FLOURISHING ORDER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 919, 12 March 1930, Page 1

FLOURISHING ORDER

MANCHESTER UNITY’S CONFERENCE MAYOR GIVES WELCOME Satisfaction at the substantial increase in the membership of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows in the Auckland district was expressed by the District Grand Master, Mr. Frederick Best, of Hamilton, at the provincial conference opened in Auckland this morning. More than 100 delegates, i representative of about 60 lodges, twere assembled, wearing their vestments and distinctions, in the Manchester Unity Building at the corner of Hobson Street and Victoria Street West. The chair was ceremonially evacuated for Mr. Best to preside. He enjoined the assembly to conduct its conference in accordance with the principles of the order. Manchester Unity, he said, was conceived with the idea of benevolence; it had as its bond an excellent fellowship. Mr. Best also welcomed the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, who addressed the delegates on behalf of the City. Mr. Baildon said he had met members of the order on other occasions, and he was convinced that excellent social work was being accomplished. It was gratifying to see such a large attendance. Mr. Baildon mentioned that the Dominion organisation now had a capital of almost £1,500,000. Mr. Best also welcomed to the conference Past Provincial Grand Master Woods, of Otago. MEMBERSHIP GROWS In his address, the District Grand Master said, he had visited 50 lodges in the district during the year. He was satisfied that such visits were helpful. In January he had opened the Loyal Ngatea Lodge. Loyal Hamilton Lodge had won, for the second time in succession, the membership shield for lodges with more than 200 members, having secured a 9.4 percent. increase. For lodges with less than 200, Loyal Waiuku had won with a 127.5 percentage. Other increases were:—More than 200 members: Franklin, 3.4; Ponsonby, 2.8; Good Intent, 2.7; Gisborne, 2.05. Under 200 members: Otorohanga, 106.6; Ranfurly, 54.5; Papakura, 52.6: Kerepeelii, 46.9; Mount Albert, 36.9; Papatoetoe, 27.0; Te Awamutu, 25.5; Waipu, 24.5; Maungatapere, 23.8; Dominion, 20.9 per cent. At the close of the war the membership was under 3,000, and from January, 1, 1919, the district has increased by 4,600 members. In 1929, 440 additional members had, brought the total to 7,568. The Manchester Unity Building was in a fair way to become a remunerative asset, and the district now had a surplus of £544. At the inauguration of consolidation in January, 1916, there had been an actuarial deficiency of £14,785. The amount paid in benefits during the past year was £28,783 17s 6d. This had been distributed in sums of £11,742 4s 2d in sick payments, £9,129 5s lid in medical benefits, £3,800 6s lid in hospital benefits, £2,520 in maternity allowances, £1,540 in funeral allowances, and £52 0s 6d in benevolences. The District Grand Master’s deputy, Mr. W. G. Pitcher, the district secretary, Mr. J. McLeod, the treasurer, Mr. J. Clark, and the Past District Grand Master, Mr. W. Dean, were thanked for their services. The installation of new officers tomorrow evening is to be broadcast. Sixteen delegates are to be chosen to represent Auckland at the New Z.ealand biennial movable conference at Palmerston North on April 28.