CENTENARY OF ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10049, 21 May 1910, Page 4

CENTENARY OF ODDFELLOWSHIP.

The celebration of the centenary of the foundation of the friendly society known colloquially as the 'Oddfellows," was fixed for May 18th at Southampton. It had been arranged that the Jfrince of Wales, now King George V., should preside at the banquet that was to be a climax of the week's meetings; but in view of the death of King Edward, this engage' ment is bound to be cancelled. It is also certain that the fixture as a whole will be postponed until after the funeral of the late King. A feature of the week is to be a service of thanksgiving. It is reported that the Archbishop of Canterbury*(Dr Davidson) would have consented to preach at this service if long-standing engagements had not prevented him; but now that the function is likely to be postponed, it is just possible that the Primate may, after all, be able to be present. If he cannot, one of tne bishops will take his place. So far the actual beginning of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, is somewhat obscure, though careful researches are now being made. "Oddfellows," however, existed before the Manchester Unity came into being. Defoe mentions them, and another writer points out that the oldest ledge of which that name has come down to us would seem to be the "Loyal Aristarcus, No. 9," which met in 1745, at the Oakley Arms, Borough of Southwark, the Globe Tavern, Hat-ton-Garden, or the Boar's Head in Smithfield, as the noble Master might direct.'" It is surmised that these early branches were more or less convivial. However, in 1810 two worthy citizens, Bolton and Naylor by name, saw possibilities of mutual benefit that might be enormously developed. There was in Manchester at the time a certain "Lord Abercrombie Lodge," which claimed to be the "Grand Lodge," and as this became inconveniently large, others were formed from it. General committees of all lodges in the Manchester district were formed for mutual support, the scheme developed, and by 1822 the annual Grand Committee Meeting was established. The year 1864 is an important one in the Order's progress, as it introduced graduated tables worked out oa scientific actuarial lines. In the United Kingdom the Manchester Unity's aggregate membership is 1,033,701; payments made in 1908 amounted to £1,714,550; the total income of the society amounted to £2,138,915; and the aggregate capital of the organisation now is £14.335,751. The surplus of assets over liabilities is estimated at £407,625. As'a result of the great popularity of the society, the sick and burial funds are now being severely taxed by the large number of members of 65 to 75 years of age, and only a thoroughly well established society with ample capital reserves could meet the payments.