FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 247, 19 October 1939, Page 24

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

TEMPLARS CELEBRATE

LODGE LOSSES.

67 TEARS IN NEW ZEALAND.

The Loyal Dominion Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., had an excellent attendance at their last meeting, the lodge loom in Carmen Avenue being well filled. The noble grand, Sister May, ably assisted by V.G. Bro. Warner and elective secretary, Bro. Beecher, soon disposed of the routine business. A most enjoyable social evening was then held, games, competitions and dancing helping to pass the time away all too quickly. A dainty supper was served by the social committee—Sisters Crowhurst and Meginnon, and Bros. Morris and Menzies.

The Druids Order in general and the Star of Newmarket Lodge in particular have suffered a very severe loss through the sudden death of Bro. W. Smart. "Bill" as he was affectionately called by all, was present at last week's lodge meeting, and his sudden passing away a. few days later came as a shock to all bis friends. Bro. Smart took a very great interest in his lodge and was always ready to do anything he could to help. On the social side, he was perhaps at his 1 K'rit, and his songs have "iften been the making of a harmony session. He will be sadly missed and the sympathy of all members goes out to thone who mourn him.

At the usual fortnightly meeting of Loyal Good Intent Lodge on Mondav night, the X.G. presided over a good attendance of members, particularly brothers, the occasion being Sisters' Night. One new member was initiated and received the honours of the order, as did also members of visiting lodges, Loyal Dominion and Loyal, Parnell. At the conclusion of lodge business, the sisters entertained the brothers with various games and competitions, chief amongst these l>eing a fishing game, the prize for which was a fresh shnapper, the winner being a brother from the Loyal IXiminion Lodge. Supper was served by the sisters, and the evening closed with the singing of "An,ld Lang Syne," and three cheers for the sisters.

[ The last meeting of the Fountain of Friendship Lodge was marked with feelings of sadness owing to the very unexpected death of the warden, the late Bro. F. C. Cartwright. The late brother held the office of warden P.G. for many years and gave the utmost satisfaction to all who came in contact with him—a fact amply proved by the many expressions of regret from those who used the hall for social and other purposes. Before the brethren stood in silence a-s a mark of respect, tlie secretary, Bro. H. B. Halstead, gave a most feeling address on the ni.i.iiy virtues of the late brother and his unfailing cheerfulness and courtesy. The example set will make it very difficult for his successor when one is appointed. As a further mark of respect his seat was left vacant for the evening. "Scribe.'' although not a member of this society, would like to add his tribute of respect to Bro. Cartwright, who in many pluses of friendly society activity had proved himself a tower of strength. He will lie greatly missed by all friendly society members.

The Loyal Kaitaia Lodge. M.U.1.0.0. F., met on Tuesday last. Bro. H. M. Thompson, N.G.. presiding over an attendance of over ">0 members. The re|>ort of the annual ball showed that function to have been a great success. During the meeting, Past Grand emblems were presented to Sister Cray and Bros. Parker amd A. Thompson, tributes j>aid to the good work done by these members whilst passing through the chairs. At the close of the business, a social was held, and two plays presented. Tlie first, "Two Women and a Telephone." was given by Miss T. McCutlough and Sister Wright. The second entitled, "The Dear Departed," was given by Sisters and Bros. Powell, Beglev and Wright. Both were gratly enjoyed. Dancing was then indulged in, music being provided by Bros. Hansen. .Tones and Coulter. A competition was won by Bro. M. Parker

The Auckland District Lodge, No. 310. G.T.. celebrated the G7till anniversary of tihe founding of the order in New Zealand by holding a very well attended social evening in the Newton East Mission Hall on Tuesday last. The District Chief Tem.plar, Bro. Pace, presided and expressed pleasure at the large number of old good Templars, who were in attendance. Games, competitions and items made up a very enjoyable programme. Sisters Mrs. Wentworth, Mrs. Eli and T. Yearbury, D.SJT.W., gave enjoyable songs, and Bros. J. T. Chadderton and G. Price kept the members an happy mood witih elocutionary items. The D.C.T. gave an interesting address on the history of the order and drew attention to the fact that the grandchildren of Rev. B. J. Westbroke, who founded the order in New were present that evening. The original commission given by Bro. Joseph Malins. R.W.G.C.T., of England, in 1872, to Bro. Westbrooke authorising him "to do missionary work and establish lodges of the order in New Zealand," was on view; also other historical documents in connection -with the order. The first lodge in this country was the Southern Cross, No. 1., instituted at Invercargill in September, 1872. Auckland did not start until the order had been well established in the south, but Bro. Hobbs, of HjM.S. Dido (commissioned by Bro. unfurled the 1.0. G.T. flag on July 23, 1873. Everywhere the order spread like -wildfire and many prominent men and women joined its ranks. Although the Great War took a very large number of its male members, the order is still very much alive, and is showing signs of new growth. A very nice supper brought a happy and successful evening to a close.