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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 45

Independent Order of Rechabites Department

page 69

Independent Order of Rechabites Department.

D.C.R., F. G. Dunn, Esq., opposite corner to Post Office, Melbourne.

P.D.C.R., John Bedford, Esq., Crown Lands Office, Melbourne.

D.D.R., A. Stewart, Esq., Flinders Lane west, Melbourne.

D.T., William Robertson, 25 Collins-street east, Melbourne.

D.S., William Bell, District Chambers, 46 Collins-street east, Melbourne.

R. K. Mackay, Agent and Lecturer, District Chambers, 46 Collins-street east, Melbourne. Persons at a distance wishing to obtain information are requested to communicate with the D.S., at the above address.

The Independent Order of Rechabites (Temperance, Sick, and Funeral Benefit Society) was established in 1835, in the town of Salford, England. The beneficiary principles of the Order are similar to those of other orders in which the members co-operate for mutual assistance during sickness and at death. The fundamental principle of the Order of Rechabites, however, is total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks as a beverage by its members: and, as a consequence, no meetings are held in public-houses.

The object of the Order being, not merely to secure to its members certain fixed benefits of a monetary kind, when through sickness, accident, or providential visitations, such assistance may be required, but also to unite abstainers by a common bond of brotherhood, and thus fix them to their principles for life. The progress of the Order has been satisfactory to its promoters; perhaps not so rapid as could have been desired, but, nevertheless steady and sure has been its march. Its pledge of abstinence—regarded at one time as far too stringent even by temperate men—retarded its progress materially, and limited its sphere of operation. But since the revival of the temperance reformation, it is making rapid strides. The Order has been planted, and is flourishing, in all the Australian colonies. The colony of Victoria is the largest and richest district of the Order, and its membership comprises both female and juvenile branches.

District Funeral Fund, at date of last balancing £8067 6 0
District Relief Fund 904 15 3
Benevolent Fund 725 12 0
Funeral Fund, Female Branch 201 5 9