ODD FELLOWSHIP.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1318, 19 June 1883, Page 3

ODD FELLOWSHIP.

The Manchester Unity of the Independent Order of Oddfellows in New Zealand have 116 lodges, having 8,120 members on the books. The funds of these lodges, after paying benefits and funeral expenses, have £9,650 to I heir credit, the greater portion being in vended m good securities and bearing good interest. The Oddfellows’ Friendly Society is almost universally known, and occupies a prominent position among the benefit societies of the world, and yet, notwithstanding the numerical importanceof Oddfellowship which implies practical forethought, mutual seif-help and self-government, the outside public know but little of its social value and beneficent action upon members. The origin of this and similar gigantic societies might be found, if traceable, to that natural desire in men for association for the realisation of some common good beyond the limit of a family circle, with the commendable view of pro moting each other’s welfare and of providing necessary assistance in periods of sickne— and distress. 'There is an element of strength in the unities •of Oddfellowship and Forestry which, when properly directed, must benefit communities, tending in no small degree to the encouragement of sobriety, prudence, and a wise economy, while they are effective in disseminating a knowledge of associative principles for the attainment of individual and general advantages.