ODDFELLOWS LODGE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4469, 20 September 1922, Page 3

ODDFELLOWS LODGE.

VISIT OF DISTRICT OFFICERSLARGE GATHERING. A large and representative gathering of Oddfellows met in the lodge room of the Loyal Jubilee Lodge last night to do honour to the following district officers : J. W. Neels, D.G.M.; P. Aj Syers, deputy G.M.; and J- McLeod, District Corresponding Secretary. Representatives of the following Lodges were present: Loyal How ■ ick, Benevolent (Chirstchurch),.Karangahake, Tapanui (Otago), Loyal Waikato (Thames). Bro. C. A Stembridge, N.G. of the Loyal Jubilee Lodge, in introducing the district officers took the opportunity of welcoming them tp Paeroa, and the honours of the Order were conferred upon them. The District Grand Master, Worshipful Bro, Neels, in acknowledging the welcome gave a brief resume of work being done and the rapid progress of Oddfetfowship generally hi New Zealand, and in the Auckland district particularly. A new lodga had been opened at Tuakaa in January of this year, and they now had a membership of over 100.' In the fafoff timber-milling township a new lodge had been revived, and now enjoyed a membership of over 60. The spirit of Oddfellowsihip was very much alive, and rapid progress was in evidence everywhere. Young members were urged, to attend meetings regularly and to go through the chairs. By -so doing they would not only themselves become better citizens and better men. but the example set would be an incentive to those in doubt about joining the Order. The funds of the Order in the Auckland district were- well looked after, and very sound interest-bearing investments had been made. S'ome £89,000 had been invested, and not per cent, had been lost, which speaks well for the Trustees and Management Board, which controls spme 42 lodges in the Auckland district. The District Corresponding Secretary., Bro. J. McLeod, on referring to the growth and benefits of Oddfellowship, took the opportunity of congratulating 'the Loyal Jubilee Lodge on having such an efficient, and livewire permanent secretary as P-G. Bro. Walter North. The district book examiner in his last report had commented very, favourably on Bro. North’s zealous and careful work. Bro. McLeod pointed out that the very high position held by Oddfellowship to-day in the world was largely due to the individual efforts and co-opera-tion of the brethren. Although the Order in the Auckland district is in an exceptionally sound financial state the liabilities of the Order had been very heavy during the last few years. Right throughout the war period full sick pay had beefi made to all soldier members, apd it was an indisputable fact that, fhe Manchester Unity to-day was able to hold out greater benefits than, any othei; Lodge, and yet the scale of contributions was smaller. In numerous cases the financial benefits received exceed the amount contributed by the members. Arrangements have been made for very reduced rates of lees due tp hospital boards in Auckland and Thames. These large concessions so far have been granted to Oddfellows Lodges only. The Manchester Unity is in a position to offer a life insurance policy for £250 with a premium 15 per cent, to 20 per cent, lower than any insurance company. The table is an adequate one, and one that has been approved by the New Zealand Government. The maternity bonus of £6, payable to wives of Oddfellows, has exceeded the sum of £lOOO in the Auckland district alone during the past 12 mon,ths. A benevolent, fund is in operation, whereby any deserving case of an Oddfellow in distress will be readily helped on application to the secretary of his lodge. This fund has proved a tremendous help to Brothers during periods of unemployment. A very comprehensive housing scheme has been undertaken by the Order, whereby a member can borrow any sum of money up to t.wo-thirds of the value of the house, repaying the amount, at the rate of 15s per £lo9' per month. In 22 years the full amount is repaid, but there is nothing tp prevent. a Brother repaying larger sums if he wishes. The "M.U.'’’’ Magazine is now in regular circulation. D.D.G.M. Bro. P. A. Syers is the editor-manager. This magazine is posted free to brethren at the rate of 6d per copy monthly. A great deal of useful information is contained in its pages, and it behoves every Brother to support this publication by at once becoming subscribers. Women are now being freely admitted to the Manchester Order, and are proving themselves keen and capable members, and their influence is felt to be very considerable in extending the fraternity of the Lodge. Intending .members, whether male or female, can rely oh obtaining full particulars as to the social and financial benefits of Oddfellowship on applying to the permanent secretary, Bro. North, or Elective Secretary Bro. Lawrence, of Paeroa. During the evening a new member was duly initiated into the Lodge and the honours of the Order were accorded him. At the conclusion of lodge business the district officers .and brethren were entertained, a most enjoyable supper being provided.