same fines shall be inflicted in case of bad or improper behaviour, as if in open Lodge of the Order. 20.-Moneys, and to whom paid.—That all moneys whatever, on account of this Society, be paid to the Secretary, and shall by him be placed in the banks, to the credit of the Trustees to this Institution, once in each and every month; and that all moneys on account of this Society, be paid by the bank on receiving a cheque. 21.-Alterations or Amendments in Laws, &c.-That no new Law shall be made, nor an old Law altered, nor any business be laid before an Annual Committee of this Institution, without such new Law, or alteration of an old one, together with the heads of any other business having been first circulated round to the various Lodges interested. 22.-Members being Suspended or Expelled.-That should any member of this Society be suspended the Independent Order for non-payment, or otherwise, for the space of three months, he shall also be suspended from this Society; or should he, by misconduct, or otherwise, be expelled the Independent Order, he shall also be expelled this Society; but should such suspension or expulsion be removed according to the Laws of the Order, he shall be allowed to rejoin this Society either by paying his arrears, or as a new member, as a majority of the members of this Society, assembled at a regular meeting, may think most proper. 23.-Disputes. Should any dispute occur concerning these Laws, or other matters concerning the Fund which the Laws do not specify, between the President, Vice, Secretary, or other officers or brothers of this Institution, which they cannot then settle, the same shall be referred to three parties belonging this Institution on each side, and if they cannot settle the same the said six parties shall call in another, who shall be appointed by the said parties, (previous to entering on any business), who shall be considered as umpire, and whose decision shall be final and conclusive. JOHN ASHHURST, CHAIRMAN. JOHN S. MYERS, HONORARY SECRETARY, STOCKPORT DISTRICT WIDOW AND ORPHANS' FUND. THE Committee appointed by you to produce Laws for the government of the Widow and Orphans' Fund in this District, have attended to your desire according to the best of their ability. They are of opinion the fewer the number of Laws there are the better they could be understood, and be the cause of less trouble to the Board, being assured that circumstances of themselves will produce Laws or remedies for cases that from time to time may occur. They are also of a unanimous opinion, that to carry out the great principle, all should become subscribers, that would tend greatly to carry out this great and good work in the manner only contemplated by the original propagators of the same; and should Lodges generally join in bodies, the good they would be able to do would raise such a sensation of pleasure in their breasts, which none but the charitably disposed can feel. Friends of humanity and of our benevolent Order do come forward, and attempt to convince those who are opposed to the general system. that it is the only method to secure the permanency of this charitable undertaking. Under this plan the subscribers will ensure safety of support in case their widows or orphans stand in need of the same, either immediately after death, or at any period after that time; for you will perceive, according to the part of one Law, that though parties leave their widows or orphans in moderate or even good circumstances, should they become unfortunate or in distress, their claims to these funds are as good and valid as though application was sooner made. Then let us, at this stage of our proceedings, ask ourselves this simple question: Are not all liable to a change of circumstances? and if so, what ought we not to do to secure for our family left behind, some guard against the iron hand of adversity. The profits on the Magazine have also had a most serious consideration, and the Committee came to this conclusion: That, on the ground of equity, the non-subscribers to the Magazine shall pay an equivalent to the profit on the Magazine with those who are subscribers; for instance, say the profit of the Magazine is 2d. on each, supposing then the contribution for each member joining this Fund should be 6d. per quarter, those who contribute to the Magazine would only pay 4d. the remainder would be paid on the Magazine. The Committee have left nothing untried that presented itself, which in the least tended to carry out this great principle of benevolence and charity. The Committee are unanimously of opinion that the Rules attached to this are those (with the assistance of all the well-disposed) which will achieve what has been so anxiously looked for-the permanent establishment of a Widows' and Orphans' Fund in this District. RESOLVED, WILLIAM BROWN, SECRETARY. 1. That this Society be called "The Stockport District Independent Odd Fellows' Widows' and Orphans' Fund." 2. That the business of this Society be conducted by a President, Vice President, Secretary, and one Committee-man from every Lodge joining this Fund, or from individuals joining the same-such Officers to remain in office twelve months, and to be considered eligible for re-election. That the President, Vice President, and Secretary be chosen by ballot at the Annual Meeting, such meeting to take place on the first Monday in September, each Lodge joining this Fund to choose their own Deputy, and that the remainder, supposing all Lodges do not join, to be chosen by the Board from members as above-mentioned. 3. That all members joining this Fund shall pay 6d. per quarter, except such persons be subscribers to the Magazine, then the non-subscribers to pay an equivalent to the profit on the Magazine, but no Magazines to be sold to any member under the price placed on the same by the A. M. C. 4. That all cases that require relief shall first be brought before the Lodge the deceased individual formerly belonged to; then the N. G. shall report truly their opinion on the same to the Board. But that all gifts, loans, and presentments be made by the Board. Yet that no gifts be awarded unless above one-half of the Board are in attendance; and that though widows and orphans may be left in good circumstances, yet should misfortune overtake them, they are to have the same claim on the funds as is usual in cases of distress. 5. That the Board be not bound to give any specific sum, but to have a discretionary power to act as the circumstances of the case may require. Nevertheless that Board shall be extremely careful in dispensing gifts to those only who are extremely necessitous. 6. That there be a Treasurer appointed to this Fund, and that all moneys belonging to this Society be placed in his hands for their benefit-the said Treasurer to give security for money should the said Board think proper to call for the same. 7.-That the Secretary keep an account of all receipts and disbursements, and shall make out a balance sheet yearly, subject to the inspection of three Auditors, to be chosen from the members joining this Fund. 8. That should any dispute arise between two or more members joining this Fund, the matter in dispute to be referred to the Board, whose decision, if not satisfactory to the parties, shall be left to three subscribing members of this Fund, who shall determine the same, each person to choose one, and the Board the other. 9. That persons joining this Fund before the first Monday in June to be considered members on entering. Persons joining after June, and before the first Monday in September, to pay sixpence entrance, and to be three months before they become members; and all persons joining after September to pay one shilling entrance, and to be three months before they become members. Lodges joining in a body to be considered members on entrance, provided they join before the last Monday in June, and such Lodges may return new made brothers without any entrance, and to become members on being returned. 10. Should the Officers or Committee neglect their duty in not attending meetngs, or sending a reasonable apology, they shall be fined for each such neglect the ium of one shilling. All fines to go to the Funds. 11.—That persons joining this fund, drawing their cards or clearances, and causing their regular quota to be paid, still remain members of the Fund. But should any member or members be expelled or suspended from his or their Lodge, such individual to stand expelled or suspended this Fund, and to forego all claims to the same. 12. That no new law, amendment, or altering the old ones, except at a regular meeting, and more than one-half of the Board are present. That the Board meet on the first Monday in March, June, September, and December, to receive the contributions and return of members. P. G. JOHN PREISTNALL, PRESIDENT. P. PROV. G. M. JAMES CLAYTON, VICE PRESIdent. AN ODD FELLOW. WHAT is an Odd Fellow? is a question very often asked by the inquisitive I will tell you what he is like, and what he is : He is like a fox for cunning-a dove for tameness-a lamb for innocence-a lion for boldness-a bee for industry-and a sheep for usefulness. A word on each: He is cunning enough to become a man, (i. e. an Odd Fellow); he is tame enough to continue one; he is innocent enough to deserve to be one; he is fierce enough to be worthy being one; by contributing like the bee, in summer for winter, he continues to be one; and, like a sheep, is not only doing good to himself, but to those who may be acquainted with, or dependant on him. Nay, he is a dutiful child, an affectionate parent, a faithful servant, a good master, a peaceful neighbour, a loyal subject, a wise king, a just ruler, a true friend—“ full of affection to his brethren, faithful to his friends, generous to his enemies, warm with compassion to the unfortunate; selfdenying to little private interests and pleasures, but zealous for public interest and happiness; magnanimous without being proud; humble without being mean; just without being harsh; on whose word we can entirely rely; whose countenance never deceives us; whose professions of kindness are the effusions of his heart; one, in fine, whom, independently of any views of advantage, we should choose for a superior, could trust in as a friend, and could love as our brother from the same parent. is an Odd Fellow according to Odd Fellowship. This BETA. BURY, FEBRUARY 18, 1837. TO THE OFFICERS OF THE ORDER AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE Officers and Brothers of the Bury District view with unfeigned regret the unpleasant differences which at present unfortunately exist in the Manchester District, and at a numerous and respectable meeting of our District, held on the 5th instant, the conduct of some lately expelled members of the Manchester District was taken into consideration, and the attempts they have been making to create disaffection amongst our members, and to bring into disrespect our valuable Institution, are considered highly reprehensible, and the parties so acting deserving the censure of every Independent Odd Fellow. Some of the difficulties in which you have been placed were explained, and the prompt and spirited manner in which you have acted is not only approved, but much applauded by the Officers and Brothers of this District; and we avail ourselves of the present opportunity to express our entire confidence in the present Officers of the Order and Board of Directois, and we hope you will not relax in the active and honorable exertions you are making for the welfare of our Institution, if circumstances require it. The answers you elicited from the Attorney General, and which you have inserted in the public papers, have been read with great interest in this District, and are likely to be productive of much good. Hoping you will insert the above in the next Magazine, and relying with full con. fidence on your future exertions for the welfare of the Order, we subscribe ourselves, in the bonds of F. L. and T., JAMES TAYLOR, PROV. G. M. JOHN MITCHELL, PROV. D. G. M. P. WARBURTON, P. PROV. D. G. M. The following distressing, yet unsophisticated, statement, has been received by the G. M. and Board of Directors, and by them directed to be laid before the whole Order, through the medium of the Magazine-comment is unnecessary.] BROTHER JAMES SHAW, KING CHARLES LODGE, OLDHAM. In gratitude to the Independent Order for their unwearied exertions on my behalf, I, JAMES SHAW, of the King Charles Lodge, Oldham, return to my Lodge, District, and the Order in General, my most grateful and heartfelt thanks for the many and unbounded kindnesses they have so long bestowed upon me: and rest assured, that whilst I exist, my constant prayer shall be for the welfare of my ever kind benefactors, and may they never know affliction like mine. I am, in the good old bonds, Your's, with all due respect and esteem, JAMES SHAW. Oldham, March, 1837. JAMES SHAW's disease is of such a nature as to baffle the skill of all medical men that ever have seen him, and all means and experience have been tried that the ingenuity of the Faculty could devise, but all to no purpose. He received the first sick ticket from his Lodge, June 20th, 1831, and up to February 9th, 1837, he has received 294 tickets, or.... Do. Oldham District.. By the A. M. Cs. of Hull, Kendal, and Derby... £. s. 91 3640 D. 6 2 7 0 25 23 4 142 0 4 Besides what has been bestowed by private individuals; he has at present no means of support, but what springs from the source of Odd Fellowship; he having a wife who has been a cripple for the last six months, and will be for life, so that you may judge of the situation they are now in, when I assure you that his disorder is such that he can take as much sustenance as any three men, and still he is what we may term-a living skeleton. Hoping that the Order will, at the proper time, again take his case into consideration, is the wish of, Oldham, March, 1837. Yours, respectfully, WM. PATTERSON, C. S. |