ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 March 1917, Page 3

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of delegates was ; held at Kaponga yesterday. District officers present: P.G.M. Bro. C. W. Allen; P.D.G.M., Bro. T. Lawson; . D.W., Bro. Brabant; C.S., Bro. C. E. Bellringer; 1 D.T., Bro. C. D. Sole. Lodges represent- 1 ed were: Egmont, Excelsior, Waitara, Union, Manaia, Eltliam, Midhirst, Stratford, Toko, Opunake, and Kaponga. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report stated that lodges could be congratulated on a year of progress financially. The Eltliam Lodge had shown considerable activity, reflecting great credit on the secretary, Bro. Fapps. The financial statement showed receipts at £1,984,012, and expenditure £1,335,273, an increase of £345 ; 739. The membership of the order was 043,841, a decrease of 18,438. The capital now stands at £17,098,008. Regarding the district in 1010, there were 1107 members in December last, the total now being 10GG —decrease 41. Nineteen deaths had occurred, 18 having made the greatest sacrifice in giving their lives for King and country. Lodge and district funds were £34,,073, increase £1571. Sick' benefits totalled £IOO3, decrease £74. Funeral claims £7lO. Members in expeditionary forces totalled 128. The report was adopted, delegates considering that under the circumstances the various lodges had done very well. GENERAL. The notice of motion from the Eltliam lodge: "That the district adopts the National Provident proposals relating to friendly societies, and that lodges desiring to register be permitted to do so," was adopted, after some discussion. Another notice of motion: "That lodges meet - monthly instead of fortnightly during the war," was also carried. PRESENTATION TO RETIRING . SECRETARY, General regret was expressed by delegates at the decision of Bro. C. E. Bellringer to relinquish the position of corresponding secretary, which lie had ably filled for very many years. He had in a large measure been responsible for the sound progress and financial position secured by the Manchester Unity in Taranaki. Efforts had been made to prevail on him to reconsider liis decision, but the retiring secretary was desirous of being relieved of the position. In acknowledging the sympathetic remarks made by delegates, Bro. Bellringer gave some interesting details concerning the career of lodges during his connection. He was sorry to have to withdraw from taking an active part in the management of the Order, but the time had come when it was necessary for him to give up the work. He would continue to take an active interest in the lodges, and trusted that under the control of Bro. Ainsworth, the new secretary, matters would run smoothly. He would be ever ready to give him every assistance. He had held the position for 10 years, and previous to. that period had assisted his father in the duties. It was only because his own private business required more personal attention that he was resigning the secretaryship. P.P.G.M. Bro. Allen presented Bro. j Bellringer with a gold watch as a rae- ; mento of his connection with the Order.

A P.P.G.M. jewel was presented to Bro, C. W. Allen in bonor of his services as a district officer.

The next meeting will be held ac .Eltham. A vote of thanks was passed to the Kaponga Lodge for hospitality to delegates. The district officers for the ensuing year are:—P.G.M., Bro. Lawson (Stratford) ; D.P.G.M., Bro. Roberts (New Plymouth); D.W.. Bro. Brabant (Waitaraj; secretary, Bro, Ainsworfh (Neiv Plymouth).