Taranaki Friendly Societies' Association.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 100, 2 May 1904, Page 2

Taranaki Friendly Societies' Association.

The annual mooting of the Friendly Societies' Association was held in Ilro. M. J ones' oilice, King-street, on Thursday. Tim following delegates were present 1.0.0.F, ; H, T, Ainsworth and J, Bennett, New Plymouth ;W. Old, Manaia; F, E. Hardy, Eltham ; F, Squires, Hawera ; A. E. Case, Midlurst ; J, l'ettii, Toko; \V, Bent, Waitara. U.A.O.D. : T. llamerton, Inglewood ; J. Harvey and H. J. Gilbert, New Plymouth, 1.0. R. ; B. Sutherland, Jugluwood. Bro. Ainsworth was voted to the chuir. 'the committee's report was read uS follows ill' President and Brethren,—ln submitting this the first annual report of tho association, your committee are of opinion that the ussociution is to be congratulated on tlie splendid results of the work of the association lor the year. The association, which was formed In April, 1908, now numbers over 800 members, and although there are yet a number of lodges in Taranakl that have not joined us, yet we venture to express the opinion that when the year's results are published a wry large increase in the membership will ensue. Several of the members of the lodgvs not yet alliliated have expressed a desire to become members, and intend moving in the matter in their respective lodges. A perusal of the balance-sheet shows thai the sum of £lll 14s has been paid by the association for hospital fees of members and their families, untl extra surgical fees. When we consider what a large majority of our members are of the working class, and that the payment of those fees would press very heavily on them, we think the ob'ject of the association has been achieved, and our brethren relieved of a great responsibility by the payment of a small quarterly contribution, which we are sure has not been felt by any member. This was the chief object in the formation of the association, and the promoters have just cause to be proud of the splendid results of their scheme. What was at lirst started us an experiment has proved a decided success. During tho year your committee has been working under proposed by-law's, and hi a few instances the necessity for a slight alteration has been shown, and wo trust that tho delegates this eveniag will give tho matter their most careful consideration, and start the year with by-laws that will bo satisfactory to the members of the association.

The annual mooting of the Friendly Societies' Association was held in Ilro. M. Jones' oilice, King-street, on Thursday. Tim following delegates were present 1.0.0.F, ; H, T, Ainsworth and J, Bennett, New Plymouth ;W. Old, Manaia; F, E. Hardy, Eltham ; F, Squires, Hawern ; A. E. Case, Midlurst ; J, l'ettii, Toko; \V, Bent, Waitara. U.A.O.D. : T. llamerton, Inglewood ; J. llurvey and H. J. Gilbert, New Plymouth, 1.0. R. ; B. Sutherland, Jugluwood. Ilro. Ainswortli was voted to the chuir.

One matter that must commend Itself to the members is tho very small amount of expenses of munagement for thy yew, the total of which is only £O. Tlris includes the cost of printing' circulars setting forth the objects of the association, type-writing copies of the proposed by-laws, and postage, etc, A hearty vote of tluinks is due to liro. 11. Jones, of the locul Hibernian Lodge, for placing his oilice at the service of the committee for their monthly meetings, thus saving the rent of a room tor that purpose. In conclusion, your committee trust Hint full publicity will bo given to the objects and working of tho association, and that a large number of lodges not yet affiliated will see the benefit to bo derived by united uction and throw in their lot with URi H'o are, yours fraternally, I-I. T. AINS'WOItTH, Chairman 11. J. GILBERT, Hon. Sec. Tho balance-sheet showed receipts for the past year, £l4O 3s ; expenditure, £lll 14s, leaving a credit balnnco of £33 9s. The principal items of expenditure were hospital fees £57 19s Od, arid operations £47 lOsl

The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows President, Hon. W. T. Jennings ; chairman and treasurer, H. T. Ainsworth ; secretary, 11. J. Gilbert; members to assist ofllcers, J. Harvey, M. Jones, and J. Dennett.

The levy was fixed at 4s per annum, payable quarterly. After considerable discussion, the laws were amended, and it is thought that no alteration will be required for a considerable time.

i'lie executive were instructed to have laws printed for circulation amongst, members.