ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2427, 16 January 1882, Page 3

ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS.

The executive officers and delegates of the Canterbury United Distriot., A.0.F., held their annual meeting at the Foresters' Hull, Oxford terrace, on Thursday, the 12:h inst., at seven o'clock. Present—Bro. J. Gapes, sen., D.O.R. (in the chair); Bro. G. Bedford, D.8.0.H.; Bro. H. Crooks, J): treasurer; Bro. Thomas Gapes, D. Secretary; Bro. O. Samuels, D.B. The following Courts were represented by delegates, viz.—Court Star of Canterbury, Bros. Watt and Williams, P.0.8.'.s ; Court Queen of the Isles, Lyttelton, Bro. Gibbons, P.0.R.; Court Pride of Courtenay, Courtenay, Bro. McOlelland, P. 0.8. ; Court Thietle of the Forest, Sydenham, Bro. Luce, P.S,; Court Woodford, Kaiapoi, Bro. Woodford, P.D.0.R.; Court Pride of Richmond, Bingsland, Bro. Bigan, O.B.; Court P-jpacui, Papanui, Bro. Wilson, C. 8.; Courts Slar of Aehburton, Belle of the Isle, and Springfield, were unrepresented. The minutes of the last meeting and correspondence having been read, it was resolved that no action be taken towards the constituting of a Subsidiary High Court in New Zealand, as the majority of the Courts are against establishing the some, it being in their opinion premature at present. The accounts of the society are in a very satisfactory condition, each fund having accumulated a good balance to its credit during the year, although the expenditure has been large, £llO being paid for funeral donations. The balance-sheet (which was presented by the D.S.) showed that the amount invested of the district funeral fund alone was £1287. Bro Watts, one of the auditors, explained that he found the accounts were kept in a very satisfactory manner by the secretary, end it gave him pleasure in testifying tof tho same. The number of members is still increasing in the Order, additions being made to all Court*, Court 2309 being the largest with 450 members. Two new Courts have been established lately, and are progressing favourably. Four members and three members' wives have died during the year. The respective branches of the district of which they were members have been reimbursed the usual amount of funeral donations. Bro. Luce stated that it was the intention of Court Thistle of tho Forest, Sydenham, to lower i's scale of initiation fees. It was agreed that this could be done, providing the soale was kept within those of the district laws, and submitted to the district officers for approval. The procuring of rules for new Courts was left in the hands of the district officers. Several important questions by delegates wore put, and replied to by the officers. Tho general business having been finished the election of officers for the ensuing year was proceeded with. Bro. Jas. Gapes, senr., D.O.R , made tho following statement: —" The tine having arrived for us to deliver up tho trust reposed in us to our successors, we beg to feeder to the members of the order our sincere thanks for their kindness and courtesy towards ug at all times when we have communicated or come in contact with them as delegates. Oar earnest hope is that much good may result from all future meetings of the district, uud be oonducive to the welfare of tho order generally." The following officer* were elcoted for the ensuing year—Bro. Bedford, D.0.R.; Bro. Machon, D.S.O.R. ; Bro. Oiooks, D.T.; Bro. T. Gapes, D.S. ; Bro. Vo/jel, D.B. Arbitration committee—Court 2309, Bro. Jacques ; Court 2703, Bro. Dimond ; Court 6494, Bro. Bowen. Auditors—Bros. Watt and Jacques. Resolved—" That the name of P.D.O.R. Bro. Jas. Grapes, sen., be placed on the respect boards, and that he be presented with the usual mementos of the office." B • i Gapes replied, thanking the officers and delegates for their appreciation of his actions in carrying out the duties of the office. He also commented on the prosperous condition of the Order. The newly installed D.O.R. olosed the meeting with the usual formularies.