There are many & varied stories about the Buffalo Order, but the plain facts are, we are a non Political, non Denominational organisation with one aim in mind & that is to help those more unfortunate than ourselves.
Membership is open to all adults, there are both male & female lodges without distinction as to social position, religious faiths or political beliefs.
You only have to be of good character & have a genuine desire to help others by giving to the best of his ability cash or his service, whichever is required to meet the needs of a less fortunate Brother & or his dependants.
The method of giving is by way of a registration fee when you enter a Lodge, this fee is then divided & goes to the minor lodge & the Grand Lodge for the benevolent fund & Adminstration costs.
Also at times during the meeting you will have an opportunity to give as little or as much as you can.
These opportunities for voluntary giving, especially to our benevolent projects, serve a double purpose for not only do they provide a valued addition to the funds available in the various sections.
Even more important for the stability of the order, they serve as a reminder to everyone concerned how much depends upon the degree to which the brethren honour the obligation taken by them at initiation.
There are numerous sections or "Banners" of the R.A.O.B., & while they differ in numerical strength & procedures, all have the same purpose, often freely & aptly described as "the pursuit of Brotherhood".
Our conception of Brotherhood is firmly based on the family principle, that the total power & strength of the family shall be available to the individual in accordance with his needs, but the point must be made at once, that the degree to which needs can be met depends entirely on the loyalty to which that principle of each member of the family, YOU & I.
Do not get the idea that we are completely introspective in our thoughts for other charities. There has never, in the last hundred years, been any worthwhile public endeavour to brighten the lives of the sick & needy in our own & other countries unless members of the R.A.O.B. have been actively involved in that endeavour.
This is the moment of decision, if there is doubt in your mind do not come in; it will not be held against you; the man in whom we find no joy is the one who comes in, pledges his honour to participate, & then walks out because he "doesn't like it".
If you do come in just take this piece of friendly advice. Making judgments on procedures, of which your understanding is yet imperfect, is an unrewarding exercise.
The R.A.O.B. motto, Nemo Mortalium Omnibus Horis Sapit.
Which means "Mortals are not wise at all hours".
The Order is as follows The Grand Lodge of Australasia
The state Grand Lodges, & the Minor Lodges.
The members hold degrees,
1st degree Kangaroo.
2nd degree Certified Primo.
3rd degree Knight of Merit.
When you make K.O.M. there are two more (Ranks) to aim for & they are Roll of Honour & last is the Chain Collar.
There are three degrees of Lodge meeting & they are the Minor Lodges, The Degree Lodges, & the Grand Lodge.
About the Grand Australasian Banner.
It was decided that there would be an amalgamation of three banners & they were Grand Surrey Banner, Grand Independent Banner, & Marine Banner of Australia.
The date of the formation was the 6th of January 1914 & it was -
The Grand Australasian Banner.