FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1934, Page 22

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

MEDICAL INSTITUTE.

FRATERNAL VISITS. PROGRESS OF THE ORDERS. The annual meeting of the general committee of the Auckland United Friendly Societies' Medical Institute was held on February 21, with a large attendance of delegates, when a number of matters of interest to all Friendly Society members were enthusiastically discussed. The report and accounts for the past year, 1933, were duly read and adopted. These disclosed that the affairs uf the institute are in a healthy state ana the services rendered by the medical officers greatly appreciated. There arc 25 doctors on the institute's list to attend to the requirements of the 55 lodges which are now affiliated to the institute. The election of officers resulted in the following appointments: President, Bro. J. A. Uovan, U.A.0.D.; vice-president, Bro. Walter McCombie, 1.0.0. F.; treasurer, Bro F. Flanagan, U.A.0.D.; trustee, Bro. E. S. Luing, U.A.0.D.; auditor, Bro. W. G. Caddy, U.A.0.D.; secretary, Bro. \V. 11. McCombie, 1.0.0. F.; board of management. Sister A. C. Hallain, J.0.0.F., Bro. J. i. Butledge, U.A.0.D., Bros. E. S. Laing, U.A.0.D., W. C. Pitcher, M.U.0.F., and W. G. Caddy, U.A.O.D. It was also announced that negotiations are taking place between the B.M.A. and a special committee of the institute with a view, to making amendments to the present contract in force between these bodies, and a conference is being arranged for the immediate future. Reports as to the result will be published as soon as they arc made available. An expression of sympathy was forwarded Bro. F. Armiger, a member of many years standing, and who is unfortunately ja*<l aside by a severe illness. Coupled with the resolution was the hope that the worthy brother would make a complete and speedy recovery. A pleasing feature of the meeting was the hearty and unanimous vote of thanks accorded bio. William Kane, H.A.C.8.5., for the very valuable services rendered by him from the foundation of the institute. Our old friend's presence at the meetings is greatlv enjoyed, not only for his genial personality, but for his sound advice and the benelit of his lon<j and wide experience, which makes liiin ft most valuable member when considerations of policy and practice come up for discussion. The retiring president. Bro. I. E. Duftin, was also accorded a vote ol thanks, and his name will be insciibcd on the merit board.

The annual report given by the president, Bro. I'. K. Duffin, was as follows: "It gives me very great pleasure to be able to report that tlio services rendered bv the institute to its members have been appreciated and that its affairs have been managed with apparent satisfaction to those concerned. For the lirst time for many years there is no record of any serious complaint. Hie membership on December 31, 1033, was as follows : Malo members 11)13, widows 90, sisters 400, juveniles 00, making a total membership at the date mentioned of 2502. A comparison with the previous year shows a small increase in the aggregate of 1(5. An analysis indicates that there is an increase in the total numbers of sisters with a small decrease of male members of two. The accounts submitted show the financial position. It will be noticed that this side of the institute is in capable hands. An increase of £12 is disclosed when comparisons between the balances at the beginning and close of the year are examined, delations with our medical officers continue to be of a happy and cordial nature, and no hitch has occurred to spoil the smooth running of this department. Two new appointments were made during the twelve months under review, and also one deletion— thus making a total of 25 doctors on our lists at the present time. Meetings ol the board of management have been well attended, and the committee can be assured from the results mentioned sibove that nothing is overlooked so as to make the institute 100 per cent efficient. Officers as well as members I have co-operated well and without the slightest evidence of friction. Negotiations are taking place between the special committee set up to consider a revision of the contract with medical officers and the British Medical Association. Owing, however, to the fact that the members of the B.M.A. have been absent on Vacation during the past two months, some- delay, has taken place. The special committee handling .lie matter for the institute are hoping to be able to make a report in the nea." future.

"I desire to take this opportunity of thanking all those officers and members who have been associated with me during the past year for their hearty support and co-operation, and also- the other members in general for their support of the institute. I desire, however, to emphasise the urgent necessity that exists for all lodges and branches of friendly and benevolent societies in the Auckland district to affiliate themselves with us."

Alberta Lodge, 1.0.0. F. held their regular session on Thursday, February 22, and the business; which chiefly consisted of the first nomination of officers contained no surprises. The lodge closed down early in order that the,ladies, who were in 1 attendance, might occupy the lod**e room by special invitation of the social committee. The business before the mixed gathering was concerned with the discussion of the formation of a Rebekah or ladies' lodge in Morningside. A carcful exposition of the aims, objects, 'costs and benefits of the Rebekah degree was given by Bro. Walter McCombie, P.G., and on the invitation of the N.G., who occupied the chair, a show of hands indicated that at least one-half of the number-required to-begin a-lodge of the nature indicated were present and willing to join. A joint committee was then elected, and the next meeting .fixed for March 22, when it is hoped .that the requisite number of signatures will be obtained for the petition to Grand Lodge for a charter. Business being thus disposed of, a short but very excellent programme of musical and elocutionary items was rendered- . and thoroughly enjoyed by all present. The artists who contributed to the diversion of the lodge members and their guests were. Bro. A. Gear, P.G., and Bro. R. McGregor, N.G., songs,. and Mr. Grant, "Some Humour" and -"Some More Humour." Miss Ivy Christmas ably presided at the piano. A vote of thanks to the entertainers and a light 6upper concluded the evening. Morningside ladies should get into touch with the secretary of this lodge for information respecting the new movement, which will, within a short while be reatablishcd upon a permanent basis. i

The youthful Enterprise Temple. 1.0. G.T., met on Tliursday evening, Sister J. Pace, C.T., presiding over a smaller attendance than usual. A welcome was extended to Sister Wiltshire, an adult member of Pioneer Lodge, Wellington, and her daughter. Sister Kathleen Wiltshire, of Pride of Seatoun Temple. '1 lie ordinary business was quickly dealt with the members afterwards spending a pleasant time together with sons*, jokes and recitations. Some ot the juveniles entered for a song or book representation, and these certainly were very good. Greetings were conveyed on behalf of temples in Dunedin, Nelson, Christchureli, and Wellington.

The Enterprise Lodge, 1.0. G.T., met on Thursday evening, the lodge deputy presiding over an attendance below the average. The heavy rain evidently took its toll of the members, but those who did brave the elements were pleased to welcome Sister Wiltshire, of Wellington. It was reported that Sister Mrs. Jameson was in hospital seriously ill and hones were expressed for her speedy recovers Sister Williams, of Penrose, reported on her visit to Hamilton, and said it was hoped to be able to start both senior and juvenile lodges m that district in the near future. When the business had been thoroughly diseiwsed the lodge adjourned for a cup of tea and a social chat together.

The Star of Newmarket Lodge. UAOD., met on Wednesday evening in the Council Chambers lodge room, Bio. Munroc, Arch Druid, presiding over a o-ood attendance of members and visitors The latter included P.D.I?. Bio. Ingram, of Wellington, P.D.P. Pro. Barnes, Ponsonby Lodge, and a number of representatives from the lodges in No. (! and 2.*! districts. One new member received- his initiation into the mystic rites of Druidism, and another candidate wm proposed for next lodge night. A good deal of business came before the meeting and was promptly dealt with. When this business had been satisfactorily settled, the members adjourned for harmony. The feature of the programme was the singing competition, This being preceded bv the official welcome to the holder of the medal, Bro. Caldwell, who afterwards acted as judge for the evening. The winner proved to bo Bro. Oliver, who received a great ovation. The usual light refreshments were enjoyed by the brothers, who spent a happy time together. • • • *

The Alpha Juvenile Lodge, No. 1, 1.0.0. F., met on Tuesday evening, under the guidance of the N.G., Bro. Strange. In order to perfect themselves with the ritual, a mock initiation was carried out. This acted as a rehearsal for next meetin" when the ritual competition will a train bo held, and strong efforts made to retain the New Zealand trophy won last year. At the close of the business, some of the brothers of the National Independent Order of Oddfellows, under the leadership of Bro. F. Hammond, president A.U.F.S. Conference, were introduced and welcomed. When they had taken their scats, Bro. Pace. G.S.J.W., of the T.0.G.T., was accorded a welcome. Special interest attached to the cveniiiT as the N. 1.0.0.1', brcthien are anxious to start a juvenile branch in connection with their order, and weic present bv invitation to see the boys of the Alpha Lodge at work. An address was given by Bro. Pace on some lessons of life to be learned in the lodge room, his words being listened to very attentively by young and old. Bro. Hammond thanked the lodge for the privilege of being present, and said he hoped that when the new juvenile body started manv enjoyable evenings together might be spent. ' The president, Bro. Masson, vice-president, Bro. Montgomery, secretary, Bro. Hawes, and th-e N.G. of the Alpha Lodge all briefly spoke, thanking Bro. Pace for his interesting address, and stating they, too, were looking forward to some "pleasant inter-order visits. Supper was then served, and the evening closed with some good games of bowls.

At the annual meeting of the Loyal Good Intent Lodge, M.L., 1.0.0.1'., recently, there was a very good attendance, Sister Cory being in the chair. Two new members were initiated and given the usual hearty welcome. Bro. .1. McLeod, P.G.M., presented to Bro. Cooper, the retiring Past Grand, a framed emblem, the gift of his lodge for past services. Bro. McLeod, in hi™ remarks, referred to t.lic pleasure the presentation gave him, as lie and Bio. Cooper's father had been schoolboys together in Auckland. Bro. Cooper, in thanking the lodge, said that he knew Bro. McLeod was an old family friend, and that was the reason why some years ago he had sought information from Bro. McLeod regarding joining the Manchester Unity Order. The annual balance sheet was presented to the members and showed all funds to be in a healthy condition, although the lodge, like many others, was feeling the stress of the times. Bros. Dean, Diggle, Edwards and McMillan were' appointed delegates to the annual conference. Bro.°Davidson. a visitor from Tasmania, was given a hearty welcome, and lie expressed his great pleasure at being once again able to visit this beautiful country after an absence of five years. He confessed he had a great love for New Zealand and its scenery. Ho was also pleased to visit the lodges around Auckland and see the progress they had made. He conveyed fraternal greetings from Tasmania, New South Wales and Perth, West Australia. Some discussion having arisen about the ballot box, Bro. Goldwater offered to present a new one, for which he was thanked. Tt was resolved that next lodge night should take the ferm of a farewell social to Bro. J. McLeod, P.G.M. and district secretary, who is leaving for London to take part in the great M.XJ. conference to be held in the Albert Hall at Whitsuntide. It is expected that many matters of importance will be discussed for the first time with the co-operation of brethren from the overseas lodges.