Oddfellows’ Lodges.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43065, 5 March 1907, Page 2

Oddfellows’ Lodges.

The Proy. G M., Bro. T. Aitken, in hiu address at the annual meeting bf the Auckland district of the Manchester Unity Oddfellows, sail the total number of in the district at the end of 1906 was approximately 3043, an increase of about 80 during the year. He regretted that actual figures were not available,,in consequence of some lodge _ secretaries not having supplied their returns in ; accordance with district rule 33. In April last the alteration of rule fixing the funeral fund at £13,500 was passe'd by a the revising barrister and registered, and he was pleased to be able to say that the interest on the fund (£786) had proved more than sufficient to meet the death claims (£582) during the year. A pleasing feature in this connection is the fact that death claims for 1906 were £176 less than for 1905. The district funeral fund now ex ceeds £16,000, and the accumulated funds of the' lodges and district exceed £75,000. One of the most pleasing functions of, his term was the opening of the Hand of Friendship Lodge at Huntly and, judging by the zeal an! personnel of the members, he believed the new lodge would prove a valuable addition to the district. Early in the year the world was appalled by the terrible disaster at San Francisco, and, in common with others, the members of the Order were placed in a position requiring immediate assistance. In answer to their appeal, and on the principle that “ help given quickly is doubly helpful,” the committee of management at once re. initted the sum of £SO, and, on an appealbeing made to the various lodges, the members showed their appreciation of the,committee’s action by subscribing considerably • more than, that * sum to- j wards the fund. The Biennial Movable Committee of the New Zealand Branch met at Nelson at Easter, the district being represented by six deputies. Much valuable .work was done, which should prove of advantage to the Order in the future. The financial position was such as to enable a considerable reduction to be made; in the levy for management purposes.; "