FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 43, 20 February 1929, Page 16

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

DOINGS OF THE LODGES. PICNICS AND LODGE MEETINGS The long-looked for picnic of the Star of Eden Lodge 1.0.0. F. took place, on Saturday last. Although the day dawned cloudy and cool, the weather improved as the day wore on, and all present had a most enjoyable time. When the first boat left just after 9 a.m. for Motutapu, a good crowd had gathered to make the journey. Games and races for the younger ones were indulged in and the time passed all too quickly, until the second boat arrived .soon after two. Then came on the scene the workers who had just left off toil to spend a few pleasant hours by the sea. The main sports now took place and great interest was shown in the various items. The chief results were as follows:— Married Ladies , Race.—Mrs. D. Mathieson 1, Mrs. Mnsefleld 2. Throe Pegged Race. —Mrs. Ward and Mr. A. Coburn 1. Capstick Cup and Lodge Championship.— A. Forbes 1, R. J. Lye 2. Single Ladies' Race.—Miss Williams 1 Miss KoKownrne 2. Stepping the Distance.—Miss Strange 1 Mrs. Williams 2. Medley Race.—R. J. Lye 1. N. Wheeler 2. Piek-n-Back Race.—Bros. Graham (•') 1 Bros. Wilson and Wheeler 2. '

In the pick-a-back race an unfortunate accident took place, which resulted in Bro. F. J. Py e receiving a serious injury to his shoulder. Corporal S. Blox'hain and Private Turner, of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, were luckily in attendance and rendered first aid, making the patient comfortable until arrival in Auckland. Great credit is due to the ambulancemen for the help given. Every child present under seven received a nice toy. The tug-of-war was drawn on the boat (out of a hat) and resulted, after a tie. in a win for the Lodge team against the Visitors. A guessing competition was won by Mrs. Tetford, with' Mrs. Ward second. Bros. Percy Evans (the hard worked secretary), and F. Morelle, Gallagher, and Strange, with the other members of the committee, all did their best to make the day a good one for all, and must have felt well satisfied with their efforts.

Onehunga Druids. The Light of Manukau Lodge U.A.0.D., Onehunga, met on Wednesday last, the A.D. Bro. G. Stone presiding. Among the visitors present weie P.D.P. Bro. Gregory, Auckland Lodge, and Captain White, Star of Newmarket Lodge. Bro F. Thursby, P..D.P., the lodge's hospital fund delegate, submitted a report of the annual meeting of the committee, which caused some discussion. The remits t~) Grand Lodge were brought forward and the delegate Bro. W. Martin, P.D.P., advised as to the members' wishes. At the close of an interesting meeting, the members adjourned for harmony.

The Pioneer Juvenile Lodge (U.A.O.D* met on Thursday evening, the A.D. Bro. White being in the chair. The Superintendent Bro. F. Hudson reported that he had received an invitation from the Devonport Juvenile Lodge to visit them on February 22. It was agreed to go, the adult management committee intimating that they would bear the expenses of the trip. Notice was received from the secretary of th(> hospital fund of an increase in the hospital subscription. It was decided to send a very strong letter of protest against the increase. This lodge is awaiting with interest the meeting of the Grand Lodge Juvenile committee, as several remits and suggestions have been forwarded, which it is hoped will receive favourable consideration. A Ritual Shield for competition between the Juvenile lodges has been presented by a brother in Wellington, who is sending it on to Auckland first. The shield is expected to arrive at any time now and the competition will start as soon ec ""wihle.

Rechabite Progress. The Rechabitcs have had a very successful time since the opening of the Xew Year. On all sides progress is reported and increases in membership arc common to most Tc its. The district picnic on Anniversary Day at Swansott Park was a great success, about 8- r >o members and friends being present. The day was gloriously fine and spent amidst the beautiful surroundings of the park proved very enjoyable to all. Races anil games kept the hard-working committee busy, whilst the little ones were ma do happy with gifts of toys and lollies. Bro. R. H. Wilson, D.J.S.T., the general organiser, and his helpers, are to be congratulated upon the success of their efforts.

The township of Otahuhu te growing rapidly, and with the establishment of the now railway workshops within its borders, a great future seems assured. One of the youngest yet most vigorous of the Friendly Societies in the districtis the Hope of Otahuhu Tent 1.0. R., which has not yet been established four years. Its present membership is 47, but thLi will no doubt be largely increased before the end of the year. A Juvenile Tent was opened only last May and this already numbers 121 members. The Tent is guided by Bro. Taylor as C.R., and Bro. A. Patrick, secretary; whilst Sister Cantwell is the successful superintendent of the juvenile branch. The society has succumbed to the ruling passion and indoor bowling is now the popular recreation of the Tent. Some of the members are expecting to surprise their brethren of other Tents during the present year.

The Hope of Eden Tent 1.0. R. is out for a large increase in membership. With 207 members on its books, this progressive Tent aims to have 250 as soon as they can, at any rate, not later than the end of the year. As already six benefit and three honorary members have been introduced during January and February, the prospects of success are very bright. Good meetings, full of enthusiasm, are being held, and a splendid spirit is noticeable in the Tent. The officers recently elected are working well under the guidance of O.R. Bro. R. Wilson, D.R. Bro. F. Chester and Secretary Bro. W. B. Gilliam. The district council have been invited to iunch on March 12, a proposal which met with hearty approval by the district executive. Cavpet bowls reigns supreme among games in this Tent also, interest at present being centred in a progressive pairs tournament. A very fine Chief Ruler's Pedestal was recently presented to the Tent by the Deputy Ruler, Bro. F. Chester, who received the best thanks of the members.

The Alberta Lodge No. 53, 1.0.0. F., held its usual fortnightly meeting at Morningside on February 14, Bro. H. J Clark, N.G., presiding over a good attendance This lodge is well officered and is making good progress, a letter having recently been received from the Grand Secretary congratulating, the lodge on its improved position. Last week a team of offiaprg visited the Westmere Lodge and conferred the Initiatory Degree upon three candidates. The Social Syllabus for 1929 was adopted and arrangements

made for the harmony side of the work. Anions the matters decided upon was a handicap singles bowls competition for a silver cup presented by Bro. V. W. Kingdom. The championship singles is at present held by Bro, J. A. Daniels, P. 0., who defeated Bro. F. Hutchings after an interesting struggle. The Lodge is fortunate in having among its members Bro. W. Dumper, who has placed his premises at the disposal of the lodge for social purpose*. A series of bowling matches will be played there on Monday evenings. A "charge" competition has been arranged for March 14, open only to members of the third degree, tho "conductors" charge being the one selected. Bros. H. G. Adams, Grand Conductor, and A. J. Guy, P.D.D.G.M, will be the judges, and as the lodge possesses a wealth of ritual talent, a most interesting and instructive competition should result.

Devo.uport Ladies* Lodge. Though the Lily of Devonport Rebekah Lodge No. e, 1.0.0. F., has been handicapped considerably through several of its good officers moving from the district, it has made great advancement for a young lodge. At the meeting held on February 11, the rehearsal of ceremonial work was productive of much praiso from those who were privileged to witness it, and with such splendid officers the lodge should acquit itself well in the forthcoming district Rebekah ritual competition. Bro. S. Christian, P. 0., as Preceptor, has done much to improve the standard of presentment, and his efforts have been ably seconded by Bro. J. Santo, P.G. To both the brothers the sisters are grateful for valuable instruction given. Sisters Patterson, P.N.G., and Stubbs, P.N.G., have also been a tower of strength to the lodge, and their eloquent ritualistic abilitfes add materially to the beauties of an already beautiful ceremony. Nor is the lodge lacking in attention to the fraternal and social side of Odd Fellowship, and on Wednesday evening a visit was paid to Harmony Rebekah Lodge at Birkenhead. A cordial welcome was extended by Sister Stewart, N.G., and the good members of Harmony, and a very pleasant evening was spent, the musical portion of a varied programme being under the direction of Sister Hilton. Both lodges are looking forward with pleasurable anticipation to a reciprocation of the visit. The Past Noble Grands of the Rebekah Degree held a meetiw on February 12 for the purpose of selecting a Lady District Deputy Grand Master for recommendation for appointment by the ingoing Grand Master of the 1.0.0. F. The present L.D.D.G.M., Sister E. L Newbold, was re-elected as recommendee for the position.

New Rebekah Lodge in Prospect. Arrangements are well in hand for the establishment of a new Rebekah Lodge at Ellerslie on Tuesday, March 5, and much enthusiasm is being displayed b}' the good ladies of Ellerslie in the movement, their efforts being devotedly assisted by a number of brethren of Star of Ellerslie Lodge. At a largelyattended preliminary meeting held last week the following officers were tentatively elected: —X.<i., Sister I. Kelly; Vice Grand, Miss L. Bevin; Her-. Sec-., Miss E. M. Barker; Fin. Sec, Miss M. Bevin; Treas., Miss O. liwin. The election is subject to confirmation after the lodge has been instituted. Mauiigarei is the suggested name fur the new lodge, and the following ha\c Ik'cii selected as the seven charter members:—Misses E. M. Barker, I. M. Irvin, M. Jenyns, I. E. Kelly, L. W. Xewbold, and Bro?. L. .1. Barker, P. 0., and H. W. Diggins, P.U Fresh applications for membership ar» Icing received plentiful!;. , , and altogether the opening gives promise of being a great success.