INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8449, 23 March 1889, Page 3

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS.

Bro. Naphtali, the retiring G.M., waß yesterday presented at the Bull and Mouth Hotel with a purse of sovereigns subscribed by the members of the Grand Lodge, which met at Oamaru this week. The presentation was made by Bro. Medley, the newly installed G/.M,, who referred to the very large amount of enthusiasm that his predecessor had infused into the, order, and to the manner in which the money had been subscribed—viz., spontaneously,'and out of the pockets of the individual members of 'the Grand Lodge. Since Bro. Hhphtali had been in Hawke'B Bay he had instituted three lodges, which in Itself was sufficient to show his zeal. The Grand Master congratulated the Past Grand Master, and would say that he hoped that the z a! shown by Bro. Naphtali would be maintained, although lib was now retiring from the executive of the order.

Bro. J. Albxandbr, grand treasurer, bore testimony to the services of Bro. Naphtali a3 a brother who had worked for seven or eight years indefatigably in advancing the cause of the order.

Bro. Thomas Cole (Deputy Grand Master) oould not allow the opportunity to pass without also bearing testimony to the valuable services rendered to the order by the recipient. Eepresentative Piggott (Star of Auckland Lodge) desired to place ou record the esteem in which the late Grand Master was held by the members of his (tho speaker's) lodge. In his official visits to their lodge Bro. Naphtali had always tendered his best advice, which hart been duly appreciated. Bro. Naphtali, In acknowledging the testimonial desired to thank those brethren who had so kindly put their handß in their pockets, and, without trenching on the fnnd3 of the Grand Lodge had acknowledged his Blight services to the order. During his connection over 10 years) with the order he had striven to do the best he could for the various lodges, and having been rewarded with the position of Grand Master-the highest gift in the hands of representatives—he was indeed greatly surprised nt this additional mark of their esteem and appreciation of his labours. He would not trouble them with a long speech, but assured his successor that his hope that he (the speaker) would continue to take an active interest in the affairs of the order would be realised. He heartily thanke.l the new Grand Master for hia continued confidence in appointing him to the high position of District Deputy G rand Master of Ilawke's iiay. He cordially thanked the brethren present for their kindness.