FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 246, 17 October 1928, Page 13

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

I .DOINGS OF THE LODGES.

j SUGGESTED ORIGIN OF ODDFEIXOWSHIP.

ANNIVERSARIES AND

INITIATIONS.

In an interesting lecture given at /Cambridge, England, Bro. J. P. Dear, P.P.G.M., explained at length a theory by -which he claims to prove the origin ,of Oddfellowship back to the Hebrews arid the Far East, and substantiates his remarks by many quotations and extracts from ancient writers and authorities. He takes his starting point from a secret society existing among the captured Israelites in Babylon, who upon their return to Jerusalem still adhered to their association, which had previously adopted secret signs and passwords. He claimed that even to this day many of the symbols and much of the mysticism of the Order were decidedly Hebrew in origin, especially the universal sign. Tracing the pathway of the Jews to Rome (where they at length supported the' Roman Empire) he claimed that wherever they went the Jews took their secret societies with ithem. They formed, he continued, part of the Roman hosts which invaded Britain, and as they marched through ithe country, it is assumed that lodge I (temporary residence) meetings* were held in the'places on their route. There is direct evidence to prove the existence of at least one lodge in Anglesea in the year 100 A.D. During the period 100 A.D.—1600 A.D., the movement spread very slowly. In 1693 Daniel Defoe, in his book "An Essay on Projects," advocated "compulsory societies formed by mutual assurance for the relief of the sick and distressed." In 1745 "Bentleys Notes" had Oddfellows lodges classed under amusements, possibly because of their social activities. Reference was also made to the Aristarcus Lodge minutes of a meeting held on March 12, 1748, quotations, showing that quite a number of lodges were ii existence at this date. By 1827 SOG lodges were in existence, and the Man Chester Unity had come into being; ix 1810. The lecture was crammed full of interesting facts, a«d, being one of t series, the remainder will be looked foi with eager anticipation.

In their picture galleries of Kappy Memories, Saturday, September 2S, L 928, will hold a place among thy memyen of the Loyal Tuakau Lodge; M.U r yid the Loyal Duke of Cambridge Lodge, M.U„ Cambridge. On this, day jports teams of Rugby players, basketjallerS and hockey enthusiasts visited Paeroa and tried coriclusions vMth local teams. The day was billed as "OddFellows' Dayand tie proceeds of th« matches were in aid of an ex-footballei rf Paeroa who has undergone a serious operation. The- matches were played in the afternoon and resulted in Loyal Netherftm defeating Tuakau by 23 to 3, Loyal Jubilee defeating Cambridge by 9 to nil, Jubilee basketballers defeating Cambridge by 28 to 2/ and Paeroa ladiesi'J'iockey club defeating Tuakau by Btol. The Grand Matter 6f the Auckland district, Bro. Walter Gubb, and the Deputy District Grand Master, Bro. Fred. Best, of Hamilton, were present during the day. An enjoyable dance and euclire in honour of the visitors wai held in ttif evening, and was largely attended* Oddfellows" Day *t Paeroa is "likely to a . popular annual. The teams left for home on Sunday. The Plonee# Juretrile ,Lodge, U.A.OJD/, met on Thursday last at Onehunga, the A.D. Bro. Mays presiding over a good attendance. At the /close of the business, an interesting. competition was held, the boys being/ hsked to write an essay on "The Tasman Plight." The result will be announced next lodge night. Games of quoits, etc., and a good supper brought a. pleasant evening to a close.

The Ancient -Order of. Foresters clafta somewhat of record fox members who have learned to do their public speaking on the floor of the lodge room. Several members of Parliament have started from this position, 'including Bro. Alex. Harris, -M.P. r who has a very kindly thought for his fellow Foresters who allowed themselves to be practised upon. At one time the Order claimed as members six of the sitting suburban Mayors, whilst among the present local , aspirants to Parliamentary honours are Bros. A. G. Osborne and G. Munns.

The half-yearly installation of - the officers of the lodge with the mystic number, Star of Ellerslie, 1.0.0. F., No; 100, was held last week in the Masonic Hall, Ellfrslie, in the presence of a •large and , representative gathering of members and visiting brethren. Tlie ceremony Was ably conducted by Bro. A. J. Guy, 1.P.D.D.G.M., assisted by Bro. H. G. Adams, Grand Conductor, who acted as D.D.G. Marshal, and a strong suite of officers from the Alberta Lodge No. 53. The elective officers of the Star of Ellerslie Lodge -were installed as follows:—N.G., Bro. G. Pratt; V.G., Bro. S. Christmas; Rei\ Sec., Bro. A. Hewson; Fin. Sec., Bro. H. Digging, P.G.; Treas., Bro. A. Campbell, P.G.; 3.P.G., Bro. L. Barker. Interesting and instructive addresses were delivered by Bros. Guy and Adams, whilst fraternal greetings were conveyed by representatives of sister lodges. The Light of Manukau Lodge, U.A.0.D., celebrated its nineteenth anniversary at Onehunga on Wednesday last, Bro. Large, A.D., presiding over a large gathering of members. Among those present, were the District President, Bro. W. Blakemore, P.D.P., Bros. W. Gregory, J. Potter, F. Thursby, and Bro. Jackson, P.A., Hamilton Lodge. A letter was read froin the Star of Otahuhu Lodge accepting a challenge to play for the Rose Bowl, and it was decided to pay a visit to Otahuhu for that purpose on October 23. The Royal Arch Chapter intimated that a meeting for instruction would be held at Newmarket on the 18th inst, and notified the Lodge that, in accordance with a recent instruction of the Grand Lodge, all candidates in future for the positions of Arch Druid and Vine-Arch Druid must be examined by the Chapter and produce a certificate of 'qualification from the Chapter before being installed into office. The business was promptly dealt with, and the Lodge adjourned for a special harmony evening and supper. Vocal and instrumental items were rendered by Bros. McLennan, Glew, Potter, McKay and C. Stone. Bros. Nevill and Stone acted as accompanists, the whole programme being much enjoyed. The last meeting of the Mount Albert Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0,F.,' was noteworthy for the large attendance, Bro. N. Thayer, N.G., presiding. The N.G. commented upon the wonderful progress the Lodge Was making; and point was given to his remarks by the initiation of two more new members, whilst another three were proposed. The honours of the Order were conferred upon visitors from Netherton, Parnell, Ponsohby, and Good Intent lodges. Games, dancing and • Mpper,

ably served by the Social Committee, completed a very happy evening. Sister Wilson made a very efficient accompanist for the evening, besides ably supplying the music for dancing. Court Zealandia, A.0.F., held a most important meeting on their last Court night, the chief question for discussion being the suggested change in the place of meeting from the Foresters' Hall in Albert i'treet to one to be procured in the suburbs. A pfevious meeting had already considered this matter, and an equal vote taken. The officers and members are very keen to do the best thing for the Court's welfare, and wish to secure a greater rate of progress* This Court is the oldest in the Auckland District, and it is pleasing to note that after a long period of depression fresh life and interest have been awakened. Bro. Watkins, the secretary, is perhaps the oldest member holding such a position, and by his interest and enthusiasm has succeeded in keeping the Court alive. Bro. Sleek has made a welcome reappearance from Wellington, and will again be a very great help in the Court. Zealandia can put a very strong bowling team forth, and are the proud holders of "Jamuna," the Forgsters' trophy. The team who succeeds in wresting Jamuna from them will have to be a very good one.

The Auckland City Tramways Club held another successful dance evening on Thursday last in the St. Sepulchre's Hall, Khyber Pass. Between 300 and 350 members and friends tripped the light fantastic to the superb music of Clyde Howley's Orchestra.

The Devon port Lodge, U.A.O.D. had the honour at their last meeting of receiving an official visit from the Royal Arch Chapter and the District President, Bro. Govan. Bro. Wainhouse, A.D., presided over the meeting and extended a hearty welcome to the visitors. Addresses on the work of the chapter were given by the Royal Arch Druid, Bro. Gregory, P.D.P., and the R.A. Treasurer, Bro. Jackson. Increased activity was reported in the juvenile branch of this lodge, and a new hall has just beensecured for the meetings, which will in future be held in the Scouts* Hall, Devonport. The future prospects for the juveniles here are very promising, and it is hoped to soon report much progress. An amusing slip of the tongue was made at a lodge meeting this week, when v speaker, in replying to the toast of the visitors, said he would not occupy many ninutes as there were some far more sloquent squeakers to follow.

.Court Balmoral, A.0.F., on the occa*ioi of their combined fourth anniversary and one hundredth meeting, had a most enjoyable evening, and although the accommodation may have been severely taxed, from first to last the programme was full of interest, and with no dull moments. In welcoming the visitors, Bro. A., B. Stych, P.C.R., as first C.R. of the court, gave its early history and the record of progress; incidentally referring to those first officers who were still, in harness, •even though they had received their honours, but omitted to describe how he himself convened the first meetings. Bro. W..A. Knaggs, D.C.K., also referred to the early days, and declared that his prophecy of seeing a progressive branch of the A.O.F. was more than heing fulfilled. Expressions of congratulation and good wishes were made by representatives of sister and brother courts, and also by visiting kindred societies, Lodge Mizpah (Rebekah), Alberta (1.0.0. F.) and RoskiH Lodge (U.A.O D.). A photograph of the late Bro. Wm Ramsey, P.D.C.R., was unveiled by Bro. R. Darlowv"D.S,, who. paid fine tribute ta the sterling® qualities of the court's first secretary,' and his work in building up that good spirit of comradeship for which Court .'Balmoral is«o #«U knitwn/ conelnded with ibices and interspersed by vocal items*