FORESTERS’ CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 February 1921, Page 5

FORESTERS’ CONFERENCE.

MEETING AT HAWEBA. • The half-yearly meeting of district officers and delegates was held at Hawera yesterday, D.C.B. Bro. H. Ward presiding. There were also present: D.S.C.R. Bro. J. Andrews, D.W. Bro. F. Coleman, DB. Bro. W. Draper. Delegates: P.D.C.R. Bro. R. Way (Court Taranaki, New Plymouth), P.C.R. Bros. Harvey and Frewin (Court Waireka, New P.C.R. Bro. Williams (Court Patea), P.C.R. Bro. Draper (Court Egmont, Hawera), P.C.R. Bro. Flews (Court Stratford), P.D.C.R. Bro. Geddes (Court Inglewood), P.D.C.R. Bro. J. D. Murray (Court Opunake), P.C.R. Bro. S. Tate (Court Raleigh, Waitara), and Sister Ballot (Court Pride of New Plymouth). An apology for non-representation was received from Court Pride of Elttam. The report of the district congratulated the growth of the Order In Taranaki, mention being made of Stratford's forward move, no less than 32 initiations being made in that Court. Despite many heavy charges, the total value of the district funds stood at £1343 2s Bd. an Increase of £469 Ils over last meeting. Mention was made of the improved financial position, which considered very satisfactory. Funeral allowances had absorbed £415, whilst maternity claims totalled £472. Reference was also made to the secession of tte district from the subsidiary High Court.

In connection with the last mentioned, Bros. Coleman and Tunbridge (district secretaries), delegates at the Wellington conference, detailed the business accomplished there. The breaking away from the High Court had been accomplished much easier than anticipated. Both delegates expressed appreciation of the brotherly feeling accorded tte Taranaki delegates by Bros. Darlow and Barnes (High Court officials). It was mentioned that Otago had applied for secession rights, but this was not granted at the meeting. A vote of thanks was accorded the delegates. Bro. Murray expressed the opinion that the district had done the right thing. They had been incurring a good deal of expense, and could see no immediate benefits. At tte same time It was gratifying to know that the district had seceded from the High Court in a manner that permitted Taranaki to join at a later date should members desire this.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:—D.C.R. Bro. J. Andrews, S.D.C.R. Bro. F. Coleman, D.W. Bro. W. Draper, D.R Bro. C. Harvey, D.S. Bro. Tunbridge, D.T. Bro. H. R. Cattley. The newlyelected officers were duly installed Into office and individually returned thanks.

On behalf of the district, D.C.R. Bro. Andrews then presented P.D.C.R. Bro. Ward with a jewel in commemoration of his term of office, and ttanked him for the able manner in which he had conducted the district meetings and business.

D.T. Bro. Cattley, commenting on the improved state of the district management fund, stated that for the present it would not be possible to reduce the levy at this meeting, as there were expenses to be met during the next six months that would require their finances. He hoped that after that period the auditors would be able to recommend a small reduction.

Complaints were made at the lax manner in which some Courts were sending in returns. It was pointed out that this was decidedly unfair, ns it retarded the district's work. This was no new thing; in fact it had been going on for several years, but the treasurer, Bro. Cattley, stated they were up against it, and something should be done to have Court returns well forward in time for meetings of delegates.

Several delegates expressed their intention of laying the matter before their Courts, in the hope that an improvement would be made.

Bro. Murray stated it was very hard or. the district secretary. It was at times v?r? difficult for the various Courts to obtain- suitable men for the position. It was nq easy task for a novice, and he would not like to see the district adopt any drastic method. Eventually a resolution was carried allowing secretaries a certain period to complete returns, those neglecting to do so to be penalised.

It was resolved to hold the next meeting at Eltham.

A hearty vote of thank* was passed to the Hawera Court for the hospitality extended to