ODDFELLOWS' LODGE, M.U.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3116, 16 February 1909, Page 4

ODDFELLOWS' LODGE, M.U.

ANNUAL DISTRICT iviEETING. The annual district 'meeting of the Wellington District of the 1.0.0. F., M.U., was held in the Dv minionHall, yesterday afternoon, at 2 o'clock. Prov. G.M. Bro. J. F. O'Sullivan occupied the chair, and presided ov«?r 32 delegates and officers.

A motion of ' sympathy was passed to those who have suffered sad bereavement in the recent wreck of the s.s. Penguin. The Prov. G.JM., in his address to the meeting, made reference to the National Insurance Scheme, which is being discussed in England, and pointed out that the whole rr.atter will require careful watching by the Order in New Zealand, so that it will not interfere witn the Manchester Unity.. It was unanimously decided that the Prov. G.M. be thanked for his interesting address, and that the address be printed with the report of the district meeting. A committee, consisting of Bros. Ludwig, Douglas, Perrin. Bould and Smithy were appointed to deal with \ matters mentioned in the P.G.M.'s address, and report subsequently to the meeting. The district management committee's report was received. A most interesting and varied discussion took place in connection with the centralisation of the Lodges funds. The following resolution on the motion of Bro. D. P. Lossby , was passed That this district meeting is favourable to the establishing of a Central Sick and Funeral Fund, and recommends the G.M. and board of directors to bring in a scheme of a Central Sick and Funeral Fund. The motion of Bro. Perrin that the matter of a uniform, system of bookkeeping be left in the hands of the district management committee and report at next uittrict meeting, was carried.

Uro. J. Kershaw, C.S., gave a report in connection with the valuation of the various Lodges in the Wellington District,, and such report showed that the Lodges were in a sound financial position,, and increasing in membership. The district members were so pleased wit i the report that it was unanimously decidtd t h at the report be piinted and copies distiibuted among ti,e Lodges. Bro. O'Sullivan stated that the district officers had paid a visit to the Lodges in the Wellington District last year, and the greatest courtesy had been extended to the officers, and the officers were satisfied that all the Lodges showed guod progress. The G.M. made reference tp the advisability of establishing Juvenile and pointed out what a splendid adjunct it would be to the older Lodges.

Short refeience was made by the G.M. in regard to increased funeral benefit, and in the alternative to have a superannuation fund to ensure weekly payments. On the motion of Bro.. G. Godber, the present arbitration committee was re-appointed.

Fetone was fixed as the place for holding the next district meeting. The meeting then adjourned until 7 o'clock thismorning.

BANQUET TO THE DELEGATES.

A most enjoyable banquet was tendered to the delegates in the Foresters' Hall last evening by the Loyal Masterton Lodge, Bro. K. Krahagen occupying the chair. Over eightypersons were present, included in the number being many visitors. The evening was spent in a convivial: manner, by the honouring of toasts and in musical items. The toast list was as follows:—"The King"; "Manchester Unity ana New Zealand branch," Bro. John Smith, P.P G.M. —Bro. D. P. Loasbv, P.P.G.M.; "Wellington District," Bro. C. J. Kent Johnston. P.G.—Bro. J. O'Sullivan, P.G.M.; "Kindred Societies," Bro. C. D. Robertson, D.P.G.M.—Bros. o'Regan, Rue, C. Feilding and J. Elder: "Masterton Lodge," Bro. J. Kershaw, Prov. C.S.—Brtf. C. Perry, P.G.; "The Ladies." Bro. G. Godber. P.P.G.M. —Bro. Sir Kenneth Douglas, P.G.; "Visiting Singers and Pianist," Bro. R. Krahagen, P.G.; "The Press," Bro. E. C. Ludwig, P.P.G.M.; "The Caterer" (Bro. H. M. Clarke), Bro. C. Perry, P.G. Vocal items were given by Messrs W. Jago, W. Iggulaen, H. Hall, S. J. Johnston, R. Plenry, T. Thompson, and A. Maxted, and a vocal solo by Bro. Goddard. Bro. Henry Inns played the accompaniments in a capable manner.