FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 65, 17 March 1934, Page 13

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

THE DISPENSARY. ODDFELLOWS ACTIVE. ARIES AMD GATHERINGS. The annual meeting of the Auckland United Friendly Societies' Dispensary was held at the headquarters' address at 199, Karangaliape Road, when there was a good muster of delegates. The report for 1933 showed a surplus of £97—an improvement over the previous year. Revenue had declined hy approximately 10 per cent, but considerable savings had been effected, -which more than counterbalanced that reduction- Memberehip indicated a small decrease but prescriptions had increased, totalling 30,366. The mortgage on the property at headquarters has been reduced, imd the considerablfe reserve m the bank proves that the affairs of the dispensary arein capable hands. The auditors' report commented very favourably upon the financial position. ■ The staff and officers are to be congratulated on the result of the year's operations, and tne confidence of the general comimttee was expressed in the re-election of the officers and board for the coming year.J. hh e are as follow:—President, Bro. W. G. Caddy; vice-president, Bro. J. K Allan, immediate past president, Bro. H. A. a. White; secretary, Bro. W. H. McCombie; treasurer, Bro. H. B. Halstead; boar o management, Bros. F. Flanagan, J. A. Govan, R. S. Gray, W. Kane, E. S. Laing, J. T. Rutledge, S. Takle, and Walter C. McCombie. It was decided to retain the present assessment, and to declare a dividend of 2J per cent on the present capital value. During the evening a letter of sympathy was instructed to be forwarded to Bro. F. Armiger, who is.at present in liospital.

The Light of Manukau Lodge, U.A.0.D., met in the lodge room, Orey Street, Onehunga, on Wednesday evening, the A.D., Bro. Tolladay, presiding over a large attendance of brothers. One new member received his initiation into the mystic rites of Druidism, the officers afterwards being congratulated upon their excellent ritual work.- I The secretary announced that Bro. Whitehea leading for the gold medal in the membership campaign. When the business was concluded, the brethren + ? pn their usual refreshments, and then settled down to some good games bowls.

The usual fortnightly meeting of Court Victoria, No. 6G99 A.0.F., was held last Tuesday, C.B. Bro. Thornton presiding over a very gpod ,attendan of sisters and brothers. Sever p ant matters were discussed, but tne most interesting item was the ceremony performed by the o , Court Maid Marian, the Ivies' court which recently won the Ritual co p conducted by the Auckland district The performance of the sisters was ject of much enthusiastic eomnie , shows what an impressive ce be conducted when officers have suffi cient enthusiasm to memorise their respective parts. The ev 8 brought to a close with supper dancing.

The Temple of the Kings, 1.0. G.T., met on Monday evening, the V.T. presiding, in the absence of the C.T. A surprise visit was received from the G.S.G.W., who was welcomed with duo ceremony. When the routine business had been completed, the G.S.G.W. gave an instructive address to the members, who listened very attentively. Several of the juveniles gave items, and the whole meeting proved very enjoyable.

The Star of Melrose Lodge, No. 2, 1.0.0. F., met on Tuesday last, Bro. S. Edwards, ST.G., being the presiding officer. Two new members were proposed for initiation at the next meeting. The routine business was soon dealt with, and the members afterwards spent a happy time dancing to the music supplied by Sister P. Charlton. A very tasty supper was served under the direction of Sister J. Santo, Sister Chambers and Bro. Pritchard.

Court Pride of Kaukapakapa, A.0.F., had a very good attendance at its meeting on quarter night, one of the chief attractions being the presentation of trophies won during the past indoor bowling season. The handicap singles were won by Bro. F. Scurrah., with Bro R. G. Shanks as runner-up. Bros. A. J. Dye and C. L. Shanks took the handicap pairs. A great deal of the success of the past season was due to the hard work put in by the bowling committee, consisting of Bros. T. W. Shanks, Len Drinnan, and F. Scurrah. The coming season is being eagerly anticipated, and [some splendid times are expected.

The Noble Grand, Bro. E. T. Smith, presided over a good attendance of members and visitors th ® meetmg of the Star of Auckland Lodge, No. 26, 1.0.0.r., on Thursday last. The lodge was honoured with an official visit from Bro W Bond, Chief Patriarch, and the officers and members of the Waitemata encampment, who were received and welcomed with due ceremony. The prolamine committee presented a very attractive syllabus, which was approved and adopted by the members. Fraternal Greetings were received and reciprocated from the Waitemata encampment and various subordinated lodges. At the conclusion of the meeting a challenge bowling match was played between the official visitors of the encampment and the home team, honours being even at the finish of tlie games.

It was a wild and stormy night when Alberta Lodge, 1.0.0. F., chose to inaugurate their seasonal series of caid evenings. The evening of March 1 blew in cold, wet and wintry, but the stalwarts of the lodge braved the elements and spent an enjoyable evening. Bro. M. Dodd, V.G., acted as iiost m the unavoidable absence of the N.G., and the arrangehents for the event, m the hands of Bro. V. Kingdon, social secretary, ran like a piece of well-oiled machinery. The evening was financially successful,] but honesty compels us to admit—the margin was very small. This new departure by the Morningside Lodge is not for any selfish reason or objective. Th. children's Christmas tree Mon the first "iven by the lodge in 1933, was an unqualified success, which it is « ten £ to repeat again this year. But m oraer to do away with the almost inevitable j <renerallv unwelcome art union, whLh Provided funds in the past, it has to r.i« U.ffi finances by means of card meninges, Sances, concerts and other social functions.

The Soldiers' Hall, Kaikolie, was tlie sceno on Thursday last of tlie local Oddfellows' dance. Over 70 couples were on the floor. Bro. F. Carr made an efficient M.C. The Monte Carlo foxtrot was won by Miss Dear and Mr. J. Hux table, and the .spot fox-trot by Mrs. Hammond and partner.

The Youthful Enterprise Juvenile Temple, 1.0. G.T., met on Thursday evening, the C.T., Sister Gladys Pace, being in the chair. The business, which was of a light .nature, was quickly dealt, with, and the young people then spent a pleasant time under the leadership of the assistant superintendent, Sister Mrs. Henrichsen, with riddles and jokes.

The Epsom Lodge, No. 88, 1.0.0. F., had a large attendance at its meeting on Tuesday evening, Bro. N. Whitmore, V.G., presiding in the absence of Bro. Powley, N.G., who was reported to be gaining strength again after his recent operation. The social committee reported that the combined Maungarei Rebekali and Epsom Lodge socials .were still largely attended and very, popular. Much of the success is. due to Bro. Pratt, the able M.C., and his music, supplied by the electric San Toy machine* The balance-sheet o£ the lodge showed the lodge to be still holding its own, although no extravagance can yet be allowed. The new officers for the forthcoming term will be: — N.G., Bro. N. Whitmore; V.G., Bro. F. Tattersall. Bros. Bond, Patrick and Whale, P.G.'s, will again occupy the positions of financial secretary, recording secretary and treasurer respectively. Arrangements Ave re made for the senior installing team to officiate at the Star of Melrose Lodge installation, whilst the Star of Eden will supply the installing team for Epsom. On Wednesday last the degree team journeyed to Otahuhu and conferred three degrees, Bro. Coop, degree master, being complimented upon the splendid ritual work of his team.

Myrtle Rebekali Lodge, No. 4, 1.0.0-I*. now being 38 years old, they celebrated It with a party to which- all old members and representatives' of fellow lodges were invited. The sisters were very pleased to welcome Sister Patterson, who is the oldest member, and who had with her three generations, all members of the order. It was very pleasing-, too, to see such old friends of the lodge as Sisters Homer and Fell, and to know that they still take a keen interest, although not always able to attend During the _ evening birthday greetings were received from Sister Boles, L.D.D.G.M., and Sisters Newbold and Tailby, P.L.D.D.G.M.'s, who each spoke a few words of congratulation and hopes for the future. The N.G., Sister McLeod, welcomed the representatives of the following lodges, who entered officially Haeata, Lily of Eden, Mizpah, Maungarei, Star of Auckland, Wynyard, Westmere, also Sister Thomson, of Bangi Lodge, and Bro Harrop, of Towson, No. 80, Maryland, U.S.A. After the meeting a very happy_ time was spent in dancing, games and items. A beautiful birthday cake graced the centre of the table (which had been tastefully decorated), and Sister Patterson, the first member, had the honour of lighting the 38 candles and cutting the first slice of cake. The N.G., Sister McLeod, distributed the cake, and the sisters and guests all pronounced both the cake and the party a huge success, and many thanks were due to the artists and organisers.

The Noble Grand, Sister E. Higgins, presided over a good attendance of members at tlie meeting of the Maungarei Kebekah Lodge, No. 00, 1.0.0. F., on Monday last, nwl the routine business was quickly dealt with. This being the fifth anniversary celebration, congratulations and fraternal greetings were conveyed and reciprocated on behalf of the various lodges of the district. At the close of the business a social and dance was held. Quite a good number of friends came in to enjoy the evening. Among those in attendance were Sister L. Boles, L.D.D.G.M., and Sister Newbold, P.L.D.D.G.M., and Bro. J. Arnott, D.D.G.M. elect. A very nice birthday cake was presented by Sister 10. Whitmore, P.N.G., to the N.G. and members. During the preparation of supper, vocal items were rendered, Mr. Carpenter being the accompanist. Sister Boles, L.D.D.G.M., spoke briefly, offering her personal congratulations, and also those of the district, upon the passing of another milestone in the history of the lodge, and wished them every success in the future. Sister Higgins, N.G., responded, and then cut the birthday cake. Dancing and cards were then enjoyed until a late hour, the danco music being supplied by Bro. Pratt's large electrical gramophone, with extras by Sister G. Kelly.