ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2157, 24 January 1881, Page 3

ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS.

I The annual meeting of the Canterbury United District, Ancient Order of Foresters, was held at the Foresters' Hall, Oxford terrace, Ohristchuroh, on Thursday evenitg, the 13th inst., at 7 o'clook. Present—Bro. M. Weastell, D. 0.8., in the chair ; Bro. Jas. Gapes, sen., D.5.C.8.; Bro. Crooks, D.T. ; Bro. Thos- Gapes, D.S.; Bro. Munnery, D.B. The following delegatea were present representing their respective Courts: Bros Pine and Williams, Court Star of Canterbury; Bro. Weyburne, Court Queen of the Isles; Bro. Woodford, Court Woodford; Bro. Barker, Court Belle of the Isle ; Bro. Hodd, Court Thistle of the Forest; Bro. McNae, Court Pride of Courtenay. The following report was made by the D" Secretary:— To the District Officers and Delegates—Respected brethren, I have the honor to report that during the past year a new Court has been opened at Kaiapoi, and is registered as a branch o( this district; as also are Courts Thistle of the Forest, Star of Ashbnrton, Pride of Courtenay. All the Courts in the district are progressing favorably (especially Courts Thistle of the Forest and Woodford). One exception only is Court Queen of the South, which is in a very unsatisfactory condition, and will require your consideration. The financial position of the district is very satisfactory, after taking into consideration the depression under which the colony has been subjected, which affects directly or indirectly all companies or societies composed of many persons of all classes contributing thereto. It is with satisfaction I state that the funeral fund is worth nearly .£llOO, most of which is invested at not less than 7 per cent, per annum. The management fund is steadily increasing ; at the commencement of the year it was in debt to the extent of .£2O, now, after refunding that amount, it is only in debt to the extent of about .£l3, but there are goods in stock to the value of £6O or more. The new district law have been distributed to the various courts. £X 00 have been invested in the Permanent Investment and Loan Association, according to instructions. Three members have died during the past year, viz., late Bros. Baker and Taylor. Court 2309; Bro. Davis, Court Vic tory, England, and Bro. Willcox, Court 2703. Bro. Willcox was a very zealous member of the order, and has occupied the highest position in this district, and being ef a genial disposition made him a great favorite with all whom he associated with. It is therefore with feelings of very great regret that I have to record his death. I have, 4c—Thos. Gapes.

It was resolved that the treasurer be paid the sum of £4 per annum for his services. A letter of oondolence was authorised to be sent to Mrs Willcox, expressing the regret of the district officers and delegates at the loss of her late husband, and who sympathise with her in her bereavement. The balance-sheet and auditor's report were laid on the table and adopted. The question of valuation was held over till January, 1882. An application for a loan of £4OO was referred to the trustees with power to act. Resolved—" That the officers of the district visit Court Queen of the South, and aot according to their discretion for the benefit of the order." Proposed by Bro. Woodford and seconded by Bro. Williams—" That the secretary be instructed to get a sufficient number of letters printed to circulate to all the Courts in New Zealand, asking for their cordial co-operation in obtaining a dispensation from the High Court in England to constitute a subsidiary High Court in New Zealand, to consolidate and form a closer union than now exists. That the court forward any resolutions they may make on the subject to this district before the next meeting, so that the application may be made at the general meeting of the High Court." The resolution was lost on the voices. The time for sending in Courts balance sheets was extended to January 31st for this year only. Besolved—" That Courts be requested to visit sick members who may not be members of their individual Courts." The offices of D. 0.8. and D. 5.0.8. were made honorary offices from date. Besolved —" That Courts not having sent in nominations of two P.C.B.'s for the district appeal committee be referred to District Law 16, sec. 2.

The following members were elected to £ll offices for the year, and were duly installed into same : —D.G.R., Bro. James Gapes, sen.; D 5.0.8, Bro. Bedford ; D.T., Bro. Crooks j D. 8., Bro. Thomas Gapes ; D. 8., Bro. O. Samuels. Appeal committee—Bros. John Hudson, McNae, and Bath. Bros. Watt and Jacques were appointed auditors. Bro. Machon's nomination for D. 5.0.8. was not taken through informality. A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring officers for past services, and it was resolved that Past D. 0.8. Bro. Weastell's name be placed on the respect board, and that he be presented with the usual presentations. Be? solved—" That the next district meeting be held at the Foresters' Hall, Lyttelton, ct 2.30 p.m." The newly installed 0.8. closed the Court in due form.