ODDFELLOWS’ CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1726, 18 April 1906, Page 2

ODDFELLOWS’ CONFERENCE.

(Per Press Association.) Nelson, last night. At the Oddfellows’ Conference, aftei adoption of the balanoe-Bhee*, telegrams were received from the New Zealand Dis trict Hibernians and Past Grand Laurie Solomon, of Auckland, expressing good wishes, A motion to provide for the admission of females to male lodges where no female lodge exists was negatived. The rule was amended to provide that nc moneys shall bo used for the erection oi halls without tbo oonsent of the Distriot Committee. The rule wa3 amended to the effect that should it appear to the directors, owing to unsatisfactory adnrnistration or growing deficiency, e:o„ that a distriot would bo improved by amalgamation, and the management oommittee consider amalgamation deßirable, tho directors sball'effdot amalgamation. It was resolved to provide for district trustees to receive money from lodges for investment. The rule was amended to provide that lodges shall eleot delegates to distriot njaetiijgs at summoned meetings; also that lodge books be examined at euoh times as are deemed ncoessary by the district manage ment committer, and at least once in throe years. The rule referring to the levy pay* able fordist- iot management was amended to provide that the levy shall be made on members good at the end of a year. It was resolved that foreign members paying contributions be allowed to oontest office, but not to vote on fioaooe. Further greetings were received from the Deputy Grandmaster of Auckland and Takaka Lodge, A proposal to allow members to follow light employment while on receipt of siok pay at a reduced benefit was lest The salary of the corresponding s.oretary was increased in appreciation of his service.

The selection of officers resulted: Grandmaster, A, N. Batchelor, Nelson; Deputy Grand, James Marshall, Bangiora; Corresponding secretary, Konßhaw, Wellington /re elected); treasurer, G. E. Godber, WelliDgtopfpeeleoted); directors, J. McLeod, J. Clark (Auckland), G. WSillars (ABbley), J. B. Fielder (Hawke’s Bay), C. E. Bellringer (N<w Plymouth), A. B. Smart (Nelson). Brother Charley Fry (Motueka) was elected, a trustee. Brother Qeo. L9elie tendered hie resignation as trustee and the earns was accepted with regret and''special 'tbaoJks accorded him. Brother Aqtiise (Wellington) was elected to fill the vacancy- Brother F- If. Hounsell (Nelson) was re-pleoted junior auditor. It was resolved that the moveable committee meet in 1903 at New Plymouth. It was resolved that the annual levy to the central fund be tbreopence per member instead of fourpmoe. It was resolved to thank Grandmaster Walker of Southland for hie persistent efforts towards affiliation. J ’