FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2001, 23 July 1880, Page 3

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' ASSOCIATION.

The adjourned meeting of delegates from the various Orders appointed to consider the desirableness of establishing a Friendly Societies’ Association, was held last night at the Foresters’ "Hall. The Orders represented were the Oddfellows (Manchester Unity and American Constitution), Foresters, and Druids. Mr T. Kent occupied the chair. The sub-committee brought up their report, which was read. Mr Hart moved—“ That the report bo received,” which waa agreed to. The clauses of the Constitution wore read seriatim. Clause 1, fixing the name of the association os tho Canterbury Amalgamated Friendly Societies’ Association, was passed. On clause 2, defining the membership as being open to all financial members of any registered friendly society, a discussion ensued. Mr Wilcox thought that it would be bettor to have delegates to carry out tho objects of the association. Several delegates spoke on the subject, and some amendments were made so os to provide that the membership should not be open to societies of a religious or political constitution. Mr Leahy moved—“ That the membership of the association be composed of delegates from lodges of the four societies now represented, on the basis of number of members on the following scale : —SO members or under, one delegate ; 100 members or under, two delegates; 200 do, three; 300 do, four; 400 do, five; the lodges to sign an agreement to abide by the constitution of the association.” Mr Samuels seconded the amendment pro forma. The amendment was then put and lost, and the clause as proposed passed. The remainder of the clauses of the constitution were adopted, and tho secretary requested to supply delegates with copies of the constitution for presentation to their lodges. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Stevens, M.H.R., for his kindness in attending to matters with reference to the association. Mr Williams was requested to act as secretary pro tern., and Mr Kent as convener. Votes of thanks were passed to the sub-oommittee, and the meeting adjourned till August 19tb.