LODGE ORDER IN TROUBLE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 70, 12 March 1908, Page 2

LODGE ORDER IN TROUBLE.

WHOLESALE PECULATION. " DISCLOSURES COMING THICK AND FAST." Received llthj 8.2 p.m. Melbourne, March 11. At the annual conference of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows, Grand Master Patey stated there was u consensus of opinion throughout the Order that

, drastic reform was necessary if the Ur- ' der -were to retain it* prominent place i among friendly societies. Tho Order, he declared, was seething with discontent, and disorganisation which, had arisen lro ' n of heavy levies, made to bolster up an abortivi and violently expensive, antiquated system that had been subversive of every practical and useful purpose for the betterment of members for years past, The funds lucl been depleted by thos e who had failed to escape the consequences of their crimes and were in prison. Many sick members were unable to get sick pay, except under _ severe restrictions, through maladministration, neglect, and fraud. After years work there were only 300 members on the roll. They were stead--1 L„n C r i 9- T,IC were only 180 000, which the ftovernment Actuary insisted were insufficient to meet liabilities. For years audited balance-sheets 01 certain lodges and districts had been ialso. Disclosures came thick and fast, and as yet the fringe of the difficulty had only lieen touched.

This week the Melbourne Clothing Company have the following special bargains oil offer;. .Men's strong dark saddle trousers, Ss (id pair; men's white tennis or cricket hats, 4 S lid; men's stylish hard hats made of pure fur felt, * Ss fid; men's celluloid collars, 9d each; men's bathing drawers, Od: boys' bathing drawers, 4d; men's prettv creamo Stripe tennis shirts 3s Bd, men's splendid white striped mercerised tennis shirts 4s lid, men's pure linen handkerchiefs Ss Od the half-dozen. Men's sample tailor-made suits, spccinl offer, regular price 09s Od, now 4!)s Od. men's merino underpants and singlets Is lid, men's Advt.

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