U.A.O.D.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8348, 7 February 1913, Page 4

U.A.O.D.

EIGHTEENTH BIENNIAL CONFER. ENCE. Special to the “Times.” WANGANUI, February 6. The Grand Lodge eighteenth biennial conference of the North Island U.A.O. Druids concluded at Marton this morning, and it proved the most important held for some years, in that one of the big questions discussed and determined was the death levy. After a long and animated debate tho old death levy was abolished, and the conference adopted an insurance scheme propounded by the Executive of the Order providing for a full benefit of £IOO upon payment of £1 per annum. Tho Grand President (Bro. Wade) in his address, showed that the funds totalled £31,915 11s lOd—a net increase of £7141 7s 9d. This included £3305 5s lid belonging to tho investment account. Considerable discussion ensued on amendments to the rules electing district presidents. With certain small additions, tho old rule whereby D.P.’s can bo elected by the lodges on their respective districts, was reinstated. It was decided to make past secretaries eligible for election as district president. It was unanimously resolved that while regretting the necessity for the suspension by tho executive of the Auckland and Eden Lodges, the Grand Lodge, after full consideration, being desirous of bringing about a settlement, hereby resolve forthwith to remove the suspension of the said lodges on their recognition of the authority of tho Grand Lodge by compliance with tho rules and paying all dues, and will place them in the position they formerly held as though no suspension _ had taken place. An executive of pickers were' elected as follows: Grand President, Bro. A. Thompson (Auckland); Grand Vice-President, Bro. J, Tennant (Greymouth) ; Grand Secretary, Bro. J. N. Grant (Wellington); Grand Treasurer, Bro. R. Fletcher (Wellington); Grand Guardian, Bro. F. Jennings (Wellington). The conference extended over three days, and was attended by ninety delegates, all of whom showed their appreciation of tho arrangements made for their comfort by Bro. C. R. Cooke, local secretary, by presenting him with a gold sovereign case and handsome electro-plated fruit dish.