I.O.O.F., M.U.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 May 1916, Page 3

1.0.0. F., M.U.

NEW ZEALAND BRANCH. At the biennial conference of the New Zealand branch of the above order important resolutions were passed affecting the interests of soldier members. A special committee was set up to deal with this very important subject, their report being adopted in its entirety by the conference. The decision come to is that the risk for sickuess, as well an

funeral liabilities, shall be spread over the whole society, thus relieving the individual lodges of a very serious burden, at the same time assuring to every membei enlisting the certainty of full payment of all benefits promised. The following is the full text of the report as adopted by the conference:— (1) That during the continuance of the present war, lodges shall not initiate male members over the age of 19 years, excepting- juvenile members and persons who are permanently prevented from enlisting because of some physical disability (2) All persons initiated after the registration of this rule shall be liable to forfeit all benefits should they enlist prior to their twentieth birthday. Rule 138, clause 2.—lnsert new clause (6): Members on active service engaged in the defence of the Empire, and being wounded or sick in hospital outside of Xew Zealand, may claim sick benefit; and a declaration from the Defence Records Office of the date such member was admitted or discharged from such hospital may be accepted in place of a medical certificate, and sick benefit paid accordingly. This clause to be retrospective to August 1, 1914. That it be n» instruction to lodges to pay out all sick and funeral claims due to members, as from August 1, 1914, conditionally on clause 6 of rule 138 being complied with. Rule 21, clause 4.—After the word "abroad" in the twelfth line, insert the following words: "Or on active service engaged in the defence of the Empire, when a certificate from the Defence Records Office that a member has been killed, died, or (as a result of court of enquiry) is believed to be dead.' To be restrospective from August 1, 1914. Lodges at their expense may require a soldier member to submit to an examination by a medical practitioner appointed by the Lodge.' That a fund be established entitled "The Society War Members' Sick Fund." That the fund shall coma into operation as from the first of January, 1910. That the rules relating to sickness benefits shall apply to all payments under this fund. That the periodical contributions to this fund be 2>/ 3 per cent, on the annual contributions to the Sick and Funeral Fund of all lodges showing a solvency of not less-than los in the £, and 1 per cent, on the annual contributions to the Sick and Funeral Fund from all lodges showing a less favorable solvency, and shall be collected from time to time by the Society as circumstances demand. Districts shall administer the fund, and all certificates and documents relating thereto shall bo sent to lodges to the Prov. C.S. quarterlv. The iPi-ov. C.S. shall forward a statement of all claims to the Society halfyearly, accompanied by a statutory declaration from the Prov. C.S. that he has enquired into each case and is of opinion that the same is genuine. It will be seen that the Society's War Members' Sick Fund will be retrojneetive as from January 1, 1916. The officers for the ensuing t .vo years are:—Grand Master, I. Salek, Wansanui; Deputy Grand Master, F. W. Watt. Ashhurton; Corresponding Secretary and Parliamentary Agent, J. Kershaw, Wellington; Treasurer, ("J. Dodber, WelJir-?-ton; Directors, PG.M. John Smith Wellington; P.P.G.M. W. Thomas and T. Aitken, Auckland; F. Amoore, Taranaki; D (P. Loasby, Wellington; E. Davidson' Canterbury; and Prov. C.S. Skrirnplon,' Nelson; Trustees, Bros. I. Cl&i-k v j Carterer and W. H. Madelcv; auditors] Bros. Powell, fjuise and Perrin The B.M.C. of 1918 is- to be he'd a' Easter of 1918 at Wellington