The Cardiff Times

'j d-RhonddaHorseS h ow LARGE ENTRY AT TONYPANDY. A Papular Exhibition. i!"?kondda fourth annual horse show J on Winton New Recreation Tonypandy, on Whit Tuesday, and Of 5an unqualified success. A huge crowd to 10,000 people lined the ropes and commodious stands erected on three W °f th§ enclosure. The entry was very 'SojjW and the arrangements were all that ? thL desired, thanks to the energetic efforts ^chairman of committee (Mr Leonard W. ^0l^yn) and hon. secretary (Mr J. B. Prize List. harness mare or gelding, any height,, grocers, i !Nd«^'iC.on*ectioners, com dealers, and similar traders t1? the Rhondda Valleys—1 and 3, Co-operative kl)u/> Ferodale 2 Thomas and Evans, Porth. traders of Mid-Rhondda— 1, Richard Evans, ■M* Tlg: 2, John Jones and Sons, Tonypandy 3, » n^ns' Tonypandy. fjit or cart horse, mare or gelding, exhibited with Mias Olive Talbot. Margam Park; <2. Br08-' Cog Farm, Sully, Cardiff 3, T. K. arran Las Stables, Mountain Ash. vtb or cart horse, mare or gelding (local,) exhibited °ito5ear on—1, T. K. Lukey 2, R. E. Morgan, i t>rav '• 3» w- Whiting Aberdare. 0r Cart horse, mare or gelding, to be driven in "hit-! coal cart or dray—1, T. K. Lukey; 2, W. V3' Co-operative Society, Ferndale. harness mare or gelding, not exceeding 1!.2 i' h' J5° be driven—1, R. Evans, Penygraig; 2, j?.- Ge™an, Dowlais; 3, Jabez Gough, Mountain ish and fruit dealers' turnout, any height-I, J. • Wiiii d Sons, Tonypandy 2, E. Thomas, Trealaw Bidmead, i ?*es .y"ade turnout—1. E. Thomas, Trealaw; 2, -"fog., Blaenclydach 3, Edgar Kennell, Ponty- t Oir-.orse, loW, any height-1 and 2, J. Mor- i- v "arness mare or gelding, local, over 14.2—1, »e '-3 T^ey' Mountain Ash 2, W, Whiting, Aber- John Jones, Tonypandy-. sfo°r adding, not exceeding 15 hands, most suifc- § °r underground purpose, open—1, John Davies Maesycwmmer; 2, E. Nicholas and Son, 41 e. 3, Cambrian Collieries, Ltd., Clydach Sciding, exceeding 14.2, that has worked o.?uJn<i' open—1, 2, and 3, Cambrian Collieries, h Vale. f*derur^r Welding, not exceeding 14.2, that has worked Oi~,ind< open—1, 2, and 3, Cambrian Collieries, Vale. r?(Jero»^0r gelding, exceeding 14.2, that has worked tl. pi jDd—i 2, and 3, Cambrian Collieries Co., Vale. not exceeding 14.2, that has worked k ^—*> a"d 3, Cambrian Collieries Co..Ltd. 2*rthv; .n"dcr 13.2. ridden, open—1, J. Millward, ?fsk>ij h-j Griffiths, Birmingham 3, Miss U. Taunton. ot local—1, .1. Milliard 2, Tenygtaig 3, Dr T.E. flattie. riding, mare or gelding, over 14.2, i, '-?rn Morgans, Tylorstown 2, R. Cromwell luS'Uglg Pi> Merthyr 3, R. Evans, Penygraig. {• J mare or gelding, exceeding 13.2 and 14 2, local—1. J. Millward 2, Richard agie h J'8raiS 1>- Rees Jones, Aberdare. L narness mare or gelding, over 14.2. local—1, Richard Evans 2. S. Cromwell Jones; 3. Wm. Mor- gans, Llantrisant. Cobs or hackneys, riding, mare or gelding, open—1, John Jones, Llandilo 2, Thomas Nicholas, Port Tal- bot 3, F. W. Jones, Porth. Cobs or hackneys, riding, over 14.2, open—1, Tom Morgans, Tylorstown 2, A. M. Maddock, Pyle 3, S. Cromwell Jones, M.D., Merthyr. Pony stallion, not exceeding 13.2, open—1, W. J. Tatem, St. Fagans 2, W. K Mprgan, Caerphilly. Hackney stallion, open—1, James Howell, St. Fagans 2, Viscount Tredegar, Newport; 3, W. H. Rees, Rumney. Pony, under 13.2. open—1, Miss G. Burston Fitzroy, Taunton 2, George Griffiths, Birmingham 3, J. Millward, Merthyr. Single harness mare or gelding, exceeding 13.2, and not exceeding 14.2, open—1 Thomas Nicholas, Port Talbot; 2, Miss G. Burston Fitzroy, Taunton 3, John Jones. LHindilo. Single harness mare or gelding, over 14.2, open—1, Thomas Matthias, Cardigan: 2, Hubert Fortt Moun- tain Ash 3, T. and J. Matthias. Pontardulais. Hack, not exceeding 15.2, open—1, W. J. Tatem, St. Fagans 2, L. W. Llewelyn, Clydach Vale 3, Tom Morgan, Tylorstown. Tandem, open-I. Miss G. Burston Fitzroj, Taun- ton 2. S. Cromwell Jones. M.D.. Merthyr A silver medal offered by the Hackney Horse Society for the best hackney or pony mare filly or fillj foal registered or eligible for registration in the Hackney Stud Book-Miss G. Burston Fitzroy, Taunton. Shoeing, open—1, F. Young, Porth 2, Evan Evans, Brecon 3, W. Rooke, Port Talbot. Wire rope !!pIicing,open-l,M.Prothel'oe, Treorchy 2 CILIt-. Davies, Ferndale 3, L. Rogers Tylorstown, and Brown Heppell, Merthyr. Ambulance, open—1, Maerdy No. 1 Squad—Captain T. J. Evans; 2, Teale's Team, Ferndale 3, Llwyny- pia Ambulance Team—W. C. Evans. Timbering competition—1, Lewis Owen, Cilfynydd 2nd and 3rd prizes divided between M. Pugh, Williams- town, W. Jones, Aberfan, and D. H. Davies, Ogmore.' li miles trotting, saddle—1, T. Davies, Caerphilly; 2, T. Owen, Blaengarw. It mile trotting, in harness—1, John Williams, Honest Tom, scratch 2, A. C. Clissett, Barry, Plucky Tommy, 220yds. Jumping—1, J. W. Basil Syres, Chard 2. W. H. Fletcher, Pontypool. Ditto—1 and 2, W. W. Grundy, Worcester.

_L" --> WOMEN OF THE HIGHEST TYPE. Women of superior education and refine- ment, whose sane discernment and good judgment give weight and force to their opinions, highly eulogise the wonderful corrective properties of Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills. Years ago, Pills were the medicine of the poor only. To-day the efficacy of Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills to overcome the common-ailments and restore health and happiness to sick and ailing women, has convinced not only the working section of the population, but the wives and daughters of the more wealthy, pro- fessional and independent classes that Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills are a Great Family Medicine, and are absolutely iQ- dispensable to every lady's boudoir. For sale by all Chemists and Stores, price 1/li per bottle, or 6 bottles for 6/6, or will be sent by mail post-paid by the Pro- prietors, The W. H. Comstock Co., Ltd., 21, Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C. A free sample will be forwarded on receipt of Id. stamp.

The Cardiff A.M.C. LORD MAYORS WELCOME. The first function in connection with the visit to Cardiff of the Oddfellows' A.M.C., Manchester Unity, was the reception given by the Lord Mayor (Alderman Illtyd Thomas and the Lady Mayoress (Miss Deanie Thomas) in the City Hall on Saturday evening. Nearly two thousand invitations were issued, and most of those invited responding, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress were occupied about an hour receiving the guests. The City Hall, which was greatly admired by the visi- tors. had the natural beauty of its interior enhanced by the tasteful disposition at various points of huge palms and other plants. Colour and dignity were added to the function by the presence of members of the fire brigade, who, in their shining brass helmets, lined the staircase up which the guests passed. The large banquetting hall was overcrowded indeed, there has never been a more largely- attended function in the City Hall. Having received the guests, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress proceeded to the platform in the banquetting ball, accompanied by the Grand Master of the Manchester Unity (Bro. Alfred Dempsey), the Deputy Grand Master (Bro. Ben Kelvington), and other officers of the Order, together with members of the A.M.C. Committee, of the Cardiff Corporation, and representatives of the Ancient Order of Foresters. THE GRAND MASTER (Mr Alfred Dempsey). The Lord Mayor, in a happy speech, gave the Grand Master and delegates a hearty wel- come to the city, and the Grand Master thanked the Lord Mayor for his kind, genial, ar^d homely welcome, and spoke eulogistically of the magnificent building in which they had had the privilege of being received. He con- cluded by proposing a vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, which the Deputy Grand Master seconded and which was accorded in a most enthusiastic manner, after being supported by Bro. Evan Jones, chairman of the A.M.C. Committee, and Bro. Spiller, secretary. The Lord -Mayor, having humorously acknow- ledged the vote, introduced representatives of the Cardiff district of the Ancient Order of Foresters, of which he is himself a member, having passed through all the offices. Bro. William Cox, District Chief Ranger, offered, on behalf of his society, the Grand Master and delegates a hearty welcome to Cardiff, and Bro. N. B. Hosgood read the address which the Cardiff district of Foresters wished to present to the Grand Master of the Manchester Unity. After the customary words of welcome, the address referred to the close bond of fellowship that had always existed between the Oddfellows and Foresters Societies, and hoped this associa- tion would never be broken. The address proceeded to congratulate the Manchester Unity on its prosperity, and noted with satis- faction that it had withstood the severe test of time. "This, we well know," it went on, can only be accomplished by properly con- stituted Friendly Societies—(applause)—and it redounds to the Unity's credit that it has discountenanced any system of exploiting with benefits by the division of money which experience has shown is required to meet future liabilities accruing with the advancing age of members." After reading the address Bro. Hosgood criticised dividing societies as a snare to the unthinking section of the community, and he urged the passing of legislation to prevent any society operating that had not a registration certificate granted by the Government and giving security for the benefits promised. I MR BEN KILVINGTON, the Deputy-Grand Master. Dr. Tom Wallace, District Trustee of the Cardiff Foresters Society,presented the address to the Grand Master, who suitably acknow. ledged it, comirenting on the good feeling existing between his Unity and the Foresters, and emphasising the fact that both societies had withstood the test of time. During the evening an excellent musical programme was given, and refreshments were provided. The visitors spoke enthusiastically of the enjoyable nature of the function, the arrangements for which were carried out by Mr W. M. Davey, the Lord Mayor's secretary, assisted by the A.M.C. committee.

OLD AGE PENSIONS. Grand Master's Criticism. The Annual Movable Conference of the Inde pendent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, was opened at the Park Hall, Cardiff, on Whit-Monday. From 8.30 until 9 a.m. Mr Norman Kendrick gave an organ recital, And by 9 o'clock the 630 or so delegates to the con- ference were in their places. The Grand Master, Bro. Alfred Dempsey, presided, and was supported by the D.G.M., Bro. B. Kil- vington, P.G.M. Bro. J. Harford Hawkins, Prov.C.S. T. Barnes, P. Prov.G.M. J. R. Barley, P.Prov.G.M. R. Rigg, P.G.M. R. J. Vallender, P.G.M. T. Mills, P. Prov. C.S. T. Hubbard, P.Prov.G.M. A. H. Warren, P.Prov.G.M. W. P. Wright, and the C.S,, Bro. Walter Collins. Shortly after they had taken their seats the Lord Mayor (Alderman Illtyd Thomas), the Lady Mayoress (Miss Deanie Thomas), the Bishop of Llandaff (the Right Rev. J. Pritchard Hughes, D.D.), Sir W. S. Crossman, and Alderman Robert Hughes ascended the plat- form, and sat throughout a portion of the pro- ceedings. These were viewed with consider- able interest by a large number of ladies and gentlemen who occupied seats in the balcony. The National Anthem having been heartily sung by the delegates to the organ accompani- ment of Mr Kendrick, the Bishop of Llandaff offered prayer. The business was then pro- ceeded with. MR WALTER COLLINS, the General Secretary, Grand Master's Address. The Grand Master, after giving the brethren a cordial welcome to Cardiff, said Most of you no doubt will be as agreeably surprised with the town as I was on my first visit. The name of the town always being associated with the extraordinary large exportation of coal and iron, one expects to see begrimed-looking buildings, but we find the reverse, for almost in the centre of the town stands the beautiful castle and grounds of Lord and Lady Bute, and the hand- somest pile of municipal buildings and law courts it has been my privilege to see. (Hear, hear.) I may be permitted to say how we appreciate the generous assistance, rendered to the prosperity of tile town by Lord and Lady Bute in connection with the new Bute Dock, opened last year by the King, and with what pleasure I read of the King's gracious and at the same time statesmanlike action in con- ferring the honour of knighthood on a worthy representative of the people, Sir William Cross- man-(applause)-a gentleman who can and will uphold the best traditions of the people, as well as the dignity of his title. This is the second time that the Order has held its annual meeting in Cardiff, and the growth and pros- perity of our society in 26 years are well illus- trated by a comparison of our numerical and financial position as between 1882 and 1908 1882. 1908. Number of delegates 422 over 630 Number of members 561,985 1,029,972 Aggregate amount of funds. £5.177,230 £ 13,370,269 The magnitude of our operations is best shown by the enormous sums received and paid in the period which has elapsed since the A.M.C. was last held at Cardiff to the end of 1906. Amount received- £ s. d. For contributions 20,355,237 2 7 For interest 7,371,349 12 10 Total jE27,726,58615 5 During the same period there has been expended by the Unity for sick and funeral benefits the sum of £19,853,181 13s 6d, viz. £ s. d. For sick benefits. 16,216,833 10 5 For funeral benefits 3,636,348 3 1 Total £ 19,855,181 13 6 The Grand Master went on to say that in fulfilment of his promise to accept invitations to the districts requiring his presence, he had travelled during the year 8,000 miles on the business of the Unity, and had seen in every direction a revivifying and intensifying in- terest in the work of the society. (Applause.) The interesting and useful debate on propa- ganda work initiated by P.P.G.M. Wallace Smith at Folkestone had already borne good fruit, as seen by the comparatively large in- crease in members in Great Britain during the year. A wave of enthusiasm had swept over the Unity, and the work of the leaders of the society in future would be devoted to the pleasing task of stimulating this enthusiasm. In a society where the whole of the recruit- ing work was voluntary there should be ■ some means of recognising soecial excellence in this direction, and the Unity itself would do well to present a merit jewel to any brother who had brought into its ranks, say, 100 or 200 members. He then made special reference to the fact that his own county of Lancashire headed the list of increases with 944 members. The increase during the year of adult members was 3,727, and taking into consideration the fact that so many smaller trade and other societies had of late years sprung into exist- ence, he must declare his great satisfaction with the results attained, and especially with the financial progress for the year 1906. It had been his endeavour to cement the good feel- ing existing between the officers of the lead- ing kindred Friendly Societies and to get con- nected with their society the most influential men in every district. (Applause.) The Grand Master proceeded The last of the four parts into which the Unity is divided for valuation purposes is now undergoing its quinquennial stock-taking, and when we meet next year we hope to have before us the full results of our eighth valuation. The actuaries of the Order are to be congratulated on their expedition in completing the first two sections, A and B, in time for the officers of the Order, on 14th December, 1907, to publish in a special circular the results, which are very gratifying indeed, especially to the active members of I our society, as may be seen from the follow- I ing I Jb. Total surpluses 664,413 Total deficienties 445,672 Balance on net surplus 218,741 The corresponding figures on the seventh valu. ation were :— JE. Total surpluses 549,690 Total deficiencies 544,409 _L! 5,281 snouiu tne otner secuuua nave done as well in the period under review the Unity as a whole will show a net surplus of well over a million pounds. (Applause.) MR W. SIMPSON, As«%$ant General -1 Secretary, 1 Old-Age Pensions. At the last Cardiff A.M.C. one of the most im- portant questions discussed was superannua- tion for members over 65 years of age, as a consequence of which for 26 years our general rules have contained a table of contributions whereby any member up to 50 years of age could contribute for same, but the question having become a political one for the State to provide pensions for aged people has probably interfered with the success of our plan of en- couraging members to provide their ownsuper- annuation. (Cries of No and Yes.") It is my opinion, brethren, at last something de- finite has come from the Government of the country with regard to this much-vexed and long-discussed question, and I venture to think, while recognising the efforts of the Government, that to us the proposal in its present form is as unsatisfactory as ally pro- posals could possibly be. In my opinion any non-contributory system of old-age pay is'poor law relief, by whatever name it may be called, and from this point of view the scheme is ob- jectionable, the high age at which the relief commences is probably unavoidable from want of funds, but surely it would have been better to have used all the money earmarked last year for the purpose, and to have had the courage to propose the means whereby the remainder could have been raised, or defer the scheme until the funds were in hand. The worst phase of the matter is the low income limit, which disqualifies many members of Friendly Societies who by the practice of those habits of thrift inculcated through their membership have made efforts which have meant lifelong self-denial to pro- vide up to 10s or 12s per week for their de- clining years, and if they have succeeded they are to be doubly penalised by not having the so-called pension themselves, but also by being called upon to provide not only for those who have saved less than sufficient to bring them in 10s per week, but also for those Who have done nothing, or next to nothing, it( the direction of making provision for old age.

BABY BORN WITH IERRIBLEECZEMA Which Spread Over Body, Head and Limbs-No Rest or Sleep for Mother or Child-Doctor Would Not Let Him be Bathed—Tiny Sufferer Grew Worse Every Day. FOUND A PERFECT CURE IN CUTICURA "My little boy was born with his legs and the lower part of his body covered with eczema. I told the doetdr about it. He gave me a lotion for it and told me not to wash the little one. I car- ried out my orders until his head, face and shoulders were covered with the humour. Then I informed the doctor that the lotion was doing no good. He gave me a different lotion and an oint- ment, but still insisted on saying not to bathe the baby. I used the remedies but he got no better. There was no rest, no sleep for baby or myself and t was worn out. Baby was very thin and seemed to be getting worse every day. I resolved to give the Cuticura Soap and Cuticura Ointment a trial. I am thankful to-day that I did for one 6et cured him. He is as fat now and sleeps as well as any child of fifteen months and I still use Cuticura Soap for his bath. Mrs. Gauld, Oldboghead, Rothienorman, A berdeeashire, Soot* land, Jan. 15, 1908." Send to nearest depot for free Cuti- cura Book on Treatment of Skin Diseases. SANATIVE Antiseptic Cleansing Is Best Accomplished l1y Cuticura. Women, especially mothers, find Cuti- cura Soap. Ointment and Pills the pur- est, sweetest and most is. effective remedies, for preserving, purifying fwMr and beautifying the /( /9 skin, scalp, hair and AvOvWx hands. for the treat- I nient of inflammatory _x/ and ulcerative condi- V-— -v A ) tions, as well as for re* Vs. 0 6toring to health. strength and beauty pale, weak. nervous, prematurely faded, run-down women. Cuticura Remedies are sold throughout 11M! world. A Single set olteu Currs. Depots: London, 27. Charterhouse Sq.: Paris, 6. Rue jle la P*tx; Australia. R. Towns A On.. 8ydfiey: Sooth Atrtca. JLennon. Ltd.. Cape Town, etc.; u. 8. A.. Potter Drug ft Cheio. CorD- Sole Prop*. Boatoa.

GARDEN PARTY AT CARDIFF CASTLE. At the conclusion of their first day's busi- ness the deputies, at the invitation of the Marquis and Marchioness of Bute, attended a garden party in the grounds of Cardiff Castle. Including ladies, there were -about 1,000 present, and the evening being beautifully fine the function was thoroughly enjoyed. The charming grounds looked quite at their best. In the absence of the hosts, the guests were received by Sir William Thomas Lewis, with whom were his daughter, Miss Lewis, Mr and Mrs J. S. Corbett, Mr E. W. M. Corbett, and Mrs .T. A. and Miss Corbett. The guests in- cluded the Grand Master of the Oddfellows (Bro. Alfred Dempsey) and the other leading officials, Sir Alfred Thomas, M.P., the Lord Mayor of Cardiff (Alderman lilted Thomas) and the Lady Mayoress (Miss Deanie Thomas), Alderman Robert Hughes, Mr L. Llewellyn, Mr Evan Owen, J.P., Mr James Hurman, Captain Rosser, Mr W. H. James, and Mr Roger Price. Tea and other refreshments were supplied in a large marquee on the lawn, and the band of the Glamorgan Imperial Yeo- maniy, conducted by Mr Paul Draper, played an aumirable programme of music in excel- lent style. GRAND MASTER'S LEVEE. The Grand Master held a levee at Andrews' Hall on Monday evening, which was very well attended by the delegates and their friends. A capital musical programme was sustained by-Mr Harry Morgan, Miss Maud Bradbury, Mr D. T. Lewis, Mr James Williams, Bros. R. T. phinn, T. Summers, and G. W. Stoulger. During the evening Mr H. H. Drake, the P.G.M. W. THOMAS, Merthyr District. (Owen). chairman of the Cardiff arid District Friendly Societies Council, on behalf of that body pre- sented the Grand Master with a handsome illuminated address, in which they welcomed the A.M.C. to Cardiff, and trustad that the resolutions passed would prove' not only beneficial to their own members, but also to the other great Orders. The Council congratu- lated the Order upon its financial and numeri- cal position, and hoped that their efforts on behalf of humanity in the promotion of thrift and the qualities of s«lf-ieliance would be suc- ceasful. Thy address concluded '• God speed ill your duties, aud we trust that you will carry away with you very pleasant memories if your visit to the chief city of Wales, to- gether with our sincere wishes for the future welfare and continued prosperiy of your noble Order." In the course of his speech, Mr Drake hoped the visit of the A.M.C. to Cardiff would benefit the Friendly Society movement generally tfd awaken the youths of the city and district to their responsibilities. The whole Friendly Society world awaited with interest their opinion of the old age pension scheme, for they knew that the influence of the Unity would be exerted on behalf of the Friendly Societies if the income limit was calculated to interfere with the principles of thrift. The A.M.C. of the Independent Order of Oddfellows (Manchester Unity) was resumed at the Park Hall, Cardiff, on Tuesday, the Grand Master (Bro. Alfred Dempsey) pre- siding. The Leeds district appealed against the de- cision of the board of directors in refusing to pay interest on JE319 liabilities of a lodge which the district had taken over. It was stated, against the appeal, that the district had taken over an undesirable lodge, in spite of the directors' warning, and the conference, by a lai^e majority, refused to allow the appeal. Superannuation Scheme. Bro. White (South London) moved as an addition to Rule 32 the following Each district shall provide in its rules tables of contributions for sick pay to the age of 65, and a superannuation benefit after that age, under which any financial member initiated after January 1st, 1910, may con- tribute. He pointed out that the resolution, if carried, would compel every district in the Manchester Unity to put the superannuation tables in its book of rules instead of making it optional as at present. Some districts had these tables others had not and it would be well to have uniformity. Although the Grand Master did not think much of the old age pension scheme introduced by the Government, yet there was a tendency on the part of the Government to make adequate provision for old age. If the Manchester Unity made provision for old age compulsory they would be doing their members a good turn. I A Delegate asked, on a point of order, whether the resolution, if carried, would not render Rule 45, dealing with the district super- annuation fund, null and void. Under the resolution only those members who were initiated after January 1st, 1910, would have the privilege of contributing. The Grand Master ruled that the latter part of the resolution was out of order, but other. wise the resolution was in order. Bro. Hudson (Ipswich) moved as an amend- ment to omit the word may (provide) to "shalL" He claimed that the proposal did not go far enough. The Government was pro- mising a certain amount of old age pensions at a certain age, and he knew a large number of members of the A.M.C. felt that the Govern- ment proposal was absolutely inadequate. He thought the Manchester Unity ought to do something to provide for its members more than the Government could, or would, give. His district believed that their scheme was better than any other that had been devised, and thatschemewould become opera- tive throughout the Unity if his amendment were adopted. A Delegate asked what was the difference between the resolution and the amendment. (Oh, oh, and laughter.) Bro. Hudson explained that he meant to have added to his amendment the date (1910) mentioned in the South London resolution, the idea being to give the lodges time to make the necessary arrangements. P.G.M. G. H. WILLIAMS, Cardiff District. (Long). The Grand Master But that has already been ruled out of order. Bro. Annis (North London) asked the con- ference to reject both resolution and amend- ment. (Hear, hear.) He could not conceive the Manchester Unity being jockeyed into a position which they refused to accept 12 months ago, when the proposal was fairly and squarely discussed on its merits. They had been told that since compulsory arbitration had been adopted in the Ipswich district it had proved a success. How was it, then, that there had been a decrease in the Ipswich dis- trict membership year after year ? They had been told that their friends the Foresters had shown the way in this matter ot superannua- tion, but he submitted that the Foresters had not yet come into close grip with the question -(hear, hear)-and that the executive had dis- covered that it was not so easy a matter to decide upon as the deputies thought it was when they so cheerfully directed their execu- tive in a certain course of action at the last High Court. (Hear, hear.) Bro. Cottingham (Nottingham) urged the conference to reject both resolution and amend- ment until they saw the effect of the Govern- ment scheme. The amendment was negatived by a large majority. Bro. White then replied to the speeches ,on behalf of the South London resolution, with the omission of the words initiated after January 1st, 1910, may contribute," but the amended resolution was also defeated by a large majority. A deputation from the Sons of Temperance Society, headed by the Most Worthy Patriarch, Bro. R. Smith, waited upon the conference with the object of presenting the Grand Master with an illuminated address. In making the presentation, he said that their organisation Ion recognised that Friendly Societies had done more to relieve distress than all the Boards of Guardians in the country put together. The Grand Master heartily thanked the deputation and the Sons of Temperance Society for the address, and for their kind remarks concerning Friendly Societies, and the deputation's attend- ance was most cordially appreciated by the conference. Compensation and Malingering. Bro. Gillespie (Belfast), moved the deletion of a clause in the rules which gives districts power to limit the payment of sick benefit when a member was in receipt of accident compensation allowance under the Workmen's Compensation Act or under a contracting out scheme. The power had only been possessed by lodges with a deficiency on valuation. The mover described this clause, adopted at the Plymouth A.M.C., as hustle legislation, and said all the perfumes of Araby would not sweeten the hands of those who were respon- sible for this iniquitous rule. It was opposed to that brotherly sympathy their Order was supposed to inculcate. It was a cold-blooded heartless rule opposed to justice, equity and brotherhood. Bro. Cook (Birmingham) opposed the motion, asserting that before the Compensation Act came into operation a man getting a cut finger had it dressed, and returned to work I in a day or two; now a similar accident meant abstention for two or three weeks, while cases which used to recover in three weeks or a tnonth now went on for five or six months. His experience was that as soon as the time came for the members to be put on ha If-sick allowance he generally recovered quickly. When he had a long case on the books he now asked the sick visitor, as a matter of course, Is it a compensation case ?" Bro. Marshall (North London) supported the motion, strongly condemning the insinuation of the previous speaker that those in receipt of compensation allowance were malingerers. They could not expect members of the indus- trial population, he said, to become members of the Unity if they penalised jbhem as the rule under discussion did. Their object rather ought to be to bring the industrial population within their ranks. Mr Watson (actuary of the Order) charac- terised the motion as a retrograde step. He had before him the balance sheet of a small branch, which showed that of JE127 paid in sick benefit JB39 was given as half-benefit to members also receiving compensation allow- ance. If those members had received full sick benefit what would have been the financial state of their lodge ? In the case of another district 40 per cent. of the whole of the sick- ness claims in one year were to members re- ceiving compensation allowance. He had just completed the valuation of a pioneer lodge which, but for the rule it was sought to remove, would have been destroyed. (Hear, hear.) The rule had been of very great ad. vantage to the society, and would be still more beneficial when it became more generally understood. If they removed the rule they would probably ruin hundreds of their branches which were in a serious condition. (Applause.) Asked by Bro. Goddard (London) for proof I of his statement that the rule had been bene- ficial to the Order, the Actuary replied that a secretary of the lodge he had quoted was in the room and could supplement what had been said. Bro. Goddard persisted that he did not refer to one society he wanted to know what benefit the Unity had received as a whole, and the Actuary answered that plenty of instances would be given in his next valuation report. They must take it from him as <matterp within his personal knowledge. He was not prepared to submit to cross-examination. He thought the meeting would be satisfied he was giving it a statement in good faith and within hit knowledge. Bro. Cottingham (Nottingham) and Bro. Baldock (Stepney), speaking against the motion, declared that there were cases of malingering by members in receipt of com- pensation allowance, and the statements called forth protesting cries as well as several cries of Yes." Bro. Baldock went on to say that the Com- pensation Act had brought an increased liability that was never contemplated when the table of contributions was drawn up. Bro. Goddard (London) protested against the aspersions cast upon a section of the work- ing classes accused of malingering. The charge was not true. (Cries of "It is.') "Neman can stand up in this room," he said, and say there is a large proportion of the members of any particular lodge who are malingerers." (Oh, oh.) Another deputy stated that of t600 paid by his district last year half went to members in. receipt of compensation allowance. They had actually paid out more in sick pay than they had received in contributions. In the course of further discussion, the sup. porters of the motion emphasised their con- tention that any member paying for benefits was entitled to those benefits in full, irrespec- tive of what he received from other sources. Bro. Bickerton (Wrinehill) said his lodge in a mining district had a surplus of JE500 con- verted into a deficiency of El,280 chiefly through paying full benefits to members in receipt of compensation allowances. But the mining portion of the lodge saw the injustice, and without pressure adopted the new table of benefits. The motion was defeated by an overwhelm. ing majority and amid laughter. Bro. Gillespie Another injustice to Ireland. (Laughter.) When the conference adjourned the deputies and their wives, numbering over a thousand, I

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(Cries of No and Yes.") I am aware I am on thin ice, but these are your Grand Master's opinions, and you've got to have them. If an income limit was necessary it should have been much higher than that pro- posed, which needlessly hurts the most provi- dent of the working classes, and would be more accurately described as the encourage- ment of improvidence than asan old age pen- sion. (Applause.) Its effect on our own and similar societies must in my opinion be highly detrimental in its present form. Amendment of Friendly Societies Act.—The interviews held with the Chief Registrar during the past year have assisted in bringing about a much-desired improvement of the Friendly Societies Act of 1906, and I am delighted to report there is a reasonable prospect of such amendment being passed during the present Session of Parliament. While at present it does not go quite so far as I should like, yet I accept it gratefully as an instalment, covering as it does the right to guarantee our own officers as part of the objects of the society, and insuring children from birth instead of at the age of one year. This part of the amend- ment I have especially been looking forward to, so that we should be placed on an equality with the industrial insurance societies in this respect. The concession respefcting the amend- ment to the Friendly Societies Act should give a great impetus to the juvenile movement, which has not during the past few years made the progress we might have expected seeing the advantages we can offer compared with those of our competitors. Recognising how important a factor the juvenile movement is in regard to the prosperity of the Order, it is to be regretted that out of 1,721 societies, representing a capital of £ 195,805, so few have taken advantage of the alteration made in the general rules at Barrow-in-Furness A.M.C. giving these societies opportunities of becom- ing legalised branches of the Order. Mr DAVID WILLIAMS, C.S., Tredegar I District. Appropriation of Surplus Capital.-During I the year applications have been granted for appropriations as follow :— £ s. d. For sick benefits 4,731 12 9 „ funeral benefits 5,128 6 10 „ sick and funeral benefits 25,063 12 10i „ management funds. 15,292 0 2 „ benevolent and distress funds 10,949 10 9 „ redemption of contribu- tions and increased sick and funeral benefits 68,885 8 71 „ superannuation benefits 3,390 13 10 „ medical aid funds. 902 16 3 „ distressed lodges, &c. 2,167 13 3 Total £ 136,511 15 4 The amount appropriated is in the aggre- gate iE51,624 more than last year, of which JE4,556 more has been applied to management purposes. I should have been pleased if this amount had been smaller, and this necessary part of our work provided for by an adequate contribution. On the other hand, I rejoice to see that JE2,565 more has been applied to super- annuation benefits, and I notice that greater consideration has been shown by the richer lodges to those in the same districts less for- tunately situated, no less a sum than E2,167 having been granted during the year to assist in placing lodges in better positions. The secessions last year reached the large number of 24,799, but this is less than any of the last seven years, while the percentage is lower than any year since 1877. While we deeply regret that so many leave our ranks, it is satisfactory to know that nearly the whole of them leave during the first two years of membership, and many of these rejoin. Owing to the action of surplus of benevolent funds, and the growing feeling of brotherhood throughout the Unity, the cases of worthy members of long standing leaving the society, through inability to pay contributions, are of comparatively rare oc- currence. The Grand Master went On to refer to losses through death, mentioning particularly the interment of his old friend and late colleague, P.G.M. Tom Hughes, of Llanelly, whom they all knew either by repute or personal contact, as one who faithfully served the society for many years as director and Grand Master a brother possessed of keen intellect, good sound judgment, and extraordinary musical ability, with which he was ever ready to assist at their annual assembly or private gatherings. He was one of nature's gentlemen, and a true son to Wales, of which he was an able repre- sentative. P.P.GJtf. ROBERT J. SEARLES, Newport District. In conclusion the Grand Master thanked the officers of the Order for the assistance they had given. P.P.G.M. Moffrey (North London) moved a vote of thanks to the Grand Master for his address, and Bro. Wilkins (Liverpool), having seconded, it was heartily accorded.