FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 303, 22 December 1932, Page 20

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

LODGE FUNCTIONS.

PRESENTATIONS AND SOCIALS. PROGRESS OF THE ORDERS. Tlie editor of tliis column wishes to express his thanks to the many friends who have loyally supported this important branch of friendly society activity. Although the year that is closing has been most difficult in many ways, our societies have made wonderful progress, and are now a miglity force in the land. The future we face bravely and fearlessly, knowing full well that, with united action and the proper practice of those cardinal principles for which we all stand, there is no power that can stay our progress. The compliments of the season to all my brethren in this great work, and may the New Year prove for us all truly happy and prosperous —in lodge and out.

The end of the vear functions at Alberta Lodge, No. 53, 1.0.0. F., brought to a close one of the most successful terms this centre of Odd fellowship in the Morningside district has recorded. At the collar competition for ritual work the presentation collar was awarded to Bro. W. C. McCombie, jun., after a very close contest judged by Bros. C. A. Johnson, D.D.G.M., and George Arnott, G.L. representative. Tlie friendly society movement is generally regarded as a kind of super insurance, the benefits of which are not available until dues are paid. In contradistinction to this customary view, the following is of great interest. A one-time very prominent and hard-working member of this lodge, who joined on the opening night and never missed but one meeting for a succession of years, has been laid aside by sickness. Although an honorI ary member, and therefore not subscribing for, and not being entitled to, sick benefit, the lodge determined to translate into action at the approaching season of good will their desire to assist the distressed brother. This culminated in a combined community sing, social, dance and card evening on December 15. And, with the associated assistance of the male and Rebekah lodges of the Auckland district, a very substantial sum has been raised. The team work put in by the lodge members cannot be too highly eulogised, and the successful function referred to indicates a highwater mark in the history of this lodge. The artists, who gave their services voluntarily, were: Miss Pat Paine (dances), Bro. R. G. McGregor (soloist and conductor), Mr. E. Maxwell (pianist and accompanist), Mr. Roy Maxwell (violinist), Bro. R. Peplaer, P.G. (pianist f6r dance music), Bro. L. M. Pye,| P.G. (elocutionist).

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Ponsonby Lodge, U.A.0.D., was held in the Druids' Hall, Newton, on Monday last, the Arch Druid, Bro. Coldicutt, presiding over a good attendance of members and visitors. The latter included P.D.P. Bro. Gregory, who attended officially as deputy of the D.P., and was received with Druidic honours. Representatives were also present from most of the lodges in Xos. 0 and 23 districts. The chief business of the evening was the installation of officers for the new term. This was very efficiently earrif-d out by Bro. Gregory, who was ably assisted by P.A. Bro. Gray as presenting officer. The new officers are: —G.L. delegate, Bro. E. Roberts; J.P.A., Bro. Coldicutt; A.D., Bro. Copeland; V.A.J Bro. Orsulich; secretary, Bro. J. Bell; treasurer, Bro. Thomas; 1.G., Bro. Robinson; 0.G., Bro. Mewburn; V.A.B.'e, Bros. Hunter and Wheaton; V.A.B.VsJ Bros. Lowndes and Shaw. A vote of thanks and appreciation was passed with acclamation to Bro. Gregory for his valuable assistance. The business was soon dispensed with, qnd the lodge went into harmony and instead of the usual musical evening the brothers wenentertained at bowls. Two rinks from Auckland Lodge challenged for the Martin Feathers, but were unsuccessful against the Ponsonby holders. A very enjoyable evening was brought to a close at a late hour.

The Loyal Dominion Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0.i., lield their installation ceremony 011 Tuesday evening, a very large number of members and friends being in attendance. Bro. Wilson, P.G., conducted the ceremony in a very impressive manner, Bro. Clews and Sis. Sinimonds, P.G.'s, acting as Conductors. P.G. Bro. Ball invested the candidates with their regalias, and the newly-installed officers were addressed by P.G. Bro. Taylor. The chairs are now occupied as follows: N.G., Bro. Schofield; V.G., Bro. Wood; 1.P.N.G., Bro. Stubbing; Elec. Sec., Bro. Kay; Warden, Bro. Jelland. An excellent supper was followed by numerous vocal and instrument items by members and visitors, dancing and cards also being thoroughly enjoyed.

The Hope of Auckland Tent, 1.0. R., have had some well-attended meetings this quarter, and the officers' reports show the tent to be in a good position. At the last meeting the members were pleased to initiate two. candidates who were transferring from the Juvenile branch, and a newcomer to the Order, thus increasing the roll number by another three. Bro. R. Wilson, D.S.J.T., assisted by Bro. Gilinour, P.C.R., installed the following officers: C.R., Bro. D. Owen; D.R., Bro. P. Jenkin; M.R.S., Bro. Marshall, sen., and Bro. L. Jenkin; Trea., Bro. H. Harrison; Casli Steward, Bro. Tj. Jenkin; Book Steward, Bro. A. Hughes; Leviie, Sis. M. Jenkin; Guard, Bro. H. Malloy; P.C.R., Sis. A. Brown. Bro. R. Wilson, no behalf of the tent, presented a Past Chief Ruler's regalia to Sis. M. Jenkin in recognition of lier good work whilst passing through the chairs of the tent. •

The Roskill ' Lodge, U.A.0.D., had a crowded attendance at their meeting on Thursday evening in the F. S. Hall, Carmen Avenue, when P.A. Bro. Gillett presided. Official visits were received from the District President, Bro. Hunt, and the officers and members of Star of Newmarket and Ponsonby Lodges. One new member received initiation into the mystic rites of Druidism, and was warmly welcomed. Bro. Rutledge, P.D.P., one of the judges in the recent ritual competition, gave his report, after which the D.P. presented the ritual shield to the Roskill Lodge, they having beaten Newmarket, the holders, by a small margin. A pleasing feature of the evening was the presentation of an oak dinner wagon to Bro. Brooks, P.A., who has just passed through the chairs for the second time. The Ponsonby bowling team then challenged Roskill for the Barney Cup, and after a good game managed to gain the coyeted trogliy;, i

The fortnightly meeting of the Mizpali Rebekah Lodge, 1.0.0. F., was held in the Masonic Hall, Eden Terrace, on Saturday last, Sis. Wingrave, N.G., presiding over a fair attendance of members. After the business of the lodge had been disposed of, an official welcome was given to the officers and members of Wynyard Lodge, No. 57, and Alpha Juvenile Lodge, No. 1. A social evening was then held, games, dancing and cards all being well supported, and everybody having a thoroughly enjoyable time. A very dainty and much appreciated supper was served by Sis. Howes, P.G., and her social committee.

The Enterprise Lodge, No. 80 1.0. G.T., gave a Christmas party to the Juvenile Temple on Thursday evening, the Methodist Hall, Onehunga, being well tilled with members and friends. The yonng people entered into several games with great spirit and the parents were shown just how much noise could be made, by special request only, with a special farmyard game. A number of items were given by the members and Bro. Chadderton, the former superintendent. Paper hats served out to all gave a carnival effect to the scene. The great evpnt of the evening was the arrival of Father Christmas' deputy, the part being ably taken by Bro. Fitzmorris (of H.M.s. Dunedin). The stage curtains were then opened, revealing a large Christmas tree fully loaded with good things. Every member, both juvenile and adult, received a present. The thanks of the superintendent and executive of the Temple are tendered to the brothers and sisters who so willingly gave assistance both financially and otherwise, and helped to make this eagerly anticipated function a success.

The Light of Manukau Lodge. U.A.0.D., met in the Friendly Societies' Hall, Onehunga, on Wednesday evening, the Arch Druid, Bro. Hadwin, presiding over a large attendance of members and visitors. The district president, Bro. Hunt, paid an official visit and was received with Druidic honours. Quite a large amount of business came before the meeting, but was treated with promptitude and dispatch. One new member received his initiation into the mysteries of the Order, the officers carrying out their duties well. The district president, Bro. Hunt, was then called upon to install the newly-elected officers of the lodge. This he carried out in his usual very efficient manner. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the D.P. and visitors, who suitably responded. The lodge then went into harmony, a very happy time being spent with items and supper.

The Loyal PonsOnby Lodge, Manchester Unity, 1.0.0. F., held their annual Christmas party in the Renall Street Hall last lodge night, when about 80 children were entertained. Father Christmas paid a visit to the hall and presented each child with a gift. An orchestra helped things to go with a swing by providing music for games and dancing. An enjoyable evening concluded with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." The Christmas party committee, Sister Wood, P.G., Sister Jacobsen, Bro. Aislier and Bro. Broughton, P.G.'s, are to be congratulated on their very successful antertainment.

There was a good attendance of members at the fortnightly meeting of Loyal Jubilee Lodge, M.U.0.F., when the group officer, Bro. D. B. Currie, of Waikino, installed the new officers of the lodge. The following officers were installed: N.G., Bro. J. S. Brooks; V.G., Bro. W. Forrest; E.S., Bro. J. H. Smith; 1.P.N.G., Sister C. Pitkethley; warden, Bro. M. Lammas; conductor, Bro. R. Inglis.