ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 218, 14 March 1914, Page 6

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT, 1.0.0. F., M.U. The annual meeting of the New Plymouth district wag held at Eltham on Thursday, Prov. G.M. Mountford presiding. The following officers were also present: Prov. D.G.M, A. Melville, Prov. C.S. C. E. Bellringer, and Warden P.P.G.M. Brabant. ' The following deputies attended:— Loyal Egmont Lodge, New Plymouth: P.P.OS.M. 11. T. Ainsworth, P.P.G.M. G H. McGAhoy, <P.G. W. H. Butler, P.G. Archie Hooker; Loval Excelsior Lodge, "Slew Plymouth: P.P.G.M. W. F. Brooking, P.G. E. H. Bellringer, P.G. A. L. Roberts; Loyal Waitara Lodge: P.P.G.M. F. J. Brabant, P.G. B. C. Lawrence; Loval Union Lodge: P.P.G.M. F. Squire, P.P.G.M. A. W. Spragg, P.G. C. Allen; Loyal Eltham Lodge: P.P.G.M. F. E. Amoore. P.G. T. C. Stanners, V.G. T. Bennett; Loyal Manuia Lodge: P.P.G.M. W. Snowd'on. P.G. W. Cunningham, P.G. .1. G. Short: Loval Midhirst Lodge: P.P.G.M. R. .1. Hancock. ! P.G. W. N'eilsen; Loval Stratford Lodge: .P.P.G.M. C. D. Sole. P.G. T. Lawson; Loyal Toko Lodge: Per. Sec. J. Caskey; | Loval Kanonga Lodge: P.G. 11.'.1. Allen, P.G. C. .E. Hefts. The Loyal Opunake Lodge was not represented. P.P.G.M. F. Amoore gave the ilepnI ties a vcrv hearty welcome to Eltliam i on belialf of the Lodge.

The auditor's report mid the balancesheets were considered, and, afti'r discussion, adopted. The Grand Master of Xew Zealand, Bro. John Clark, of Auckland, paid the district an official visit, and was received with honors. The Grand Master, in acknowledging the reception, gave an eloquent address on the progress and benefits of the Order.

The district officers' report (as published yesterday) was read, discussed at considerable length, and adopted. The election of district officers resulted in Prov. D.G.M. Bro. A. Melville being elected Grand Master; P.G. Bro. E. H. Bellrincer Deputy Grand Master; and P.P.G.M. Bro. F. ,T. Brabant as District Warden. P.G. Bro. H. ,H. Ford was re-appointed auditor. The following were elected to represent the district at the Biennial Movable Committee meeting to be held at Wanganui on Mav 4:—P.G.M. Bro. C. E. Bellringer. P.P.G.M. Bro. F. Awonre and P.P.G.M. Bro. W. Snowdon. A committee, consisting of the district officers and the representatives above, with P.P.G.M. Bro. C. D. Sole, appointed to deal with the consolidated general, district and Lodse rules.

At 12.45 the meeting adjourned for lunch. At the luncheon, generously provided by the Klthiim Lodge, there were present the Mavor, Hon. W. Carneross, M.L.C.. and Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, M.P. The health of the Grand Master was drunk enthusiastically. In responding, he referred to the pleasure he felt at being present, and of his warm appreciation of the honor done him. Short addresses were also given by the Mayor and Messrs Oarncross and Wilkinson.

On resuming after lunch, a very lengthy and animated debate took place on the question of the consolidation of the sick funds of the Xew Zealand branch. The following motion was carried by W votes to fl—"That we approve and confirm the principle of the consolidation of the sick funds of the New Zealand branch."

The officers-elect were duly installed in an impressive manner by the Grand Master, and returned thanks for the confidence placed in them. A P.P.G.M. jewel was presented to P.P.G.M. Bro. W. Mountford on his retirement from office. A similar jewel was also presented to P.P.G.M. H. T. Ainswortb, he having proposed the largest number of lady members during the year. The next annual meeting will he held at Hawera. Votes of thanks were passed to the Eltham brethren for their kindness and to the Grand Master for his attendance.