FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 221, 18 September 1929, Page 18

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

PROGRESS OF THE REBEKAH. DRUIDS' ACTIVITIES. TEMPLARS' JUVENILE LODGE. . ODDFELLOWS IN TOWN AND COUNTRY. Although in New Zealand, as in all other parts of the world where it is established, the Rebekah (ladies') branch of the 1.0.0. F. is making wonderful

progress, considerable handicap has been

t experienced in that prior to the last session of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand [ no -constitutional power had been permitted the sisters in the matter of the right to establish district lodges, which should have local supervisory and advisory jurisdiction. This past defect ir the laws of the Order has been remedied and, as has been the case with the mail branch, the sisters now have tin privilege of exercising- with cer tain limitations, local autonomy in thi management of the affairs of their re speetive districts. As the proposal t< institute such local bodies originate from the Rebekahs of the Auckland dis trict, it is but fitting that Aucklanc Rebekah District Lodge .should by it; establishment lead the van of progresi in.this direction and at the 1.0.0.P. Hall Pitt Street, on September 4, approxi mateJy 100 sisters assembled to tak< part in the opening ceremonies. Bro M. J. Hooper, D.D.G.M., assisted by Sisters M. L. Tailby, P.L.D.D.G.M., a" Acting-Deputy Grand Master, I. Bee P.N.G., as acting-deputy grand secretary and L. Boles, P.N.G., as acting-deputy Grand Marshal, conducted the institutioi ceremony, the charter members bein< Sisters E. L. Newbold, L.D.D.G.M M L. Tailby, P.L.D.D.G.M., L. Boles, P.N.G W, Culpitt, P.N.G., L. Davidson, P.N.G. A. Hoffman, P.N.G., and J. Hoffman P.N.G. The following sisters were in stalled into the respective offices:President, E. L. Newbold, L.D.D.G.M. vice-president, J. Hoffman, P.N.G. financial secretary, E. Robinson, P.N.G. recording secretary, S. Doull, P.N.G. treasurer, A. Gear, P.N.G.; chaplain, A Hoffman, P.N.G.; conductor, L. Boles P.N.G.; inside guardian, S. Levland P.N.G. Sister M. L. Tailby, P.L.D.D. G.M., was inducted into the chair of act ing-past president. It was decided tha

meetings should be held every fourth

Wednesday, and in such an enthusiastic body as the good sisters of the Rebekah Degree, where it is realised that officers and lay members alike share in the responsibility of efficiency and service, there is no doubt that the movement will still further advance the prestige and solidity of Rebekah Oddfellowship, and the promulgation of the doctrines of friendship, love and' truth.

The fortnightly meeting of the Epsom Lodge, No. 88, 1.0.0. F., was held in the Royal Oak Hall on Tuesday, September 10, Noble Grand Bro.' Bond presiding. The routine business was quickly disposed of and the meeting closed in due form. The night had been arranged for a bowling tournament for the Hoffman Challenge Cup, which the Epsom Club, skipped ;by "Bro. Watson, had recently won from' tii'e Star of Eden Ledge. The challenging lodges represented ■ were:— Alberta, two teams; Aeroatea, Otahuhu, Wynyard, and Epsom, with three teams, skipped by Bros. .Hooper, JBuekle and Bond respectively. Bro. Watson, being indisposed, did not defend the cup. After several pleasant and closely contested games the final was played between the two Alberta teams, skipped by Bros. Jones and Daniels. After a very exciting and closely contested game, Doth teams playing excellent bowling, Bro. Daniels' team was declared winners. Bro. Bond, in presenting the trophy, congratulated the winners on their success and the excellent standard of play shown by the various teams. He also inen-

tioned the good work the donor of the trophy had accomplished in promoting these competitions and fraternal visits among the lodges of' the Order. Bro. Daniels suitably replied. Supper was provided diying the evening.. Visitors and members alike expressed the view that it was one of the most pleasant and enjoyable evenings they' had spent this term.

The Bud of Promise Tent, 1.0. R., met at Onehunga on Tuesday last, the C.R., Sister German, presiding over an attendance of over fifty members. This tent, under the superintendency of Bro. H. Campling, is making good progress and its meetings, are always. enjoyable. During the summer months it is hoped to raise a boys' cricket team, as challenges frpm other tents have already been received. During the evening Bro. F. C. Pace told the children an old Greek fairy story and drew, from it lessons for the present day. Community singing, led by Bro. Campling, was greatly enjoyed, the children making the hail ring with their voices. On Saturday last the girls 'of the tent journeyed to Newton School to play basketball. They succeeded in winning both their matches, beating Standard Tent by 10 goals to 5 and Belmont by 5 goals to 2. This is the first defeat the latter team have had this season, so much credit is due to the Onehunga girls for their performance.

It was a happy thought that made the Star of Otahuhu Lodge, U.A.0.D., obtain permission to hold its last meeting at Papatoetoe. On Tuesday evening the Renown Hall was crowded and the A.D., Bro. J. O. Wells, had the pleasure of presiding over one of the largest and most enthusiastic gatherings of Ilruide lever held in the district. The gathering was unique" in the history of the Otahuhu Lodge, inasmuch as it was the first occasion on which the lady members of the Order had been invited to visit them. Judging by the cordial welcome expended, the visits should be frequent in the near future. It is understood' that the question of admitting lady members to Otahuhu will again be brought up in the near future, and there seems little doubt that "sisters" will soon be welcomed. Official visits were received from the D.P., Bro. Smith, P.D.P.'s, Bros. McCowatt and Govan, and A.D/s and officers of Auckland, Devonport, Waiteraata and Star of Newmarket Lodges.

Other representatives were present from Ro«skill, and lady members of Devonport, Auckland and Waitemata Lodges. The routine work of the lodge was dispatched

in a most creditable manner, and a new member was then initiated. This ceremony was carried out in a way that created a great impression on all, aiid was one of the finest expositions of the ritual seen by the members. There is no doubt that the officers of the Otahuhu Lodge do excel in this work, the high standard of which is largely due to the good work of the coach, P.A. Broi Robeon At the conclusion of the business «,„ « y i . SUP ? er Was eerved > at which the usual toasts were honoured. Dancing interspersed with musical items, con- £ lodge! ofthebeSteVenin^^nt^

The regular meeting of the Waitemata I Encampment, 1.0.0. F., was held on Wed - I nesday last, the chair being occupied by [the Chief Patriarch, Bro. C. A. Johnson. Nine brothers were initiated into the patriarchal ranks and received their degrees, the ceremony being carried out in a very capable manner by the C.P. and his officers. At the conclusion of the business the link was dissolved with the customary rites, and the patriarchs adjourned to partake of a bounteous sup.per.

l The usual fortnightly meeting of the Hinemoa Lodge, No. 109, 1.0.0. F., Helensville, was held on Mo:idaj r evening, September 2, in the Star Theatre, Bro. W. F. Taylor, N.G., presiding over a large attendance of brothers, including visitors from Kunieu Lodge, No. 14S. An initiation ceremony was held and six new brothers were admitted into the Order, making a grand total of 22 new members during the present term, the majority of whom are full benefit members. After closing of lodge a happy hour was spent by the brothers partaking of supper and harmony.

The Waitemata Lodge, No. 44, U.A.0.D., still continues to make progress. At the quarterly meeting a good attendance was presided over by the A.D. Bro. Fisher. The routine business was quickly dealt with, after which two new members were initiated in a very' impressive manner. .The ceremony was conducted throughout in a very able ivay and augurs well for the lodge's chances in the competition for the Gole Ritual Shield. The visitors present included P.DJVs Bros. J. Rutledge, J. McCowatt and J. Govan, of No. 0 District, and a number of lady members from the Devonport and Auckland lodges. The evening was brought to a close with a social hour and the serving of light refreshments.

A large number of Oddfellows assembled at the Kerepeehi Hall on Wednesday last to welcome the District Grand Master, Bro. P. Best, on his first official visit to the combined Loyal Kerepeehi and Loyal Netherton Lodges, M.U., 1.0.0. F. Representatives' were present from Loyal Thames, Hamilton and Pukekohe Lodges, and a hearty welcome was extended to them by the X.G., Bro. Garrett. In reply to the great welcome given, the D.G.M., Bro. Bert, thanked the members for their cordial greetings, and spoke at some length on the work of the district management committee, also referring to the strong financial position in which the Auckland district now stands. He intimated that during the last six months no less than 500 new members have been initiated. He congratulated the Kerepeehi Lodge on the high standard of efficiency they had attained, and on behalf of the officers and members presented a gold jewel to Bro. H. Hoff for introducing 20 financial members into the Order. At the close of-the business the meeting was opened for the admission of friends, who were entertained at the supper table. Flowers and coloured streamers helped to make the scene a gay one. After supper, which proved a most enjoyable repast, dancing was indulged in until midnight. The social committee are to be congratulated on the excellence of the arrangements, all present agreeing that the evening was a most enjoyable one.

The Light- of Manukau Lodge, U.A.0.D., met on Wednesday last at Onehunga, Bro. Rice, A.D., presiding over a good attendance. Among the visitors present were members from Egmont, Te Kuiti and Star of Newmarket Lodges. The district president, Bro. B. Smith, was also present. An invitation from Court Edith Cavell, A.0.F., ,to their annual ladies' night was accepted and the Arch Druid appointed to represent the lodge. Three clearances were received for members, one from Huntly and two from Ngaruawahia Lodges. Two more brothers, who were visitors, signified their intention of obtaining their clearances and joining the Light of Manukau. One new member was initiated and warmly welcomed, whilst another was proposed. As six were initiated at the previous meeting, this lodge is making good progress and must be now the largest but one of the Druids' lodges in the Auckland district. At the close of the routine business a visit was received from the officers and members of the Pioneer Juvenile Lodge, U.A.0.D., under the leadership of P.D.P., Superintendent Bro. F. Hudson. The boys were cordially welcomed by the parent lodge on this, their first official visit. Songs were sung by Bros. A. Mackay, Wells and Halford, the latter being repeatedly encored. An exhibition of boxing was. staged by some of the boys, the form shown being exceedingly good. Refreshments were then served; and after Bro. Hudson had' thanked the adults for their welcome and' entertain-: rhent the juveniles withdrew. The senior lodge then continued'in song and- harmony.

Roskill Lodge, U.A.0.D., was the scene of quick business and bright amusement on Thursday evening, when a. meeting with a dual purpose was held. With the A.D., Bro. Hollingshead, in the chair, the usual business was quickly. dispatched, the jovial secretary, Bro. Pollock, seeing to it that the sick brothere had the practical sympathy of the lodge for another fortnight. The roll of members was then increased by four new names, showing that Roskill Lodge is still on the upgrade. The routine business over, the grand vice-president, Bro. Lethaby, was called upon to present a past treasurer's collar to Bro. Fred' Allen. Bro. Allen has been treasurer of this lodge for the past fifteen years, and it was to honour him for the conscientious manner in which he had carried out the duties of his office that the brothers assembled in such force on Thursday evening. After the presentation- came the congratulations, and then a most harmonious evening was in full swing. Bro. Pollock opened up with one of his old favourites, and following him came Bro. Halford, who for his rendering of "Toad in the Hole" was brought back three times. To allow the brothers to recover from their,mirth the toast of "Grand Lodge" was proposed* by Bro. Voice, P.D.P., and responded to by Bro. Lethaby, V.G.P. Bro. Smart, of Newmarket Lodge, with his serious .«ong, "Clothes Props," puf the brothers in fine fettle for the other numerous items rendered by. such good artists as • Bros. Curtis, Bickertem and Foresham. At a late hour Bro. Allen, P.T., was declared to be a jolly good fellow and the brothers then went their various ways home, after one of the best nights in the annals of Druidism.