FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 233, 3 October 1933, Page 10

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

WORK OF THE LODGES.

FUNCTIONS AND ELECTIONS.

PROGRESS OF THE ORDERS,

Some interesting remarks were made by Bro. H. G. Bobbins, High Chief Baler of the English Foresters, in his presidential address at the High Court held a week or two ago at Exeter. He stated that the appal.ing prevalence of unemployment ail over the world had produced staggering total figures. They revealed the great sickness of civilisation. Economically they expressed the breakdown of international trade. They also suggested the demoralisation and discouragement that existed in millions of homes. They showed also that the sickness, being world-wide, would never be cured by local or national palliatives, but only by international agreement. Thirty nations were dreading the continuance of this world-wide catastrophe. The National Health Insurance started 21 years ago, was intended to prevent and cure disease among the working class or industrial population. The success of the scheme was only made possible by the example and pioneer work of the great vo'untary friendly societies. These societies had not ouly helped a people—they had educated j them. I

At this High Court session a gracious message of thanks and encouragement was received from His Majesty the Kirg. It was reported that the total funds invested by the Order in respect of its national insurance transactions amounted to £5,733,000. Over 000 orphans are assisted in their maintenance or education through the Foresters' war memorial benevolent fund.

The children's Christmas party committee of the Loyal Ponsonby Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., held a back to childhood dance last week in aid of the Christmas party funds. There were about 00 couples present, among them many visitors from other Lodgea, a thoroughly enjoyable time being spent. Sister J. Aitken and Bro. W. Pif.clier carried off the prizes for the most original costumes, Miss McLeod and Miss Gray acting as judges. Sister W. Plant, who acted as pianist, kept the dancers fully occupied. The supper was in the capable hands of Sisters Pitcher end Jacobsen, who, with their willing helpers, daintily served it. Bros. Baugher and Pitcher were the M.C.'s for the evening.

The Epsom Lodge, No. 88, 1.0.0. F. had a well-attended meeting in the Royal Oak Hall recently, Bro. R. Whale, N.G., quickly dealing with the essential business. The officers elected for the new term were: Noble Grand, Bro. H. Pawley; Vice-Grand, Bro. N Witmore; ree. secretary, Bro, Patrick. P.G.; fin. secretary, Bro. Bond, P. 0.; treasurer, Bro. Whale, P.G. Bro. Coop, degree master, reported on the degree meeting, one member securing his first degree in a very impressive ceremony. Bro. Whale, P.G., spoke 011 the successful progress made by the Mange re Rebekah Lodge since its transfer to Royal Oak. Spccial mention was made of the very fine ceremonial work of the officers in the recent ritual comj>etition. At the monthly social evening a bowls competi tion was won by Bro. Sutton and Sister Jensen.

The Star of Newmarket Lodge, U.A.0.D., met in the Council Chambers lodge room last week, the A.D., Bro. Lentfer, presiding over a good attendance of members and visitors. Among the latter were P.D.P. Bro. Karl Atkinson (No. 20 district), Bro. A. Mactier, Pride of Newcastle, Ngaruawahia, and Bro; Champion, Waiteinata Lodge. A challenge has been placed with the Star of Otahuhu Lodge for a bowling match for the Robson Rose Bowl. The Newmarket team will be Bros. A. Mackay, J. Marshall, McDonald and J. Blakemore. One new member was received on transfer, and warmly welcomed. During an enjoyable harmony session items were given by Bros. Hampton, Emerson, Page, Mactier, Mackay, Wilson and Smart.

The Endeavour Lodge, 1.0. G.T., met in the Unity Hall lodgeroom, Bro. Mock, C.T., presiding over a very fair attendance of members and visitors. Bro. Moore, D.C.T., and Sister Cliadderton were reported to be 011 the sick list. An invitation to attend the first anniversary of the Penrose Lodge was received, and Sister B. Williams appointed as official representative. A very interesting report was given of the N.Z. Alliance meeting, the C.T. and Sister Anderson being appointed delegates upon this council. The harmony programme was in charge of the chaplain, Sister Williams, and took the form of a sacred night. Solos were sung by Sister B. Williams and Bro. Peacock, pianoforte solos by Sister Frazer and readings by Sister Mrs. Williams, Bros. Arden and Mock. The serving of supper brought a happy evening to a close.

The Westmere Lodge, 1.0.0. F., No. 140, held another popular dance at St. Cuthbert's Hall last week. About forty couples were present, a very pleasant time being experienced. The music for the evening was provided by Coad's Orchestra. During an interval the D.D.G.M., Bro. C. Johnson, on behalf of the lodge, presented a veteran's jewel to Bro. F. Dickens, who has been a piember of the Order for 26 years, and had assisted in the formation of four new branches. He had also been N.G. of a number of lodges. Bro. Johnson congratulated the brother 011 the splendid work he had achieved for the Order, several other speakers endorsing these remarks. The recipient suitably responded. The evening concluded with a dainty supper, served by the ladies.

Gordon Tent, 1.0. R., met at Onchunga last week, a good attendance being presided over by the C.R., Bro. R. Dixon. Two new members were received on transfer from the juvenile tent, the ceremony being well carried out. As the tent has entered for the ritual competition, the work done during the evening was taken as a rehearsal, and duly criticised by the members. A good deal of business came up for discussion, an interesting evening j closing with games of bowls. °

The Loyal Manukau Lodge, 7479, M.U.1.0.0.F., held its usual fortnightly meeting last week, when the N.G*, Bro. Foster, welcomed the D.D.G'.M.', Bro. Allen, also visitors from Loyal Remuera, Ranfurly, Parnell, Ponsonby and Papatoetoe Lodges. After the business of the evening had been dealt with, the friends enjoyed themselves dancing. The Monte Carlo waltz was won by Sister Palmer and Bro. Burgess (Loyal Remuera) and competitions were won by Bros. H. Hawkins, P.D.G.M., and Bro. C. Crouch. Supper was served, and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought a very happy evening to a close.

The youthful Enterprise Temple, 1.0. G.T., met on Thursday evening, the C.T., Sister E. McCarthy, presiding over a good attendance. The young people weie pleased to welcome Sister l'razer, assistant-superintendent of the Temple of the Kings, and Bro. Ardern, P.C.T. oi the adult lodge. One new was initiated in due form, and the remainder of the business quickly transacted. The visitors had a few words of advice for the children, and a niec programme was given under the auspices of the special committee convened by Sister Legge, sen. The adult lodge afterwards met, the P.C.T., Sister Jamieson, presiding over a very fair attendance of members and visitors. The usual routine business came up for treatment, and a report from Bro. Ardern on the New Zealand Alliance Council meeting received. Sister Jamieson was appointed delegate to the W.C.T.U. convention, and arrangements finalised for the open social next meeting. The evening closed Villi a mock court, which caused great amusement, this being followed by supper.

At the Past-Grand's Lodge last week the gold degree was conferred on several members of the lodge, while on Friday evening an invitation niglit was held to brother lodges and outsiders, about 80 persons being present. A most enjoyable evening was spent in dancing and games, the music being supplied by Bro. Kempster and his Harmony Boys. Extras were played by Miss K. Martin and Mr. W. Curtis. Several of the older members played bowls. Shortly before supper the N.G., Bro. E. Bowyer, welcomed the visitore on behalf of the lodge, while P.G., Bro. Tonkin conveyed thanks to the orchestra for their services. Dancing continued until midnight, when a very successful evening was brought to a conclusion.

Tlie grand president, Bro. George Lethaby, and the district president, Bro. G. Stoire, were present at the last meeting of tlie Otahuhu Druids held in the Kingsford Hall, Otahuhu, and presided over by the A.D., Bro. C. Hampton. Members of the Star of Newmarket and Light of Manukau Lodges were also present. The grand president gave a very interesting report on problems affecting the Order, dealing especially with the special insurance fund arid the new rule, under which junior members are admitted at a very much reduced rate. He answered several questions, and at the conclusion of lye address was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. He also presented a silver cup to P.A., Bro. R. King, who recently won the lodge indoor bowls singles championship. This fine trophy was given for competition t>y Bro. J. H. Turner. Bro. Nixon was elected to the vacant A.D.B. chair, and was. installed by the district president. The lodge is r.ow in possession of the Thompson Shield, awarded for outdoor bowls competition, for which the Star of Otahuhu's representatives, Bros. T. J. Flood, E. Bailey, J. Mclvor and J. IT. Turner, successfully challenged the Royal Oak Lodge, the previous holders. An indoor bowls challenge was received from the Star of Newmarket Lodge for the Robson Rose Bowl, and this match will be played next Tuesday night. Supper, the usual toasts and harmony ended a most enjoyable "evening.