FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 277, 23 November 1927, Page 11

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

DOINGS OF THE LODGES.

PROGRESS IN THE COUNTRY.

AROATEA 1.0.0. F. COMES OF AGE,

The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Rotorua Lodge, Manchester Unity, was held in St. Luke's Hall, Bro. W. Young, N.G., presiding over a good attendance of sisters and brethren. Honours of the Order were conferred upon Sister King, of the Loyal Manurewa Lodge, and Bro. Steele, Loyal Matamata Lodge, who were among the visitors of the evening. A letter i. ini the district secretary was read complimenting Bro. Rosser, P.G., secretary of the Rotorua Lodge, on the work he is accomplishing in regard to the establishment of a new lodge at Whakatane. After lodge business ha<. been transacted, a 500 tournament was held, in which Bros. Rossfci and Higgins tied for the gentleman's prize, and Sisters Jone* and Callagban for the lady's. It- was decided to play off next Lodge night. An enjoyable evening was brought to a' close with a dainty supper served by the sisters.

The Rotorua Past Grand Lodge is making good progress. Since its opening meeting twelve months ago, the membership has greatly increased, and some very instructive and interesting times have been enjoyed together. This Lodge now meets each month. The combined Friendly Societies of Birkenhead and Northcote brought thei'.* indoor bowling season to a close by holding a dance and euchre social in the Victoria Hall, Birkenhead. The function wa a great success, over 80 couples being present. It is pleasing to be able to record that Friendly Society members seek to carry out their pledges to the cardinal virtues of love and benevolence by practical deeds that very seldom become known to the man in the street. One example has just been brought to our notice, where a Lodge member passed away, and to the widow's surprise and gratitude, the Lodge rallied round and placed her in a small business, where it is hoped she will be able to make good.

At the last meeting of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Ponsonby Branch No. 4, six new members were initiated. This Lodge, which meets in Renall Street Hall, Ponsonby, on alternate Tuesday nights, started five years ago with the small membership of five. Showing a fine spirit of dogged perseverance, the branch has increased until now it has over 100 names on the roll.

Bro. F. Wilkinson, grand secretary, Independent Ordepof Odd Fellows, who recently returned from Australia after a well earned holiday, was given a very hearty welcome by the members of Aroatea and Harmony Rebekah Lodges. Bro. Wilkinson expressed himself as being exceedingly happy in beitfg able to again meet the members of Aroatea Lodge, of which he had the honour to be a foundation member and also its first secretary.'" Bro. Wilkinson was accompanied by Bro. I. R. Cooper, 1.P.G.M., (also a foundation member of Aroatea)Viand Bro. A; J. Guy, P.D.G.M., and in the course of his address gave .some very interesting reminiscences of the early history and struggles of the Lodge. He referred with pride to the fact that more than two-thirds of the foundation members were present that evening, whilst Bro. Cooper succeeded bim as the second secretary of the Lodge. The Rebekah members, who were present in full force, were warmly congratulated on the rapid progress they had made, and Bro. Wilkinson smilingly remarked that now Aroatea Lodge had come of age, he was glad it had' seen fit to take a wife, happily named "Harmony," unto itself. The sisters present proved the fitness of their name by providing a talented musical programme, and dispersing supper.

The Loyal Remuera Lodge No. 8785, M.U., 1.0.0. F., continues to forge ahead, new members being initiated at each of the lodge meetings 'held. * Two weddings resulted in the lodge making presentations to Bro. W* H. o»ldicutt and Bro. E. Ralls, whose services the lodge values very highly and trusts tiieir good work in the lodge will continue to be even more valuable now they are backed up by the enthusiastic support of their better halves. On the 26th ult. Loyal Manukau, Lynndale, and Chevalier Lodges visited, and were entertained after lodge by a short social and dance. On November 9 the initiation of six new members, the nomination of officers, and the debate on "the forthcoming Christmas gathering for the children and friends of lodge members somewhat prolonged the meeting. Visitors from other lodges were accorded a hearty welcome and the honours of the Order. In response, P.D.G.M. Bro. Mclntyre, from Hawke's Bay district, gave a very interesting address, which included some excellent advice to the newlyinitiated members. At the close of lodge a very pleasant evening terminated with music and dancing.

One thing which is very badly needed in the Auckland district is the establishment of a convalescent home for men. Although such homes abound in other countries, no such institution is to be found in our city. There is a small home for women, the founding of which was largely due to the generosity of the late W. H. Smith, but so far the men have not been catered for. The position is a serious one, as although our hospital staff does its very best, there is such an urgent demand for beds that the hospital is always full, whilst numbers are waiting for admission. As a result, many patients have to be discharged long before they are really fit. Men who are breadwinners return to their homes totally unable to resume work. A week or two in a convalescent home would go a long way towards setting such men =on their feet again. Cannot something be done? The editor of this column would be very glad if every lodge would discuss this problem and let him have their suggestions.