FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 198, 22 August 1928, Page 19

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

DOINGS OF THE LODGES. THE ANNUAL RETURNS. STISFACTORV PROG RKSS.

The Friendly Society movement has been brought well to the fore by the diVnirMOTi in Parliament of several matters pertaining to itA welfare. The petitions re soldier members' economic pensions have been presented again, and thir time a favourable reply is expected. Tnc Prime Minister al«so gave notification that, a conference will be held dnring this week between our represen-t.n-ivo. t.ho Minister of Railways, and the representatives of the' present Railwny Benevolent Funds. It is hoped to come to iome agreement re the new railway benefit, society. In the published form t.he proposals are against even the Government'* own Act governing the publishment, and control of registered friendly societies. Another matter of interest to all members was the presentation of the annual friendly society returns. These seem to the average member to bo forthcoming very late in th>' yenr, but being a Government matter, a great deal of delay must be expected. As presented, the figures show that friendly societies in New Zealand are progressing, both numerically and financially, and have now a firm hold oti t.he life of the community. The movement must be recognised as one of the strongest agencies for good operating in this Dominion.

Court Balmoral A.O.F. have started a choir, which has undertaken to lead the ringing of the various odes rendered at the meetings, and also to provide items at the. social functions. It is intended later to include orchestral work, but the success of the venture will depend upon the keenness and regular attendance of the members at the practices. The court paid their first visit to Court Star of the South at Otahuhu, and all thoroughly enjoyed the evening's entertainment. At the close of the last meeting the members went into harmony, and opportunity was taken of Myiiig "good-bye" to the late popular secretary, Bro. W. H. Pitts. Many •xprweaons of goodwill and wishes for •access were tendered by hi« fellow members, whilst Bro. W. Knaggs, D.C.R.. and Bro. Hughes added their eulogies of Bro. Pitts services.

The ordinary meeting of the Fountain of Friendship Lodge was held in the lodgeroom on Tuesday, the N.G. Bro. L. ('•. Simpson, presiding over a good attendance of members. Seven candidates wora initiated. A pa^t-grand's collar, jewel and emblem were presented to Bro. T. S. Phillips by Bro. E. Leydon, who referred in eulogistic term® to the capable manner in which the recipient had carried out his duties whilst occupying the various chairs. Bro. Phillips suitably replied. At the close of the" meeting, light refreshments -were partaken of, thus bringing a very pleasant evening to a close. Memorial Unveiled. At the conclusion of the laat meeting of the Loyal Franklin Lodge, M.UJjO.O.F.. the unveiling ceremony took place of the memorial board of the lodge. A large number of visitor# were present from the lodges of the district, including members from Hamilton, Papatoetoe and Paraell. The district officers present included Bro. W. Gubb, District Grandmaster, and Bro. J. Clark, P.D.G.M., District Treasurer. Bro. T. Ksnuplay, P.G., presided, and after introducing and welcoming the visitors, called upon Bro. J. Clark, P.D.G.M., to perform the unveiling ceremony. In the course of an interesting address Bro Clark gave an account of the early history of Otahuhu, and stated that the Loyal Frank}in Lodge was opened on August 3, 1881, with a membership of only 18. To-day there are about 300 members (including 36 female members). At the conclusion of his address, the speaker unveiled the board, which had been draped with the Union Jack, and then placed a wreath of laurel at the foot. Brief addresses were also given by the DXJJM., Bro. Gubb, the Mayor of Otahuhu, Bro. B. B. Todd, and Bro. the Rev. C. W. B. Seton. On behalf of the Loyal Hamilton Lodge, the D.G.M. presented Bro. Zellman, with a jewel, in recognition of his 25 years' membership. . \t the meeting of the Light of Manukau Lodge, U.A.0.D., AD. Bro. Large presided. An interesting discussion took place re the reported resuscitation of the Royal Arch Chapter for the combined Nos. 6 and 23 districts. As the movement had not apparently received the consent of the majority of the lodges in No. 23 district, it was decided to irrvite the D.P., Bro. Blakemoce, to the next meeting to see if he could explain the situation. Hospital fund matters also came in for considerable criticism, and it was decided to instruct the delegate from the lodge to move to obtain payment of all out-patients' accounts in full. It was also thought that the meetings of the fund should be held more frequently, snd the rules explained to all new members. Four new candidates were proposed for membership, and this lodge is Mill forging rapidly ahead. The usual fortnightly of Alberta Lodge, No. 53, I-OX).F., was presided over by Bro. C. P. Thomas Bro A. .J. Guv, I-P.D.D.G.M., on behalf of the bowling team, presented the Corban Shield, which had been won by Bros. .Tones, Smithyman, Guy and Kingdom He. made reference to the splendid fraternal welcome the team bad received at the Aroatea Lodge meeting. A visit wari paid last week to Court Balmoral, \ OF., and a verv enjoyable time spent in bowling. On August 30 Alberta w#l be. called upon to defend the bowling shield against a challenge from Star of Glen Ora Lodge, 1.0.0. F. Tae Pioneer Juvenile Lodge, U.A.0.D., met on Thursday last, the A.D. Bro. presiding. Among the adult visitors were P.D.P. Bro. Thur.by. Bro. Urge A.D.. of Light of Manukau Lodge', and Bros. Insley and Pace One new member was initiated and the juvenile officers received great prawe for their efficient, conduct of the. ceremony. The priws won at the last meeting for the essay competition were presented by Bro. Pace, who gave the. boys some useful hints for their future work. Ine winners were: Bros. Thursby, first; L. Cooper, second. A recitation competition was then held, the winners proving to be Bros. Hunter, first; Manning, second, and Barfoot, third. On the Haaralti Plains. The Hauraki Plains w i stronghold of Manchester Unity Oddfellowship. ''Over 1"0 MX', members from Lojal Net her ton and the adjacent lodges attended to welcome tae Grand Master, fern (;iil)!> (Aii.kland district) on his •t.fl-i. i;.! visit. Tin' meeting was impresCiirrietl through and the initiation 'ceremony of two new member- was capably Conducted byN.G. Bro. F.T. V. Johnson and his officers. The DX».M. addressed the members and touched

briefly on various of M.U. Oddfellowship and friendly aooiety principles generally. The' visiting lodges, Loyal .Jubilee, loyal Thames, Loyal Kcrepeehi and Loyal Waitekauri and Golden Cre»e, thanked the Netherton members for the opportunity to be present. The fact that a new lodge is shortly to be opened at Patetonga was enthusiastically received. The period of harmony following the meeting was divided into an entertainment and a happy two hours of dancing. The evening was a wonderful success and in bringing tho various lodges together in social intercourse did much to promote sympathy and interest in Manchester Unity work.

Court Nil Desperandum, A.0.F., had the pleasure of listening to an address by Mr. Martin, of the W.E.A., at the last meeting. The subject of the addree» was chairmanship, and the speaker treated this important matter in a way that could be understood by all. Free from all technicalities, this address must have been a great help, not only to the sitting officers, but also to those who in the future will have the control of the court meetings in their hands. The W.E.A. have expressed a desire to work with and help the friendly societies in this matter and no doubt many young officers and members will avail themselves of the opportunities that will occur. Some of the older members too would greatly benefit by such a course, the exceptionally easy rates asked, being a considerable advantage.

The Loyal Mount Albert Lodge, M.U., T.0.0.F., held its fortnightly meeting on Wednesday last, the N.G. Bro. Thayer presiding over a large attendance of members. The number of visitors was larger than usual, as several lodges were paying an official visit, these being Birkenhead, Pupuke, Calliope, Ponsonby and Parnell. Four candidates were proposed for membership during the meeting, at the close of which the visitors were entertained. A bright and varied programme was provided, consisting of vocal items, dances and games, everybody present thoroughly enjoying themselves. The supper arrangements were ably carried out by the social committee, who are note<l for the efficient manner they perform these duties.

REPORT OF ANNIVERSARY. On Thursday the forty-third anniversary of Court Victoria, 6699, A.0.F., was held in the Foresters' Hall, Devonport, and was attended by about 200 of the members and friends. The celebration consisted of a concert and dance, the first portion of the evening being devoted to the concert, after which supper was served in the supper room, and then dancing was enjoyed till 12.30. The concert programme Was given by the following artists, and was Acknowledged to be the best presented to the members for many years: Piano duet, Mr. and Mrs. Cusworth; song, Mr. W. Marks; violin solo, Mr. N. Walker; humorous dialogue. Misses Brown and Whittaker; piano solo, Miss Adye; song, Miss McCready, humorous item, Miss Brown; minuet, Mrs. C. Burnett and Miss L. McCready; piano solo, Mr. S. James; humorous item, Mr. Chas. Burnett. During the supper the following toasts were accorded: "The District Officers," proposed by Br. C. Hinton. The D.C.R. responded, and wished the court every success in the future. "The Visiting Courts, Kindred Societies, and Friends," proposed by Bro. Hoverd, P.D.C.R., was responded to by the various representatives. "The Ladies," proposed by Bro. Waters, and "The Artists," proposed by Bro. Pitts, P.C.R.