THE ODDFELLOWS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3612, 27 October 1920, Page 4

THE ODDFELLOWS.

CONFERENCE AT DUNEDIN.

DUNEDIN, This Day.

The thirteenth triennial session of the 1.0.0. F. was held at Dunedin, this being the first occasion on wSaKh the Grand Lodge of Australasia £sp met in the Dominion.

The delegates represented the six Grand Lodges of the six Australian States, as well as the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

A civic reception was accorded thedelegates yesterday. The report of the Acting Grand SireGilder was to the effect that despite a heavy loss of membership owing tothe war and influenza, jurisdictions report a general increase during the last year. The report of Grand Secretary J- CI. Smith stated that during the last six years £256,551 was paid in sick benefits, £93,585 for maintenance of orphans, and £9055 to widowed families; a total of £359,491, which does not include expenditure on medical benefits, estimated at £250.000. The Queensland jurisdiction had taken up the matter of establishing a home for orphans and aged Oddfellows. Many amendments to constitution: .were considered, the most important of which was one submitted by the Dominion members that colour line ber abrogated as far as New Zealand is concerned, by allowing the admission of Maori members, and the Sovereign Lodge is to be approached to sanction, such an alteration.

It was decided to recognise the starling work of the Grand Secretary of tjhe New Zealand jjurisdieKion. Past Grand Sire William Reid, by presenting him with the "honourable veteran" jewel, obtainable only after 60 years' continuous membership in the Order.

The following officers were elected: Grand Sire, Bro. Wm. Lucas, P.G.M., South Australia; deputy grand sire, Bro. Glasgow, N.S.W.; grand treasurer, Bro. Bale, P.G.M., Queensland. Appointed officers: Grand chaplain, Bro. Talbot, New Zealand; grand marshal, Bro. Flower, N.S.W.; grand guardian,Bro. Siddall, South Australia; grand messenger, Bro. Gill, West Australia. The following district deputy grand sires were appointed: New South Wales, Bro. Casey, P.GJVI".; South Australia, Bro. S. Harvey, jun., P.G.M., New Zealand, Bro. Eobb,'P.M.; WeskAustralia Bro. Box, P.G.M.; land, Bro. Casey, P.G.M.; Tasmania. Bro. Rankin, EG.M.; Victoria, Bro.. Sharp P.G.M. , ' ' The sesfaon has concluded.