DRUIDS’ LODGE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3246, 31 March 1943, Page 5

DRUIDS’ LODGE

STAR OF PAEROA MEETS

SUBSTANTIAL ■BENEFITS

Bro. C. H. Pascoe, A.D., presided over the fortnightly meeting of the Star of Paeroa Lodge of Druids held on Monday night. The report of the lodge delegate, Bro. J. T. Brown, of the meeting of Grand Lodge was presented and received with appreciation by members. Considerable sick benefit claims were received and these, together with Grand Lodge quarterage and sundry accounts were passed for payment by the meeting. MEETING OF GRAND LODGE STRONG FINANCIAL POSITION The biennial meeting of the Grand Lodge of Druids N.I.N.Z. was held in Wellington from March 16 to 19, Bro. H. S. Abel, Grand President, presiding over some ninety delegates from the various branches.

The meeting having been missed in 1941, a very considerable agenda was presented for discussion; seventy remits claimed the attention of delegates for decision. The distinguishing feature of the war period has -been the provision of £24,00'0 to meet the Grand Lodge dues of members serving in the forces outside New Zealand. Their number at the end of 1942 was 904 and since the beginning of the war 52 members have given their lives for the Empire s cause.

A decision was made to reduce the age to 65 for benefit under Rule 42a, enabling members in necessitous circumstances to be relieved of some 75 per cent, of their contributions, but retaining full standing and rights of franchise. ■Sick pay and funeral benefits paid during the year amounted to £33,955, a figure exceeding by £12,339 the contributions received. This remarkable result is only possible and is entirety due to the large investment of funds accumulated since 1895 when this Grand Lodge was formed, the value of funds invested on mortgage amounting to £934,294, which produced interest totalling £41,617 m 1942. The trustees’ report showed that only £548 was outstanding on interest account at balance date. Generous aid has been given to distressed members from benevolent funds and these grants which are independent of statutory benefits mark distinctly the broad spirit of fraternity which animates this leading friendly society.