ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Shannon News, 24 December 1925, Page 1

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

WHAT IT MEANS. , (Contributed). The liidependent Order of Oddfellows is an organisation having for its object the elevation of mankind, morally, intellectually, socially, and physically; recognising man’s individual helplessness and the great n'eed for co-operation in all the affairs of life to-day. It requires its members to aid, assist, and protect each other, to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, protect the widow, and educate the orphan. It teaches the Fatherhood of God .and the brotherhood of man; it strives to break down the artificial barriers that separate man from his fellow man, whether it be in the large city or the country village, and places all upon an equality, as members of one great family, the human race.. It opposes all forms of vice, teaches temperance in all things, and strives to lead man to the cultivation of brotherly love and sympathy. Being absolutely non-sectarian and non-political in its views and teachings, men of all parties and sects may meet on the floor of -the Oddfellows.’ Lodge and work unitedly for the Brotherhood of Man. ; The Education Aspect. The education aspect of Oddfellowship is, in New Zealand, becoming a tremendous factor in fitting members to become useful citizens, and to take their places in the higher councils of the Dominion and of the Nation. Special facilities are provided for members to participate in debates, to study and adhere to “standing orders” of public meetings, and to acquire the facility of “thinking and speaking oh their feet.” Many a young man entering upon life has, by the teachings and influence of Lodge membership, had his principles so moulded and fixed as to develop into a fine character. The education that members, can receive in the knowledge of “ chairmanship ” and publie speaking while passing through the chairs of a Lodge has been the means of placing many upon the first rung of the ladder, whieh has led them up to fame and fortune. We can refer to gentlemen such as the late John Ballance and T. E. Taylor, to Sir Bobert Stout, Sir Frederick Chapman, Sir Wm. Ilall Jones, and many members of the Legislature who have been active members of tbe 1.0.0. F., N.Z. The Social and Fraternal Aspect. The social and fraternal aspect is perhaps the greatest of all. Lodges meet once every fortnight to transact business, and then go into harmony; educational and ritualistic attractions may be provided for the thinking members, and bright entertaining evenings for the younger members. Inter-change of visits from other Lodges in neighbouring districts creates a fine soclhl spirit in Lodges, which play an important part in the social life of many towns and villages throughout New Zealand. The days of wild conviviality at Lodge meetings are gone. One of the fundamental laws is that while the rights and privileges, of members outside the Lodge room are not interfered with, no intoxicating liquor is permitted to be used in any gathering where the name of the Order is used.

' ‘Fraternity.” ‘ ‘ Fraternity, ’ the solid superstructure which has placed the 1.0.0. F. the premier Friendly Society of the world to-day, is a powerful feature in this country, and members travelling about may find themselves almost continuously among friends although on their first visit to a town or district, through the medium of Oddfellowship. The protecting arm of the Order 'extends over the whole world, and one may understand something of its great magnitude when it is known that the same ritual and teachings are translated into 14 different languages throughout the world. It is almost impossible to g<et beyond the reach of this wide fraternity, which is growing with great rapidity, and distributing nearly £3 in relief for every minute we breathe. The Order in New Zealand has been controlled by New Zealanders, for New Zealanders, with headquarters in Dunedin, for over 50 years. The Sick and Funeral Funds, which are centralised i into one Dominion fund, are now worth £IBO,OOO, so there is no need for 'members of weaker Lodges to fear any epidemic. The principles of Oddfellowship, wherein the strong support the weak, influence the control of the finances of the Order. All members participate in the common fund, which is growing at the rate of £SOOO per annum, and which, when the surplus increases more, will be drawn upon to pay even higher sick benefit to unfortunate brethren. The qualifications for membership are men between 16 and 45, of good moral character, in sound health, known to members of the Order.