ODFELLOWS’ CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1727, 19 April 1906, Page 3

ODFELLOWS’ CONFERENCE.

(Fee Presa Aasociatlon.) Nolsod, last night. At the Oddfellows’ Conference, relative to tbe Confertnco of Friendly Societies taking place in Wellington on 21st May, it was resolved that it be a recommendation to delegates from the Manchester Unity that in the event of representatives of unregistered societies being allowed to vote they eoter a strong minority protest agaiost suoh action. Tho agenda of the Conference was discussed, and a number of reoommendafions made.

Mr J. Smith (We'Lngtoo) was appointed Parliamentary agent It was resolved not to send delegates to tbe September Conference in Sydney. A presentation of a silver afternoon t’aeet was made to Grandmaster Loasby with ou'ogistio remarks. It was men-

tioned that much of the work was doce gratuitously, and to this was largely due the succsss of the order. A letter was received from Charles Mo Gee, one of the founders of the first lodge of New Zealand at Nelson, conveyiog good wishes. A resolution was adopted that respre tive districts be recommended to agree to the creation of a oentral funeral fund to provide larger benefits than provided by districts io addition to ordinary funeral benefits; that the districts be recommended to guarantee this fund until the oentral fund is self supporting, five per cent, interest to be allowed in case of any call on dietriots; that es soon as the Grand Master and directors are advised that districts are willing to guarantee tbe fund, they shall briog the scheme into operation, the contributions and benefits to be in accordance with an adequate table that will provide for members receiving the surrender of their policy at any time, and which will also provide for tho expeness of management, suoh table to be obtained by direciors from a competent actuary. Tbe staudiDg orders for the moveable committee were adopted. A vote of sympathy was passed with Bro. H. B. Simonde, of the Thames, in his serious illness. The installation of Grand Master Batchelor and Deputy-Grand Master Marshall then took place, when tbe retiring Grand Master delivered a valedictory address, aad the new officers returned thanks. A hearty volo of thanks was passed to retiring Grand Master Loasby, his portrait and biography to appear in the Magazine.

Votes of thanks were accorded to members of the Nebon and Motueka districts, also to the people of Nolsoo for the kind treatment of delegates; also to the secretaries and other offioers, when the conference closed.