep open a matter of about 70 unnecessary accounts in district and lodge books—it would be over 140 accounts if tho 1929 surplus were similarly dealt with—with their consequent liability to mistakes is surely unwarranted. Then there is tho cost and time involved in advising lodges from the district office with regard to half-yearly interest adjustments, the levying for amounts needed, and the regular and very necessary inquiries from the registrar about lodge accounts that have got somewhat involved. All phases bespeak wasted effort and suggest the need of a change in method. ~, , “ Tho Surplus Committee has given tho matter careful ' consideration and resolved to recommend that the total amount of appropriated surplus should bo called up, thus to obviate the difficulties bound up in the existing system The total amount to be drawn from 19 lodges in connection with the two appropriations to he dealt with (1924 am im) is £32,747 Os 2d, but as 13 of these lodges have deposits with the district of more than the amounts rfoccssary to pay their shares, it will be apparent that it would simply mean reducing the amounts standing to their credit as ‘deposits,’ while six lodges would require to find amounts, either in cash—deferred payment if necfwsary—or securities, varying from £686 to m 312 with regard to the transleis from district to lodges of the amounts necessary to pay tho S._ and F. contributions of members arrived at the age of .65 the amounts could he credited to the lodges as deposits with the district, and 11 lodges of the 17 involved have now deposits to their credit. Hie District Surplus Committee is firmly of the opinion .that the scheme propounded will, if adopted, be much to the advantage of the district.” Bro. Sligo moved the adoption of the proposal as set out in the remit, and elaborated on the reasons for bringing flic matter before the meeting. Bro. J. W. Johnston seconded the ’"Bro”' C. B. Barrowclough said he wished to sec both sides of the matter thoroughly ventilated. He saw certain difficulties in the present proposals which it was claimed would eliminate a great deal of book-keeping. It had been stressed some time ago that every lodge would have control of its own funds, and he did not consider that the question of book-keeping should be recarded as sufficient reason for breaking that promise. It had been-sug-gested that once the were allocated they would be in a different [position from the other funds. rlo failed to follow this line of argument, as Live rules definitely provided thatsurplus funds should be called on only from time to time for special reasons. If the (present proposal went through tho other funds would also be consolidated in time, and he thought that would bo a mistake. He thought that the individual lodges could invest the funds more expeditiously and to better advantage than would ho the case if the whole amount wore managed by the district. ’ , , Bro. A. E. Russell said that both sides of the question had been clearly put before the meeting. He considered, however, that it was too big a matten for an immediate decision and was ot the opinion that tho whole thing Should he referred hade to the lodges and decision held over until the annual meeting. Ho moved this as an amend-* m ]3ro. Sligo, replying to the debate, assured the meeting that there was no intention to break any promise. He bad gone into the matter very thoroughly and had found every reason for the adoption of tho proposal and no reason against it. The amendment was lost and the motion Was carried. REMITS. A remit from tho Dalton Dodge to enable the investment of funds in certain local bodies loans was adopted. The Otago District Juvenile Council s remit seeking power to admit children to membership at eight years of ago was A remit' from the Roxburgh Lodge “ That it should bo a recommendation to the Competitions Committee that the conditions of the district shield competition in regard to secessions should he amended so a? to remove the disadvantage to which country lodges arc subject at tho present time, ’ was, An invitation, embodied in a remit, to hold the annual meeting of the District Committee in tlie, Cavorsham Lodge room was accepted. There was a fairly lengthy discussion on a. remit from the Valley Lodge, which was finally adopted in tho following form;— “That at least one official visit each year from sister lodges he paid to any country lodge, which, by reason of lack of • accommodation, financial, or other seasons, is unable to invite the District Committee to meet in their lodge room.” The following remit, forwarded by Centenary Lodge, was referred to the Competitions Committee for its consideration: —(a) “ That the rules governing the efficiency competition bo altered to provide that the attendance required at official visits for the purpose of gaining full marks he ns under: For all lodges, 10 officers and the number of floor members calculated as under—for lodges with 100 members or less on the hooks at commencement of competition period, four floor members, the number of floor members to be increased by one for every completed 100 members in excess of 100 members on the hooks of tho lodge at the commencement of the competition period, provided that no lodge ho required to muster more than 10 floor members.” (b) “ That for tlie purpose of allotting marks for the making of new members under tho efficiency competition rules, the lodges he regrouped, having regard not only to the possibilities of tho district, but also to tlie membership of tho various lodges.” GENERAL. A motion to tho effect that any lodge returning its card should automatically he entered for tho efficiency competition' without tlie necessity for a formal in-

timation of intention to enter, was lost on a show of hands. Bro. Sligo presented a report on the financial position of the Cromwell Lodge, and the matter was left in the hands of the district officers to take what action they thought fit. Criticism of tlie secretarial work and auditing of certain lodges was expressed by Bro. Sligo in the course of a report oil tlie Queen of Maniototo Lodge. After several delegates had expressed their opinions, it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the district secretary to endeavour to arrange an amalgamation between the Maniototo and Queen of Maniototo Lodges. The, appointment of the time and place for holding the next purple lecture and .past officers’ degree meeting was left in the hands' of the District Committee. The “ 75 ” membership medal was presented to Per. Sec. Bro. W. Coviper, Oamaru Lodge, by the P.G.M.,