THE FEMALE ODDFELLOW.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5, 3 May 1912, Page 4

THE FEMALE ODDFELLOW.

"Female lodges" was one of the subjects that engaged attention at the mnual meeting of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows held in Sydney last week. The committee of management had touched upon the question iu its report, and in one passage it was remarked : "There is not yet much scope for our branches, and we may expect for some time excellent work in tin's direction." In discussing the report, Mr S. M. Steenhohm, the Sydney district secretary, said that notwithstanding the large accession of women during the year, he was of the solid opinion that the introduction of female lodges into the society w;\r. n curse, no matter in which way the question was viewed. These lodgehad always been a burden upon their society, and to every society to which they were attached." Mr Steenholrn spoke with a practical experience of the female lodges. The Grand Secretary (Mr Harry Herron) combated the statement, which he considered rather strong; that female lodges were

a curse in the society. The gil'l had a right to be provided for. Was she to bo thrown out of the society because she was a female? If she took out more than the society could afford, let her contributions be raised. So soon as the committee of management found that the females were going beyond their limit, let the contributions be put up if it was desired to retain them. 'Die subject is one of considerable interest to Friendly Societies.