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

Taranaki Daily News, 3 April 1918, Page 3

1.0.0. F., M.U.

BIENNIAL CONFERENCE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, April 1. The biennial movable conference ot the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows, was held at Wellington to-day under the presidency of T. >Salck, Grand Master. Delegates were present from Auckland, Ashley , Ashburton, Ilawke's Bay, Marlborough, Motueka, Nelson. North Canterbury, Westlanu. Taranaki, Wanganui and Wellington district. The Grand Master, in his address, reported that 148 Lodges had affiliated to the New Zealand.branch, with a membership of 14,362. The funds had increased to £576,105, producing annual interest income of £25,008. During the year £10,583 was paid out in sick benefits, and £5,080 in funeral benefits. The available valuations showed that the districts . rc-portcd upon had greatly improved their financial positions and, taken as a basis of calculations over the whole society, it fwas confidently expected that the ultimate actuarial report on the society would he satisfactory.

The .conference is dealing with matters of the greatest importance to friendly societies which have arisen since the war. The registrar of friendly societies having insisted on the production of a receipt of the beneficiary fo> cad) funeral benefit paid in connection with deaths of soldier members, the conference resolved that no refunds will be made until that receipt is produced. In connection with discharged soldier members, the conference decided that lodges are to give urgent attention to the question of notifying the date of discharge of soldier iliembers.

Dealing with the question of simplifying the passing of urgent legislation for dealing with the problems arising out of the war it was resolved that the directors be empowered to deal with the rules on the advice of the District Committee of Management. Wellington, April 2. The conference of the New Zealand branch of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows resolved, after a long discussion, to recommend the several districts to take the subject of the consolidation of sick and funeral funds into consideration. Regarding Mr. Lloyd George's message asking for more men, the conference passed a motion expressing loyalty and the determination to do all it could in the cause of the Empire.