Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-05-12
K. OF (. CONVENTION
KDiQhls of Columbus Men al Meriden- Kennedy Elected
 Siate Deputy.

annual state convention of the order which convened in the auditorium at 10:30 o'clock this morning, the ac- tual opening of the convention be- ing preceded by solemn high mass for the delegates and members at St Roses Roman Catholic church at 9 o'clock.
 In addition to the reading of re- ports by the various officers, the conventions work included the cleo tion of state deputy, state secre- tary, state advocate and state war den for the ensuing year and also the naming of three delegates and their alternates to the national con- vention of the order which will be assembled at St Louis in August next. Interest in the election of of ficers was heightened to-day by the appearance of three candidates for the position of state deputy, Mar tin J. Cunningham of Danbury, James J. Kennedy of New Haven and John M. Hearns of Naugatuck; state secretary, Lawrence J. Dolan of Hartford, and state treasurer, John c. Roland of rorrington, are both candidates for reelection.
 Following the opening of the ses- sion State Deputy James T. Meskill read his annual report, in which he said in part:
 "The increase during the past year in the order in general has been sub stantial. There are now 64,743 in surance members and 135,000 asso- ciate members, making a grand total of 200,243, as compared with 176,- S62 one year ago, or gain during the year of 23,3S1. State councils number forty-two, gain of two for the year, and subordinate councils number 1,277, gain of eighty-four l for the year., The financial state ment April 1, 1908, shows, in the general fund, $79,151.96; death ben eft funds, s72,744.67; and mortu- ary reserve funds, s2,164,002.42, and in all funds $2,315,S99.55." Fully realizing the financial condi- tions in the past year, the state dep- uty said, the progress has been sat isfactory, and he predicted the larg- est growth in the history of the order in the coming year. Three new councils were instituted during the year, South Norwalk council. 1.25S, in South Norwaik, June. f907;. Rev John Rogers council. 1,24S, in Bridgeport, June g, 1907; St Peter council, 1908, in Stamford, March l, 1908.
 The total number of limitations for I the year was Al. There was added to the insurance roll 234, and to the associate roll 207. The total mem bership of the order in the state April 1, 1908, was S,203, made up of 6.S77 insured members and 1 1,326 associate members. The total mum. Der of councils in the state is seven ty-one as compared with sixty-eight one year ago. The banner councils imitation with the number initiated are as follows:
 Park City, Bridgeport, 59; Wash. ington Irving, Thompsonviile, 22; Rockville of Rockville, 21; Unity Torrington, IT; Catholic Union Norwalk, Is; Sheridan, Waterbury 13; San Salvatore, New Haven, 12; Silver City, Meriden, and Russell New Haven, II each; Orinoco Greenwich, and Marquette, Ridge. field, 10 each. The total of deaths for the year was 101; 26 councils had no deaths as compared with 31 last year.
 State Deputy Meskill advocated the appointment of a special com mission in each council to look af' ter the matter of the reinstatement of former members of the order. Ht also commended the report of tho special committee authorized. at tho last state council meeting to take III the matter of neglected, dependent ! and wayward children. "It is z matter" he said. that ought tC commend itself to the Knights oi Columbus. and l anticipate that yor will actively interest yourselves ir carrying out the wishes of oul right reverend bishop.
 Concerning the friendly suit fol s621, ,000 in which the state deputy is a counsel for the members of ths order he said:
 "The board of directors have pro ceeded with, in accordance with ths resolution adopted, in the superior court of New Haven county. an ac ton asking that the court pas upon the matters contained in thai resolution. Several consultations and conferences with the counsels national officers and members of tho order have been held. Your state deputy Is of the opinion that ths matter will be argued before tEs supreme court of errors in conEec ticut at its session in the month oi June and a decision handed dowr within a short time afte4
 Secretary Lawrence Dolan ol Hartford reported that he had oT hand April i. 1907, s5s5.s7: re ceipts during the year. s3s7.75: to tai. ss93.62. Expenditures s427.s6i balance on hand s5e5.7s.
 The convention committees ap pointed this morning were as fol lows: Credentials. L. ]. Dolan chairman. Hartford: E. C. Lyons New Haven. T. E. Myers. New Hart ford. J. D. whipple. Bristol.
 Resolutions: W. F. Delaney chairman. New Britain: W. J. Null Iigan. Thompsonyille. W. J. Cough lin. MiddIetovn: J. ]. MeGarry. Put nam: W. L. Kennedy. South Nor walk.
 Auditing. James J. Watson. New Britain: I- Rooney. Bridgeport J !. Donovan. Torring-
 Up to press hour the following on eerx had been elected. State deputy