The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1917-10-06

they were asking for powers under the
rules for permission to start Co.
Operative Bank and a Building Society
within the Order, which would enable
the National Board to lend money to
senior members of the Order for the
purchase of their own houses. 1t
might not be possible to avail of such
permission, if granted, until after the
war, but they required to be ready
then in view of changes which would
undoubtedly take place as direct re-
suit of the change in Irish Government
to embrace every opportunity which
might offer itself to extend the rami-
fications of the Society. The report
advocated the encouragement of Irish
games and pastimes and next deals
with the latest phase of the Society's
activities-the industrial section.
CAS- l pointed out in a previous re-
port" Mr.. Nugent continued, $50 long
as the Irish people hesitate to trust
and repose confidence in their own
kith and kin, then there is no use
in them crying out for more industry
and more opportunities. The money
is in Ireland if the people would only
retail it here by examining the effect
of the expenditure of every copper.
After all, the large Industrial concerns
in Great Britain have millions of Irish
money invested in British and other
securities. 1t is all accumulated by
the coppers collected weekly from the
middle class and poor in Ireland for
industrial insurance. If granted the
same benefits and afforded equal Sc
curity, why should any Irishman or
women hesitate in placing their trust
in an Irish institution? (Applause).
Mighty Tower of Strength.
In asking them to give preference to
the Irish Industrial Collecting Society
we are neither asking our own men,
bers or the Irish public generally to
support a project which does not merit
their confidence. True, this phase of
the Orders activity is comparatively
new, and can scarcely claim to have
yet established a reputation, but the
men who built the Order from the con-
dition they found it in, when accepting
office in 19O4-barren of funds, system,
reputation, prestige or influence-into
the mighty tower of strength and Re-
port shows it to be today, can surely
claim some recognition for business
capacity and commercial honor. If
the Order today finds itself in a flour
fishing condition it is largely due
to the fact that the Executive from
the first day determined it should be
governed on business lines and sub
ject to the discipline which the men,
bers laid down as the fundamental
principle Of it's administration. So it
will be with the Industrial Section"
(Applause.) He appealed to all the
delegates to bring the importance of
that project before their respective
Divisions, and to seek from the men,
bers a promise of their whole hearted
support and cooperation (applause).
In the very near future the whole
time Superintendent attached to the
staff of the Society would receive in
structions to accept assurances in
their respective districts, appoint
agents, and get the project establish
ed on a thoroughly business-like and
efficient footing (applause).
The report proceeded to suggest the
passing of a resolution calling upon
the Government to come to the relief
of Friendly Societies in connection
with the heavy drain upon their funds
caused by the war, as when drawing
up the tables of benefit for such socie-
ties actuaries never estimated for
| risks arising from CONSUMPTION for
war purposes. The secretary urged on
their members that the time had ar
rived when some provision should be
made by the State for the widows and
orphans of those who had formed the
great Industrial army and who were
left unprovided for. He also urged
the Importance of the Boys Brigade.
With regard to the Ladies' Auxiliary
there were at present 100 branches in
good standing with a membership of
4,500. That movement was also cap
able of much greater development
particularly in Ireland.
| Fancied OBJECTIONS.
Continuing the report states:-
"From perusal of certain Sec
ton of the Press, the impression
would be conveyed to the mind of the
average man that this organization
was practically a thing Of the past, in
one certain publication scarcely day
passes but wild and totally unfounded
statements appear of fancied defec-
lions from our ranks. l think the
following summary of the actual mem
bership on which we are paid levies
will be the best reply to this insolent
charge:
Ulster Observation-Disclosures. 6,849
Leinster Observation-Disclosures. 1854
Munster Observation-Disclosures. 5,593
Connaught Observation-Disclosures. 4,467
i ENGLAND .-.. 792