FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 210, 5 September 1928, Page 11

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

DOINGS OF THE LODGES.

NEW RECHABITE TENTS.

Sir Thomas Inskip, K.C.. M.P.. addressing a special meeting of the A.O.F. at Bristol, said he had been greatly interested in the prosperity and success of the whole Friendly Society movement. He was early taught, after his introduction into the House of Commons, by great friends of the movement, of its value, and his sympathies were enlisted. Everything he had learned of it led to the increase of his appreciation and admiration for it, and he felt that the feeling would grow. In his opinion, many people failed to realize the immense reserves of influence and character which the nation possessed in the great Friendly Society movement. There were some influences that were more vocal, but he believed there was none more powerful or more beneficent than theirs. If ever he was tempted to think that the difficulties of the nation were such as to imperil its future, or its prosperity, he thought of the hundreds of thousands of men and women who were associated with that and kindred movements, as a Tock upon which waves and storms would beat in vain, and it would enable this country to stand firm as it had done in the past.

The officers of the District Committee of the Rechabite Order have been busy during the present season. Two newtents, Mayflower at Otahuhu, and St. Michael at Belmont, have been opened, and the membership in each case now exceeds one hundred, with an increasing interest and outlook for new members. The shield, presented to the tent for largest percentage increase for 1927, went to Pride of Lynndale Tent, under the care of Bro. J. A. Park, the Peep-o'-Dav Tent at Hamilton, under the genial superintendence of Bro. H. Gardner, being a very close second. The attendance at the meetings is well maintained, and the. quality of fhe work done very good. Bud of Promise Tent has a band of youthful performers, whose happy entertainment has enlivened and encouraged members of other tents whom they have visited, and Sister E. Richardson is to be congratulated on her good work in this direction. Standard. Kingsland and Excelsior Tents have also been exchanging visits and receiving the D.S.J.T. Bro. R. H. Wilson and members of the District Juvenile Committee. Across the water steps have been taken towards a revival of the work. Visits have been paid to Devonport with the Tesult that a new activity has been brought to light, and Bro. R. Johns, one-time juvenile member, has taken charge of the Guiding Star Tent, while at Birkenhead, several of the members, under the direction of Sister Berry, are ready to help the work among the girls and bovß. The membership of the juvenile tent at Huntly, where Bros. T. Gardner and J. Major have charge, is well maintained, also at Hamilton. These tents engage in social visitation one to the other each year, and a good fellowship exists between them. The Pride of YVaikato tent at Cambridge was unfortunate in the loss, by his return to Scotland, of Bro. G. Anderson, who, with his wife, were very keen and active in juvenile Rechabite work. However, workers are not lacking at Fencourt, and the genial secretary of the adult section, Bro. E. Simon, our District Deputy Ruler, has come forward again, and so the work will continue. It is confidently expected that the returns for 192S covering the work of the juvenile section, will show a record increase of membership. The superintendents are to be complimented upon the good work they are doing.

Last Wednesday's meeting of the Loyal Remuera Lodge. M.U., 1.0.0. F., was notable for the fact that it was the first occasion for some months past on which 110 initiation took place. Nevertheless an excellent attendance of members and visitors graced the proceedings. To be married at an early date. Sister Gray and Bro. Broberg were the joint recipients of pledges of the lodge's esteem and goodwill in the shape of a silver coffee pot. Although leaving Auckland, it is hoped that their interest in the Order will continue as active as has previously been tlie case. A debate upon the respective merits of the horse and motor car was held, to the final discomfiture of the latter mode of transport.

Further substantial progress accrues to the 1.0.0. F. in the establishment of Haeata Rcbekali Lodge, No. 03, which, under excellent auspices, commenced its career on August 30 at Point Chevalier. When Rawhiti Lodge was instituted in that district less than twelve months ago felicitations were expressed in this column that it would enjoy the sunshine suggested by its name. The sunshine of prosperity has attended that lodge, and is reflected in the successful formation of the companion branch for ladies, which as the name Haeata implies. will n o doubt prove to be a veritable beam of light and sunshine, materially aiding in the dispersement of the gloomy clouds of sorrow and adversity, and by its benignant rays assisting to melt the frozen garb that appears to encase so many from the calls of human"---The Rebekah initiatory ceremony, the ritual of which is extremely beautiful, was ably exemplified to the large number of candidates on behalf of the Crand Lodge of New Zealand by representatives of the various Rebekah Lodges of the Auckland district. under the directorship of Sister E. L. Xcwhold. L.D.D.G.M. The officiating Past X->ble Grands were Sisters K. M. Stubbs (X.G.). S. Doull (sec.l. L. Davidson ;A.P.X.G.). A. Hoffman (Y.G.,. H. Boddy (War.), E. Scarborough (Cond.t. <T. Hoffman (Chap. >. K. Ho\v=e (R.S.N.G.I. G. Halla.n (L.S.X.G.k A. Gear (R.S.Y.G.). K. Brown < L.S.V.G >, S. La viand iR.A.S.-. <i. Patter--on (L.A.S.i. M. Le-lie L. B..'es (A.X.G.P.R. ■. K. M. McAulitTe IA.Y.G.D.R.i and S. Clarke I A.1.fi.11.R. i. Bro. F. S. Xewbold. D.H.0.M.. was preceptor, Bros. R. L. Brewster. P. 0.. and C. A. Johnson. P. 0.. agisted in the ceremony, while the masterful orpan effects of j Sister E- Hodges lent additional enI chantment to the general presentment. After the ceremony of initiation of candidates was completed, the L.D.D.G.M. requested Bro. D. R. Cooper, Immediate Past Grand Master, to assume control of the meeting tor the purpose of instituting the lodge. The Charter Members. Sisters M. Bowles, L. E. Davidson, P.X.G.. E. M. Hardlev. J. S Hoff man, P.X.G.. E. E. McMillan, *L W New bold and Bro. J. E. Belchamber, X .G., were introduced to the Instituting Officer, who after observation of the ,V teS ' them with p w r '\ t asters warrant and Haeata Rebekah No. 63, wa 9 in renter form constituted a lodire of ff pendent Order of Odd Fellows. Bro? D.

R. Cooper, 1.P.G.M., was assisted in the ceremony by Bros. F. S. Xewbold, D.D.G.M., as Acting-Deputy Grand Master, C. A. Johnson, P.G., as ActingGrand Secretary, and H. G. Adams, G.C., as Acting-Grand Marshal. In his address the Instituting Officer made sympathetic reference to the illness of "the L.D.D.G.M., who was in attendance under difficulties, and also to the absence of Sister I. Culpitt, P.N.G., who, while so keenly interested in the welfare of the new lodge, was through the severe illness of her mother, who resides at Feilding. attending to the calls of filial duty in that town. Sister E. L. Xewbold. L.D.D.G.M., very briefly addressed the lodge, but owing to her indisposition was not able to say more than a few words, and at her request Sister M. L. Tailby, I.PX.D.D.G.M., kindly acted in her stead. Presentations were made of a beautiful set of altar and officers' desk covers by Friendship Rebekah Lodge, and a handsome conductor's baton by Mizpah Rebekah Lodge, and after short addresses of congratulation and admonition had bean given by Bros. D. R. Cooper, I.P.G.JT., H. G. Adams, G.Cond., F. S. Xewbold, D.D.G.M., and Sister M. L. Tailby, 1.P.L.D.D.G.M.. greetings were extended by representatives of each of the five Rebekah Lodges of Auckland District and by Friendship Rebekah Lodge of the Waitemata District. A telegram from Sister I. Culpitt, P.X.G.. tendering good wishes was read, and by request of the L.D.D.G.M. thanks were expressed to Bros. Belchamber. V.G., arfl C. Pike, P.G., for the energetic service rendered by them in the organisation of the new lodge. At the conclusion of formal proceedings a bountiful supper was provided by the good sisters and brothers of Haeata Rebekah Lodge, and a pleasant hour was spent in fraternal chat and reciprocations of goodwill. All are looking forward with pleasurable anticipation to the next meeting on September 13. when the ceremony of installation of officers will be conducted by Sister E. L. Xewbold. L.D.D.G.M., and suite.

AT ONEHUNGA. There was a good attendance of members at the quarterly meeting of Court Pride of Onehunga, A.0.F., Bro. P. Jamieson, C.R., presiding. After considerable discussion it was decided to approach the district executive and ask them to sanction the opening of a Juvenile Court of the Order in Onehunga. A strong committee to ca r ry out the proposal was set up. The social committee are at present engaged in arranging a ladies' night, for which they report plans are well in hand. This promises to be an extra good evening. After supper, members spent a pleasant time with ."">OO and indoor bowls, the games being keenly contested. The Light of Manukau Lodge, U.A.0.D., met on Wednesday last, the A.D., Bro. Large, presiding over a large attendance. The D.P., Bro. W. Blakemore, paid an official visit and among the other visitors were Bro. J. Blakemore, A.D. of Star of Newmarket, Bro. Fish, of Egmont Lodge, and representatives from Newmarket and Pousonby Lodges. A vote of sympathy was passed with the relatives of the late Bro. Huston, an old member of the lodge, also with the Arch Druid, who has just received word of the death of his mother. The members stood in silence and feeling reference was afterwards made to the memory of Bro. Huston and the work which formerlv he had undertaken so enthusiastically. Three new candidates were initiated and received a hearty welcome into the order. Word was received that the Grand Lodge Executive would be in Auckland on September 19 and would be pleased to meet members and discuss any matters with them relating to the good of the order. The Royal Arch Chapter and its revival was again discussed, many members expressing thems>eHes aei v forcibly on the position which has arisen. After hearing the D.P., Bi other Blakemore, the members decided to stand by him in the position he lias taken up and reaffirmed their decision to take no action in regard to the Royal Arch Chapter. After supper the members spent a pleasant time together with song and story. The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows still continue to forge ahead, a new lodge being recently opened at the Masonic Hall. Ellerslie. The District Master, Bro. B. L. Whineray, performed the dedication ceremony, beino- ablv «ssisted by Bros. Hopau, D.G.M? Cucksev, G.D., West, D.D.M., and Holdsworth. district secretary, G.D. After the dedication of the lodge, which will be known as the Ellerslie L nited Branch, No. 10 the election and installation of officers was proceeded with. The following v. ill be the first occupants of the various chairs: X.G., Bro. Toy; V.G., Bro. Olesen; finance secretarv, Bro. Lawnrecord secretary, Bro. " Olesen, jun.warden, Bro. Samson; supporters to j. -' « r os. Raynor and Rovcroft: puardiaii. Bro. McClure. The n!g. and secretary are particularly enthusiastic work ers, and with the assistance of the abovo capable team of officers all should co well with the new lodge. After the business was completed, supj>er was f-ei\ed, and a very enjoyable evening was brought to a close at 10.11. The Ponsonby L nited of this order also had a very enjoyable time on Tuesday la.-t, when they held a very successful smoke concert. Everything went off well, the attendance was g«v.d. and the various art:»t» ail gave of their lie>t. The committee ar-. to be congratulated on The fine entertainment provided.