FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 233, 2 October 1929, Page 20

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

MANY SOCIAL FUNCTIONS. ALL ORDERS ACTIVE. JUVENILE LODGE DOINGS. The editor of this column desires to thank the many correspondents who have from time to time testified to the great value: of these notes. It is gratifying to know that in eo many distant places, ae well a3 locally, the column is looked for and enjoyed. Only this week a friendly society member holding' a position on an inter-colonial boat, told the writer in conversation that there were over a dozen members of different orders among the crew, and they all looked' for the column to learn what their respective lodges and others were doing. Some had not beeirable to attend a meeting for twelve months, but had retained their interest through these notes. Another incident that came under notice was that of a member who Avas away in the far north, and who, on picking up a newspaper that had been sent to the house, read of the appointment of a great friend to a grand, lodge office. He wired his congratulations and his friend wondered how the news had been spread so far north. Many other instances could be given, but space will not permit. The editor would like to again remind lodges that this column is the official channel lor the publication of friendly society news. All reports should be sent to Bro. F. C. Pace, c/o Epeom Depot, who .will at all times do his best to ensure the. publication of the news in the best way.

. Court Pride of Onehunga, No. 5261, A.0.F., held a very successful ladies' night and reunion of old members on Thursday evening, in the Foresters' Theatre, Onehunga. The hall had been prettily decorated in the colours of the order, red and green. The visitors were welcomed by the C.R., Bro. Ansell, and among those present were: The Mayoress (Miss Morton), Bro. King, D.S.C.R.; Bro. Porter, district treasurer; Bro.' Hughes, D.J.8.; Bro. Pace, Pres. A.U.F.S. Conf.; Bro. Hawkins, P.D.G.M. Manchester Unity; Bro. Rice, U.A.0.D., and Bro. Stewart, 1.0. R. About 250 guests in all were present, and dancing took place to the sweet strains of Mainland's Orchestra. A number of vocal and elocutionary items were rendered at intervale, these being much enjoyed. The artists '. were' Mies Barker, Miss Kitchen, Miss Brierley, Mr. P. Billings and 1 Mr. Heatley. The accompanists were Miss W. Hawkins and Miss Dodd. An interesting feature of .the evening was the presentation by Bro. King, D.S.C.R., of a P.CR.'s collar and framed diploma to Bro. Chester, the retiring P.C.R. Bro. Porter, the district treasurer, also made a presentation to Bro. Jamieson, P.C.R., of a medal of merit. This is an honour only awarded for special service, and in this case has been well earned. Bro. Jamieson has been an exceptionally hard worker for many years, and served two terms in the chief chair.. On the social side he has been always in the forefront when the. work had to be done, and when the new juvenile court was started he was one of the first to give his assistance. In his reply Bro. Jamieson thanked the members for their honour and referred to the-fact that Court Pride of Onehunga was 54 years old and had a membership of just upon 300. A dainty supper was handed round by the social committee, and the whale evening was a great success.

The'fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Papatoetoe Manchester Unity 1.0.0. F. took place last Tuesday evening in the Renown Hall. Thirty visitors from Manurewa were present, the occasion being the first competition for the annual card tourney. After the usual lodge business was finished an adjournment was made to the supper room, where card tables had been arranged to cater for the evening's amusement. The Manurewa visitors were the winners of the evening's game by a margin of four points. Supper was served and felicitations tendered the visitors.

The Loyal Remuera Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., held a -most enjoyable evening on Wednesday. The arrangements for the social part of the, evening were in the capable hands of P.G. Bro. J. A. Gray, who had been fortunate in ..securing the services of Mr. Sanderson's troupe of artists. After the routine business of the lodge had been dealt with, a varied programme of musical, elocutionary and dramatic items was presented, and was very much appreciated. Supper and dancing brought to a close one.of the most enjoyable evenings held at the lodge.

The Waitemata Lodge, U.A.0.D., met on Wednesday last, under the presidency of the A.D., Bro. Fisher. A visit was received from P.D.P. Bro. Govan and representatives of Auckland, Newmarket and Ponsonby lodges. The presence of members from other Druids' lodges is much appreciated, as notwithstanding a fairly largo membership, great difficulty is found by many in attending, and this lodge has suffered much in this way. With the admission of lady members, a decided improvement is looked for, and the Waitemata Lodge will no doubt yet be one of the best attended in Auckland. It was good to see one of the new lady members installed into the chair of vice arch bard, and shows the interest the newlyadmitted sisters are taking in the welfare of the lodge. At the close of the lodge dancing was indulged in, Sister Fisher acting as pianist, whilst vocal items were given by Bros. Govan, A. Mackay, and Scott. #.* * *

The-Star of Ellerslie Lodge, 1.0.0. F., held their usual fortnightly meeting on Tuesday last, the N.G., Bro. Christmas, presiding x>ver a good attendance. The chief business of the evening- was the nomination of officers for the forthcoming term. Bro. Smith, V.G., was elected as N.G., and Bro. B. Morrison as V.G. The routine business was quickly dealt with, and then the meeting was thrown open in order to welcome and entertain the members of Court Pride of Ellerslie, AOF The visitors were warmly welcomed by the N.G., Bro. Christmas, and Bro. C. W> Dennis (Preceptor). A number of members from Epsom and Staicf Auckland Lodge helped to entertain the visitors with bowls and cards. The evening was most enjoyable, and a similar - night is eagerly awaited. The Rebekah branch, Mangenr Rebekah lodge/which was opened by the Ellerslie brethren, is still making g° od J r ?S rese - Initiations arc frequent, and £ higji class of member is being made. The lodge is quite a happy family, and keen in the work. At their last meeting they were iudged for their ritual work in the shield competition, but the results.are not yet to hand. The new term under the leadership of Sis. L. Bevin as N.G., and Sis. Russell as V.G.,. promises to be most successful, and further reports wi.l be awaited with interest.

The Bud of Promise Tent, 1.0. R. (juveniles), met at Onehunga on Tuesday last, Sister German, C.R., presiding over a gathering of about 50 members. One new member was initiated and welcomed. A visit was received from the officers and members of the Standard Juvenile Tent, under their superintendents, Bros. A. and L. Jenkins. The visitors brought the number in attendance up to between 70 and 80, and a real good evening was experienced. Short addresses, full of helpful advice, were given by Bros. Pace, A. Jenkin, Campling and Ireland. A spelling competition was then 'conducted by Bro. Ireland, the children being divided into two classes, over eleven and under eleven. Great interest was shown, and the winners received small prizes.

The Guiding Star Juvenile Tent, 1.0. R., met at Devonport on. Tuesday last, the C.R., Bro. W. Aitken, presiding over a fair attendance. This tent has had several setbacks, and the opening of the neighbouring Belmont Tent rather decreased the membership. Now, however, things are picking up, and Guiding Star hopes soon to be able to hold its own with the other tents. At this meeting Ave new members were initiated (four boys and one girl). At the close of the business the members participated in games' of darts, table croquet and table tennis. ' After the children had retired the adults present played bowls. Two games in the singles cup competition were played, the results being! Bro. Larsen 8, v. Bro. Day 4, and Bro. Sharp 5, v. Bro. Johns 4.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Pukekohe Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., 8063, was held in the Masonic Hall on the 17th inst. It being the official visit of the D.G.M., Bro. F. Best, there was a large gathering of members. The G.M. was accompanied by the D.G.M., Bro. W. J. Pitcher, of Ponsonby, and members of the Management Committee, Bros. E. Hard, P.G., and W. Gubb, P.D.G.M., of Tuakau. There were numerous visitors from Loyal Tuakau and Waiuku Lodges. The district officers and visitors were welcomed by the N.G., Sis. T. Butcher, and were extended the honours of the Order. The D.G.M. then acted as Right Supporter to the presiding officer and his deputy as Left Supporter. During the evening the G.M. gave a very interesting address upon the affairs of the Order, and short addresses were delivered by his accompanying officers, after which the lodge was closed. The remainder of the evening was spent in dancing, after which supper was served by the ladies, and the gathering dispersed with the singing of "Auld. Lang Syne."