ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 958, 21 July 1877, Page 2

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

The Loyal Perseverance Lodge, 5955, 1.0.0. F., M.U., celebrated its anniversary yesterday at the Oddfellows' Hall, Woolstou. The proceedings commenced with a soiree, which was largely attended, nearly 200 sitting down to tea, which was provided on a bountiful scale. Messrs. French and Amos were the caterers, and discharged their duty admirably. Tea over, the hall was cleared for the entertainment. Mr Richard Davis occupied the chair, and made a few remarks as to the aims and ends of Oddfellowship. An entertainment followed, comprising instrumental [selections by Mr Spensley's band, and songs by Mr Bamford and other gentlemen. During the evening P.P.G.M. Bro. Parry made a presentation on behalf of the lodge to P.O. Bro. A. Liddell. This comprised a very handsome watch and chain. On the outside of the watch was the emblem of the order, and in the inner case the following inscription—" 1.0.0. F., M.U.—Presented by the Loyal Perseverance Lodge to P.G. A. Liddell for meritorious services. 20th July, 1877," In making the presentation Bro. Parry spoke in high terms of the zeal and energy displayed by Bro. Liddell in working the lodge, and also congratulated the members of the lodge upon the success attendant upon their efforts to establish a lodge in the district. It was one of the best lodges in the district, and had prospered beyond even the most sanguine expectations. He had very much pleasure in making the presentation. Bro. Liddell briefly replied, thanking the brethren for the kindly appreciation they had displayed of the little he had done for the lodge. The Secretary, Bro. Richardson, then read the following report: — The Loyal Perseverance Lodge was established by a few friends, who were well and ably seconded in their efforts by P.P.G.M. Bro. Parry, whom we recognise as the father or founder of our lodge, on the 24th July, 1872, when twelve members were duly initiated. In 1874 the number of members had increased so that it was found necessary to procure a larger room for meeting in, consequently a section of land was purchased, and a hall built on it, which, besides giving better accommodation for lodge meetings, supplied a want much felt in the district, viz., a public hall for meetings, social gatherings, &c. The total number registered on the books is 107; but out of that aiimber we have lost —by death three, by clearance three (members who have removed from the district and joined other lodges), and by non-payment of contributions eighteen. In regard to the latter I may state that a member cannot be etnick off the books until he is twelve months in arrears. This leaye3 us with eighty.

three financial members and four honorary members on our last lodge night. _ The sick benefits paid during that period arc —in 1873, .£8 3s 4a ; in 1874, £22 7s 8d; in 1875, £4O Oa 8d; in 1876, £SB 6s 8d; and for six months in 1877, £2 3s 4d; and for funeral claims in 1875, .£35, and in 1876, £6O, making m all for sick and funeral claims £226 7s Sd, winch has in no single case been looked upon as a chanty, but simply as the honest earned reward ol the members forethought and prudence ; an amount of money which we feel confident in stating could not have been raised from the same source by private subscriptions. The average age ol our members is twenty-six years, which we consider very satisfactory, and average value ot the lodge per member £5 Ss sd. . More than half a century has elapsed since the society was established, of which our lodge is a branch. Since that time great changes in friendly societies have taken place, not the least of which is that affiliated societies hive become legalised as one of the institutions of the country. Financial reforms have'.beenradopted ;and tins society has in 1850, in 1860, and in 1870 taken and published the experience of over one and a quarter million years of life, of the sickness and mortality of its members, on which to found sate tables of contributions and benefits. These tables have been adopted by this society, and allow persons of all classes from eighteen to forty-five to insure for =£l per week, in sickness, £2O at death, and £lO at the death of a member's wife. It is the duty of every working-man to provide against times of sickness and death, and endeavour to secure something for the widow or orphans he may leave behind him. Among the many schemes before him for that purpose, it should be his duty to examine and join that most adapted to his wants, and most likely to guarantee the benefits he subscribes for. This society is undoubtedly the largest, and will, we trust, compare favourably with others for its amount of funds and carefulness in management and expenditure. It is peculiarly adapted for workingmen, who from changes in localities are often miaratory in their habits, having branches in Great Britain, the West Indies, Gibraltar, Malta, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Canadas, North America, and Constantinople. Into any of these lodges members can pay their contributions andreceive from them their benefits, subject to the rules. No restrictions are imposed on members as to trade "or occupapation, and the funds are under their own control, and any member may, by perseverance, attain the highest position in the order. If he »e fond of the social element, he is sure to find it in Oddfellows' lodges; within whose walls religion is held sacred, discussions of politics arc° forbidden, and the only wish of the members being to emulate each other in good works, visiting the sick, soothing the distressed, assisting the widow and orphans, increasing the happiness and knowledge of members and thenfamilies, and elevating man to his proper position of self-respect and self-dependence. To you all the vast amount of good which can be effected, sickness alleviated, medical relief obtained, poverty prevented, and misery avoided by such societies must be apparent. We would therefore seek to solicit your support m the cause, for it is a noble one, fondly cherishing the hope that before another anniversary comes round, we shall hail many of you as brothers, whom we now welcome as friends. We have amongst us, as honorary and financial members, in nearly every country, the higher and wealthier classes, among whom are men whom the world has delighted to honor. To those who have not yet joined us we say, come and assist us with your counsel and advice. Examine our rules, inspect our financial statements, and if you think us worthy, join and provide for times of need. In conclusion, to the members I would say, remember the name you have taken for your lodge that motto, "Perseverance," combined with patience, will accomplish successfully any affort you may put forth for the good of the £od«e.' Show by your conduct in the ordinary affairs of this life that you are a credit to the order and an example to those around us. Let each member feel that he individually owes a duty to his lodge, and act as if the lodge depended entirely on the exertions put forth by each member he made for its welfare. Then let us resolve that we will endeavour faithfully, honestly, and conscientiously to perform that duty, and we may rest assured that the greatest success will attend our efforts. (Applause.) The Lyttelton Christy Minstrels then appeared in a short programme, which was very successfully carried through. A ball followed, which was well attended, Mr Gardner of Christchurch providing the music. Altogether the celebration of the anniversary was a, most successful one. ____»