FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 174, 25 July 1928, Page 12

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

DOINGS AMONG THE LODGES.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

Bro. H. White, Grand Master, M.U.. 1.0.0.F.. England, attended the last High Court of the A.0.F., and in a bright address conveyed fraternal greetin*;, and good wi-hes to the gathering from his Order. He said he thought I that their future was faced with great dillieulties. which required that the associations which had grown up, particularly in the last few years, should be drawn closer together. They sometimes differed in opinion, but that was all the more reason why they should draw closer together. We are nonpolitical and non-sectarian, and if we wish to secure our inheritance we must maintain our neutrality. We bad produced and were producing great leaders of a movement almost unrecognised by the Government or the Press, and were really the greatest silent force operating throughout the Empire to-day. Friendly societies could not and must not become a political party force, but the time had come when, in conjunction, they should carry out a policy of peaceful penetration into every social movement of this country and indeed of the Empire. Court Birkenhead A.O.F. held its regular meeting on Monday last, when as usual there was a large attendance of members. This lodge sustained very heavy losses during the week through the deaths of Bro. X. Carlquist (one of the younger members of the Court), and also of three members who were lost in the wreck of the Isabella de Fraine. As a token of respect, those present stood in silence whilst the organist played the "Dead March." At the conclusion of the business, the members of Lode/ Aroatea, T.0.0.F.. who had been invited to be present, were received and accorded a hearty welcome by the C.R. Bowling was the order of the evening, and some keen and interesting games resulted The usual light refreshments added to the pleasures of the evening. The last meeting of the Loyal Good Intent Lodge. M.U.. 1.0.0.F.. attracted an extra large attendance of members. Some were no doubt attracted by the fact that the meeting was held in the new lodge room, which is certainly very comfortable, commodious and attractive. having a special floor for dancI ing. During the evening, a hearty vote of congratulation was passed to Bro. .T. Townley and his wife on their celebrating the diamond anniversary of their wedding. Bro. Townley has long been associated with the Order. his initiation having taken place in the Windsor Castle Hotel, Parnell. on Februarv 10. IKfi:?. He then joined the Loyal Newton Lodge. which in 18t!S amalgamated with Loyal Good Intent. In IS7O he became P.O. of his lodge, and for 34 years was its treasurer, also representing it at district conferences on many occasions. He has a fine record of service and one of which the lodge is duly grateful. The officers and members trust that Bro. Townley and his wife imav continue in good health for many years to come. Plea sins it is to chronicle the carryI ing out of a "good turn" to a fellow merni ber outside the usual society work. 1 Court Nil Desperandum, A.OF., received I word that a brother was confined to bed j through rheumatism. A happy thought ; was put into effect, and in a few days a ! complete wireless set was forthcoming. I The brother now spends many i hours listening in. and is deeply grateI ful for the kindly gift. | The last meeting of the Alpha Juvenile Lodge No. 1, 1.0.0.F.. was very successful. about thirty members being present. The visitors included Sisters of the Rebekah degree, who were entertained by the bovs, and Bros. F. S. Newbold. D.D.G.M.. and R. Cooper, P.G.M. The N.G. Bro. R. P. Dixon welcomed the guests, who received the honour of juvenile fire. An interesting address was given to the boys by Bro. Newbold. D.D.G.M.. who was then asked by the N.G. to present ail enlarged photo of the officers and members to their president, Bro. Masson. The president was taken by surprise at the gift, and gave a feeling reply. Bro. Roy Cooper. P.G.M.. also presented a copy of the photo to the lodge to be hung on the wall. This was a gift from Sister B. Wood, P.N.G. Of Myrtle Rebekah. to whom Bro. Cooper referred as the mother of the boys. For some years past this sister has taken a very active interest in the welfare of the boys, and has been a most, devoted worker on their behalf. Sister Wood received the thanks of the boys with musical honours. In responding this popular worker told how during her recent illness, she was much cheered bv the boys who visited her and took flowers, etc. She expressed her pleasure at being able to help in any way the cause she loved so well. The district officers of the Ancient Order of Foresters have had quite a busy time in the country districts lately. Early in the month the D.C.R., Bro. Knaggs, opened a new Court at Hikurangi. This was formerly a branch, operated from Whangarei Court, but has now grown large enough to manage its on affairs. Visiting officers report a very keen desire for progress. The new Court at Hamilton East, known as Court Concord, held a very successful smoker on Saturday evening, the object being to bring before nonmembers of friendly societies the advantages of joining up. The D.C.R. gave an interesting and telling address on friendly society work, being well supported by the D.S.C.R.. Bro. A. S. Osborne, and the district secretary, Bro. R. Darlow. The results have already warranted the effort. The Loyal Good Intent Lodge, Manchester Unity, held its seventy-eighth anniversary social in the M.U. Hall on the 17th inst., a very large number of members and visitors being in attendance. Dancing to the pleasing strains of Bro. Meredith's orchestra was carried on until a late hour, and all present expressed themselves as being delighted with the first lodge social in the new hall. During the evening the members of the Management Committee of the Auckland District, through Bro. J. McLeod, presented Bro. T. Aitken, I.P.G.M. with an enlarged framed photo of himself in recognition of his past services. Bro. McLeod. in makng the presentation, stated that Bro. Aitken had joined the Order in IS9O, and this year had finished his term in the highest possble rank in the society. Bro. Aitken was one of the brethren with vision, who saw the advantages of forming a New Zealand branch, and very materially assisted in it? consummation. It was only in the general nature of things that he should rise to grand master. It is the gratuitous services of such members that has made the friendly society rrovement the power for good that it is to-day. Court Balmoral, A.0.F., still continues to report progress. Their latest effort hat been the formation of a library, 160

volumes now being available for the use of the members. The whole of these books were presented by three members, to whom the thanks of the whole lodge are due. This library will prove a great asset, and, with worthy support, will be a welcome addition to the Court's useful work. This Court has suffered a loss by the removal from the district of their genial secretary, Bro. W. H. Pitts, P.C.R. When the Court first opened, in 1924, Bro. Pitts was elected to a junior office, and steadily climbed until he filled the chief ranger's chair. He was elected secretary a short time ago, in succession to the late Bro. W. Ramsey, P.D.C.R. The best wishes of Court Balmoral go with Bro. Pitts, and he will always find a warm welcome awaiting him from his old friends. The vacancy in the lodge has been filled by the appointment of Bro. N. J. Partridge. P.C.R., as secretary. and of Bro. A. C. Cathey, P.C.R., as minute secretary The .-i.O.F. Bowls Association have so far enjoyed a very successful season. The final games will be played during August, the pairs tournament finishing the season. In the single? tournament a very close finish eventuated in the final between Bro. W. H. Drew, Court City of Auckland, and Bro. A. Hare, Court Zealandia, the honours going to the former on the last head. Court Nil Desperandmil fours have covered themselves with glory by winning both the A.O.F. championship shield and the Friendly Societies' Indoor Bowling Association's championship. Court Birkenhead were run-ners-tip on each occasion, and are also leading fur the Memorial Cup by a narrow margin from Court City of Auckland.