O.O.F.M.U.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 511, 5 March 1920, Page 2

0.0.F.M.U.

MEETING AT PATUMAHOE MATERIAL AND SOCIAL BENEFITS. (Staff Representative). With the object of forming a subbranch of the Pukekohe branch of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, a meeting was held in the Patumahoe Hall an Thursday night, when addresses were delivered by Bro John McLeod (provincial corresponding secretary, Auckland district), and Bro W. Thomas (director, Auckland district, and deputy grandmaster for New Zealand). Mr Jos. Henry presided over a fairly numerous and certainly attentive audience. A large party of brethren motored over from Pukekohe. Opening the meeting, the chairman remarked that the branch, if formed, would tend to bring the people closer together in the bonds of fellowship, besides conferring material benefits. Bro. H. M. Crispe pointed out the good pertaining to a lodge. Many things came along that a man did not count on. Seven had come to him (seven children). (Laughter.) Also, the social influence was a line thing. He urged all the young to come along and join; they would never regret it. Some of the young fellows appeared afraid to come. They seemed to think that it was a tough proposition to "ride the billy-goat,"— (Roars of laughter.),—but they need have no fear.

The provincial secretary, commencing his address, expressed his gratification at the audience assembled, which was larger than generally attended inceptions. The M.U. was entirely a British organisation, having its headquarters in Manchester, and started 110 years ago. It was the most financial of all friendly societies, and was subjected, every five years, to actuarial investigation, to ensure that it had the means to carry out all promises to members. A friendly society, by comparison with other institutions, was far better for working men. The members wer? solemnly pledged, on the principles of love, friendship and truth, to help one another. If one fell behind in one's payments to insurance companies after the surrender value had gone, one was the loser, but if a lodge member fell on evil days, his fellow members assisted him. The benefits were large, and for life; and were never cut off. It was an advantage to the town, and the country at large. If there were sufficient numbers for the sub-branch of the Pukekohe lodge, an independent branch could easily be formed at Patumahoe. (Applause.). The whole financial backing of the lodge was behind each member, and the basis was infinitely better than an insurance society, especially for working men. The National Provident Fund was started in the first, instance for men who could not pass a medical examination, but on this basis it would have died of inanition. The - Government then canvassed their workshops and took in men who were all healthy; but the institution was partly financed by the taxpayers. A member had to be in. the National Provident Fund for five years, have children under the age of *l4, and pass other conditions before he was entitled to benefits. The Government strove to prove that their institutions were successful if they were making money, but the friendly societies diet not exist for that purpose, but to help those who needed it. He contended that friendly societies should get an equal subsidy to that of the National Provident Fund. Though the literature of the National Provident Fund had been regularly sent to M.U. members, only one out of over 400 had joined, and, he was a man who could not pass 'the lodge doctor for increased medical benefits. The M.U. gave benefits immediately, the first night a member joined, £3O funeral allowances; in other societies 12 months must elppse. After six months, 20s a week sick benefits were allowed, while in other societies 12 months must pass .Two members had received £12,000 to £13,000 respectively, one of which beneficiaries had been aided for forty years continuously; £15,000 had been paid to 32, members. Medical attendance to the member and his family was obtainable immediately on joining. Maternitybonuses were £6, There wer£ also hospital benefits, the lodge discharging all such liabilities. The M.U. covered the whole of the Englishspeaking world, including the U.S.A. Over £7OOO was paid in sick benefits last year. Sick pay was also paid to soldiers when on service, which was something no other society had done. The M.U. also paid their lodge contributions when on service. They had an agreement with the Auckland Hospital, and he thought all friendly societies should have such ai rangements. Because of the medical attendance provided by the lodges to their members, very few ever went to a hospital, and therefore the lodges were keeping a great burder off the hospitals. The M.U. had a capital of nearly eighteen millions. There was a M U. of over 13,000 in New Zealand, with entirely local self-government. It was thoroughly democratic, and the humblest member could reach the highest offices. At the last valuation it had a surplus of over £BB,OOO, above all liabilities. The capital was £109,000. The management expenses were normal, the secretary alone being paid, and in receipt of merely a small honorarium. No political or religious disputes were allowed in the lodge. _ ... .. At this stage Bro. J. Walker rendered a song, which was much appreciated, as was also the encore. Bro. W. Thomas, deputy grandmaster of New Zealand, said he joined in 1881, at the age of 22. He stressed the importance of every young arm making provision for the day of adversity. He told of a member who had been a member for 30 years, and thought of giving up, as he had not required any sick payments or benefits Luckily for him, he took the advice of a friend, and remained in. Shortly after he took ill, and had now been receiving benefits for ten years, getting back in that time more than he had paid in during the previous 30 years. Had the speaker received no medical benefits, the social connexions he had made would amply repay him; and friendships he had made were beyond price. (Applause.) The offices were open to everyone who had the will and integrity to aspire to them, and every member worked without desire for reward in the ordinary sense. Bro. f . Hard (Pukekohe) explained arrangements for the first initiation, and spoke of the benefits local members had received. The chairman urged all the young men to join. Age debarred him from joining as an active member, but he would become an honorary one. (Applause.) Bro. Arthur Young was called on for a song, and responded very effectively with two popular Scotch songs, "Annie Laurie and "Will Ye No Come Back Again," the second being in response to a vociferous encore.

Bro. Hard reported that names of 14 prospective candidates had been handed in.—(Applause.) Bro. Crispe proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the visiting officers.—Carried with musical honours and cheers.