Compulsory Thrift: Mrs. Hume Pinsent on the Weakness of the Act: The Alice Beale Female Lodge of the National and Independent Order of Oddfellows has removed its headquarters to the Digbeth Institute, and this fact was signalized last night by the holding of a concert and social evening at the institute. Provincial Grand Master Mr. J. P. Carter presided, and there were present among others Mrs. Beale (Patroness), Councillor Mrs. Hume, Pinsent, Councillor T. Foster Duggan, and others. Mrs. Hume Pinsent referred to the Insurance Act. She said she was sure they would all agree with the principles underlying the Act, even if they could not agree with the Act as at present constituted. It was an attempt by the Government to make the people thrifty by Act of Parliament. It was a costly way and would do very little good unless each individual gave his help. They must convince every man and woman that it was to their own advantage that they should be clean and thrifty. It was only in this way that they could build up individual character and make everyone feel that it was beneath their dignity to do anything that was not clean and right. Compulsion was only for the weak and ignorant and would only be necessary so long as they had the weak and ignorant amongst them. Such societies as theirs did away with compulsion. And she urged all members to remain members and to persuade their friends to join. (applause) … (continues) …
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Referenced
GRO0245 Devonport: Ellen Frances Parker: 1866 – 1949