ASHLEY DISTRICT, I.O.O.F.,M.U

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2221, 8 April 1881, Page 3

ASHLEY DISTRICT, 1.0.0.F.,M.U

The annual meeting was held on Thursday in chambers at Eangiora. The officers present were—Bro. R. Aherne, P.G.M., presiding, J. J. Robinson, 0.8. Certificates were handed in, and the delegates who answered to their names were—Bros Stephens, P.P.G.M.; Ivory and Blackett, P.G.'s, Eangiora; Bro. M'Kecrie, P. 0., Oxford; Bro. Ehodes, P.GK, Leithfield; Bro. Early, P.G., Oust j Bro. Thompkine, P. 0., Woodend; Bro. Power, P. 0., Ohoka; Bros. Orampton and Wood, P.G.'s, Amberley; Bro. Sutherland, N.G., Sefton ; Bro. Truman, P. 0., Waikari. A fine was made on the Nil Desperandum Lodge which was not represented, although entitled to send two delegates. Bro. R. Aherne, G.M., proceeded to deliver his address. On opening the meeting he said it was with a great deal of pleasure he had to refer to the success attending the establishment of the Ashley district, and he looked back on his term of cfiice with great satisfao-

Hon in that the advantage of forming this district had been proved to the district, and in fact to the order generally. While the members of the order had suffered with others in the depression in commercial matters, it was pleasing to be able to say that the Lodges had not been seriously affected in their respective position, which would be seen on reference to the quarterly returns. He was proud to see that the Manchester Unity was still foremost in the ranks of Friendly Societies in the world, and that its principles were fully carried out. The Colonial Lodges now assumed to be an important part of the order throughout the world. The order now numbered 530,983 members, with a gross capital on January Ist, 1880, of £4,709,108, or an average of £8 17s 4d each member. The number of members in the district was 400, with a fund of £4026, averaging a trifle over £lO, and the necessity was arising for considering the question of a superannuation fund. He then reviewed the work of the year, referring to steady progress, land urging on officers and members a close attention to their duties. The work of getting up the By-laws had entailed a great deal of work on the officers. In spite of the amount of red tapeism and numbers of objections raised, the district officers, by taking a very definite position, had obtained the registration of the By-laws, and they were now being circulated, the cost of the same being charged on the respective ledges. One matter affecting the welfare of this and other friendly societies was the representation made by this with the North Canterbury and Lyttelton districts to the Hon.W. Rolleaton respecting requisite amendments to the Friendly Societies Act. The representations made had been submitted to the Colonial Secretary, and by him communioated to all the registered societies in the colony for their opinions. The matters in question were to protect such societies by actuarial reports on a sound basis, and not affording to all and sundry registration as applied for. It was maintained to be manifestly unfair to a society whose tables, rates, and contributions were admitted by every one to be standard rates, which had stood the test of fifty years. A. wholesome check was wanted to be kept upon the improvident class of societies. The officers regretted that the Registrar-General had placed certain difficulties in the way of amending the Act, but the weakness of his arguments hod been very forcibly replied to by that district, at any rate. Having visited all the lodges in the district, he could vouch for their being in a healthy state, and a certain amount of harmony had been furnished at the social meetings, when songs and recitations had been given. In this respect the Bangiora Juvenile Lodge had set a good example. This lodge numbered now twenty-eight members. In visiting the lodges he had been attended by Bro. C. S. Eobinson, who could testify with him to the cordiality with which he had been received. Whatever pains, trouble or expence he had been put to in working the district had been given with one object, viz., the promotion of the welfare of the district ; and, in conclusion, he had to bear testimony I to the energy of Bro. Robinson as O.S. a: d book inspector, as well as to the attention shewn by the deputy G.M., though residing a ■ great distance from the centre of the district.

He then declared the meeting open for business. The auditors report and balance sheet were read, showing receipts of £67 16a 2d, loan to Ashloy Lodge £ls, balance, £5216s 2d. Tho management fund showed receipts to be £B3 7s, expenditure £66 12s 3d, balance £l6 Us 9d. The balanoe sheet was adopted, and explanation given of loan to Sefton Lodge, which was satisfactory, and the action of district officers approved. The book inspector's report was read and adopted, and £lO voted to the inspector for last year. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Prov. G.M. for his address, and subsequently an amount was voted towards the purchase of a testimonial. It was proposed to hold the next meeting at Leithfield, an amendment being made in favor of Bangiora, which latter was negatived, and the motion carried. Bros. Simpson and Truman were nominated for G.M. The ballot resulted in favor of Bro. Truman, who was subsequently installed. Bros. MoKcnzio, Orampton, F. Gulliver, and Gibbs were nominated for the office of P.D.G.M. Bro. Orampton was elected, and took office. Bro. P.P.G.M. Stephens was re-elected treasurer ; Bro. P.O.S. Bobinson, re-elected secretary ; Bro. P.G. Rhodes was re-elected an auditor, in conjunction with Bros. P.G. Conway and P.G. Horrell. The meeting then closed. A lodge of P.G.'s was held in the evening, when purple degree was conferred on several candidates.