Gathering Of Odd-FELLOWS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 106, 12 April 1883, Page 3

Gathering Of OddFELLOWS.

;THE 2JATIO NaL INSURANCE SCHEME.

(by tklhgeaph.) - „ . (united pbess association.) ,r Nbison, April 11. A dinner was held at Stoke last even- . ing'to'celebrate the 41st anhivprsary of the .establishment of Oddfellpwehip m ! NelSpn , and the "anniversary of the :> ]past Grind Lodge. ' About 100 brethren were present, Mr Sheppard, M.H.R., ■ was m the chair,; and Mr Levestam, C M:H.B. , was' also present. Severa) spoke against Major Atk'inInsDiauc© the arguments being that 'while the contributions - vwbnld 5 prove too great a tax, the Government made no provision for -medical attendance, which was said to be of greater advantage than sick pay. . -- The humanising influences of Friendly Sbcie'lae'ff were also -spoken of, and it was urged that while under the Government scheme the pound of flesh would be paid, there would be none of that sympathy • wKich brethren of the Orders sHoweii to be 'afHicted. The Govern- j iJ ' 'meni scheme' was also objected to on "/Wcigrouiid that it would do much m " ' } o^ositibitt t6t!hat spirit of self-reliance which it was necessary to cultivate. . The unanimous opinion was against the ' G^Vefhment scheme, anil surprise was expressed that members of friendly societies m the South bad yiewed the 6ame with favour. A presentation was made to Brp. Kearns, P.P.G.M., who 41 = ' years ago foimed one of the nine Oddfellows who met on a hillside and started fhe first lodge here. *