ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 March 1918, Page 6

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

TARANAKI DISTRICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE. The annual conference of the Taranaki District of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Slancliester Unitv, opened at the Oddfellows' nail, Eltham on Thursday, Provincial Grand Master Lawson (Stratford) presiding, with Bro. A. L. Roberts (New Plymouth) in the vice chair, and Bro. G. Papps carrying out the duties of secretary. The following lodges were represented:— Egmont->P.P.G.SI. Bro. H. Ford, P.P.. 0.51. Bro. G. H, McGahey, P.G. Bro. Archie Hooker, P.G. Bro. A. Hooker. Excelsior—P.P.G.M. Bro. E. H. Bellringer, .P.G. Bro. C. Bellringer, and P.G. Bro. Little. Waitara—P.P.G.N. Bro. Brabant, P.G. Sister G. Brabant. Union—P.G. Bro. Spragg, .P.P.G.M. Bro. C. Allen and P.G. Bro. Caplen. '• Manaia—P.P.G.M. Bro. W. Sriowdon, P.G. Bro. A. Andrews, and P.G. Bro. H. Hill. Eltham—P.P.G.M. Bro. F. Araoore, P.G. Bro. W. Carbis, N.G. Bro. D. Clement and E.S. Sister E. Stannors. Stratford—P.P.G.M. Bro. C. Sole, P.G. Bro. Harston. Kaponga—P.P.G.M. Bro. A. Melville, and G.Sf. Bro. Harris. Midhirst—P.G. Bro. R. Steer. The Grand Master addressed the conference, and complimented the various lodges on the progress made financially, also giving a resume of the business to be brought before the meeting, which was chiefly matters arising out of war conditions. ' The following officers were then elected: —Grand Master, Bro. A. L. Roberta (unopposed); Deputy Grand Master, Bro. W. A. Spragg; corresponding secretary, Bro. G. S. -fapps; district treasurer, Bro. Pepperill, book examiner and auditor, Bro. G. S. Papps; warden, Bro. Brabant; district auditors, Bro. G. Gow and Sister E. Sorbie; management committee: P.P.G.Sf.'s Bros. 0. D. Sole, F. Amoore, W. Snowdoii, C. Allen, and T. Lawson, with officers ex officio. The newly elected officers were installed by P.P.G.SI. Bro. Sole. The retiring Grand Slnster was presented with a jewel emblem of the Order, aim his name was ordered to be placed on ilie merit board. The District Officers' report was received. Resolved that this conference respectfully ask the National Government, on account of the increased cost of living fo increase (ho limit of £2OO, the combined earnings of husband and wife, td :Ci"o. to enable members to qualify for the nun emit.v benefit; and that copies of this resolution be forwarded through the members for Fgmont, Patea and Taranaki; also (hat a copy of the resolution be forwarded to the B.M.C. meeting. Resolved that the matter of the amalgamation of the Stratford, Midhirst. and Tokn be left in the hands of the previously appointed committee and Unit Bro. Sole be thanked for his efforts in connection with the same. Resolved to recommend lodge trustees to invest surplus moneys promptly in approved securities. The district management and funeral fund balance sheets were received and adopted. A long discussion took place on matters appertaining to the welfare nf soldier members, and the same were left in the bands of the 8.51.C. delegates. The Eltham Lodge was given permission to hold adjourned meetings outside their own lodge room. Accounts to the amount of £ll2 Ss (id were passed for payment. P.P.G.M. Eros, F. Amoore, W. Snowdon and C.S. Bro. G. Papps were elected to attend the Biennial Moveable Conference to be held at Wellington during Easter week. The meeting for the year 1919 was fixed to be held at New Plymouth. The following brethren were nominated for office in 1919:—Grand Master: Bro. W. A. Spragg. Deputy Grand Master: Sister G. Brabant; Bros. A. Hooker, 11. Hill, 0. Beilringer, T. Harston. N. Caplen, C. E. Betts, R. G. Steer, W. Carbis and Gernhoefer. —Argus.