TARANAKI ODDFELLOWS,

Taranaki Daily News, 16 March 1922, Page 7

TARANAKI ODDFELLOWS,

THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. FATHERING AT MANATA. The annual conference of the Taranaki Oddfellows was held at Manaia on Wednesday, March 15, the district grand master, Bro. R. G. Steer, presiding. The lodges were represented as follows: — Loyal Egmont Lodge, Bros. S. Bollon, A. E. Lewis and G. McGahey; Loyal Excelsior, Bros. A. L. Roberts, W. Kivell and Case; Loyal Waitara Lodge, Bros. F. J. Brabant and A. F. Dugdale; Loyal Union Lodge, Bro. R. S. Sage, C. Allen and W. A. Spragg; Loyal Manaia Lodge, Bros. J. Snowden, S. J. Bennett, and Hill; Loyal Eltham Lodge, Sisters 1 W. Hendrickson and E. Waters, and Bro. Bates; Loyal Midhirst Lodge, Bros. J. G. Vickers and D. 0. Blick; Loyal Stratford Lodge, Bros. C. D. .Sole and S Thompson; Loyal Toko Lodge, Bro. W. Cheer; Loyal Kaponga Lodge, Bros. A. Melville and Marr. The district secretary (Bro. G. S. Papps) and Warden F. J. Brabant were also present. The grand master, in his opening address, referred to the fraternal spirit [that existed between the district officers and the various lodges, and also between the members generally. Mention was made of the visits to the various lodges and the splendid receptions invariably received. The Loyal Toko Lodge was congratulated on the splendid progress made and on winning the Roberts Memorial Shield.

The conference was visited by the chairman of the Manaia Town Board (Mr. J. Meldon) and P.P.G.M. Bro. A. G. Bennett, who were heartily received, and who extended a welcome to the deputies. A resolution of condolence and sympathy was passed to the relatives of the late New Zealand grand secretary, Bro. J. Kershaw.

On the motion, of Sister W. Hendrickson P.P.G.M. Bro. C. D. Sole was the recipient of congratulations and of good wishes on his recovery from his recent illness.

The annual report of the management committee, presented by the secretary (Bro. G. S. Papps), stated, inter alia, that the sick and funeral fund showed an increase of £1166 2s Bd, making a total of £37,746 17s 9d as at December 31. Surplus funds of lodges amount to £2877 14s 4d, and the management fund totals £1194 Ils 9d. , During the year £lBOO was disbursed in sick pay, £430 in funeral benefits, and £330 in maternity claims. Hospital benefits totalled £6ll.

It was reported that while the secretarial work of the various lodges show considerable improvement, the delayf caused by incorrect book-keeping and slowness in forwarding returns created difficulties with the Registrar of Friendly Societies and the central body. The delay of lodge secretaries in forwarding claims for maternity bonuses and funeral benefit refunds was also reported on. The report of the lodge book examiners (Bros. A. L. Roberts and R. S. Sage) was discussed and adopted. Arising from the report it was resolved that the Loyal Manaia and Kaponga lodges be instructed to call a special meeting, to be addressed by the district book examiners.

The Loyal Waitara and Egmont lodges were instructed to attend to matters pointed out by the examiners. The following district officers were appointed: Grand master, Bro. A. L. Roberts; deputy grand master, Bro. R. S. Sage; book examiners, Bros. R. S. Sage and A. L. Roberts; auditors, Bros. L. Little and G. McGahey; management committee, Bros. C. D. Sole, J. Snowdon. J. Bates. G. McGahey. F. J. Brabant and W. Spragg; distriiSfc warden, Bro. F. J. Brabant; relieving officers, Bros. F. Amore, R. S. Sage, and C. D. Sole; delegates to 8.M.C., Bros. A. L. Roberts, C. D. Sole, and Sister W. Hendrickson; treasurer, Bro. L. Little; secretary, Bro. G. S. Papps. Bros. S. J. Bennett, C. Betts, J. Bates, T. C. Stunners, G. D. Vickers, L. Little, T. Clow, G. McGahey, Sisters W. Hendrickson and G. Brabant were nominated for the position of deputy grand ’master for the year 1923. It was resolved that the annual picnic be held at New Plymouth. A motion to appoint an organiser for the district was defeated.

The delegates to the B.M.C. at Christchurch were instructed to support - the motion to make the Oddfellows’ Magazine the official organ of the New Zealand branch.

The place of next year’s meeting was fixed as Waitara.

The secretary was instructed to write to Mr. R. S. Hayes, who is relinquishing the position of Registrar of Friendly Societies, congratulating him on his promotion and thanking him fo/ the consideration-and courtesy which he had always extended to the district.

The newly-elected district officers were duly installed by I.P.D.U.M. Bro. R. Steer, assisted by P.D.G.M. Bro. J. F Brabant.