RECHABITES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 317, 17 February 1910, Page 8

RECHABITES.

A special meeting of the Unity Tent of the Independent Order of Rechabites was held in the Foresters' Hall on .Tusday evening last to receive a visit from Bro. R. W. McCreath, the district superintendent of the juvenile branch, and the inspecting district officers for attendance of members, and Bro. B. J. Clark, the Chief Ruler, opened the proceedings. In a few suitable words he welcomed the visitor of the evening and invited him to preside. The secretary, Bro. E. Chatterton, read the annual report and balance-sheet, which showed a credit balance in every department, and with an increase of membership. This was considered very satisfactory. Bro. McCreath then gave a. very interesting address on the «rowth of the Rechabite Order, in the course of which he said that the Order has been in existence for 70 years for the promotion of temperance and thrift. So rapid has been the growth that for each' decade it has doubled both in finance and members until in the year 1908. when the membership stood at 241,591 adult members and 188.943 juvenile members, w : th accumulated funds totalling £2.013.725 19s 2d. The death rate and sickness experience was considerably lower than any other friendly society. Cadburv's 'Bournville garden viflage of England had the lowest death-rate in "Engiaa.i. but the Rechabite Order showed a death-rate 3 per cent, lower than Bournville. He urged the Tent to form a strong juvenile tent to grow adult members, saying that as many as 8000 juveniles had been transferred to adult tents in one year, and made the best of workers.

Bro. Clark proposed a. hearty vote of thanks for the able and instructive eddress, and an adjournment was made for refreshments, a nleasant time being spent in social intercourse.