A dispensation is a formal document that grants permission to establish and operate a local 'lodge' within the organisation. In this case is associated with Manchester Unity Friendly Society, a major branch of the Odd Fellows. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a non-political, non-sectarian fraternal organisation founded in Baltimore,Maryland, USA in 1819 dedicated to helping those in need. The framed dispensation was meant for permanent display within meetings halls. Mr William French was a Cornishman who arrived from Cornwall to the colonies in 1849. He was the owner and licencee of the Manchester Arms Hotel, in Long Gully. Record indicate the first Lodge NO. 4774 Odd Fellows meeting was held in this establishment.The highly decorated document announces the dispensation from Manchester Unity for the Independant Order of Oddfellows Loyal Albert Lodge no.4774 to be held at the house of Brother William French in Bendigo giving him to right to appoint officers for executing the business of the lodge. The dispensation is dated to 1859. The illustrated symbols of the order are seen at the top of the document followed by the dispensation. At the bottom of the document are the signatures and the wax seals of the witnesses. They are as follows: J.Alexander G.M, J.G. Hornblower G.M, W. Hickton A.G.M, H. Ratcliffe C.S, B. Lee D.G.M, H.H. Drowley C.S, J.T. Rance Pro GM, S.Hobson D.G.M, J.W.Wood Pro C.S. The document is in a simple wooden frame, decorated with ornate gold carvings at the corners.bendigo, loyal albert lodge no 4774, manchester unity, independant order of oddfellows, friendly societies