FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 307, 28 December 1934, Page 15

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

XMAS PARTIES.

PROGRESS OF THE LODGES.

end-of-yeab meetings

The Morning-side brandies of tlie T.0.0.F. being the Alberta and Clematis Itebekah Lodges held their joint Christinas party 011 December 10. There have been many functions of these lodges during the past twelve months and they have nil been successful, but tiio event which closed the year was the best. Seventy children and as many adults assembled, and everyone, young i.nd old, had a glorious time. Sister X. Less presided at tlie piano, Miss Gribble's pupils presented some ballet dancing, Mr. R. Matthews delighted all by his conjuring tricks, Miss White recited, Brother L. Pye and tlie Noble Grand of Alberta Lodge conducted the games. An energetic ladicis' committee assisted in the refreshment department. The Grand Lo<lge officers looked in to watch the fun during the evening. .The ceremony of presenting tlie gifts was carried out by a Father Christmas who desires to remain annonymous and many attempts to discover his identity were quite unsuccessfully made during the session. The presents, which had been well chosen by the ladies' committee, were presented to each child and gave great satisfaction.

The Star of Newmarket Lodge, U.A.0.D., met in the Council Chambers, Bro. Dreaver, A.D., being the presiding oflicer. Being the final meeting of the year a good crowd of members and visitors assembled. The business was soon dealt with, and the members proceeded to enjoy themselves in lighter vein. During the evening, the Grand Guardian, Bio. W. Gregory, was asked to make a presentation to P.A. Bro. Munro, of a Past Arch collar and diploma, the recipient suitably responding. The members then went into harmony and Christmas cheer was enjoyed. P.A. Bro. Lowry presided over this session, and a good programme was presented, several of the visitors contributing acceptable items.

The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Dominion Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., was held on Tuesday week, the noble grand, Sister Stubbing, presiding over a good attendance of members avd visitors. One member was initiated and welcomed, an address on the duties of Oddfellowship being given by the district secretary, Bro. J. McLeod, P.G.M. After the business session, the doors were opened to admit visitors, who were privileged to witness the installation of officers for the new term. The chief officers are now: N.G., Sister May; V.G., Bro. Jelland; elective secretary, Bro. A. Smith; warden, Sister Morgan; 1.P.N.G., Sister Stubbing. The high standard of the talent presented by the Harvey concert party made the social side of the evening a great success. Solos were given by Mr. Stewart Harvey and Miss MerleHarvey, whilst Mr. Jacob provided humorous items. The evening concluded with supper and dancing.

Sister Coral Kelly, N.G., opened the usual session of Maungarei Rebekah Lodge, No. (10, 1.0.0. F., before a good attendance of members. One new member received initiation, the ceremony being performed in a manner which reflected great credit upon the sitting officers. The remainder of the business was efficiently dealt with, and the N.G. extended to all officers and members her best wishes for the festive season and for prosperity in the New Year. Bro. G. R. Arnott, D.D.G.M., in a few well-chosen remarks, congratulated the lodge upon its continued progress, and extended greetings on behalf of the district lodge and himself. Supper brought a very enjoyable evening a close.

The Enterprise Lodge, 1.0. G.T., ]ia<l a very large number at its meeting on Thursday evening, wh'cn the usual Christmas entertainment was given to tlie members of the youthful Enterprise Temple. Sister G. Barnctt, C.T., briefly welcomed the young people, and then a happy time was spent with games, etc. Two little plays were given by the children, an<l Miss Gladys Barton very kindly sang. Mrs. Eraser ably accompanied for the games and Mrs. Marshall played for Miss Burton. Ice cream, soft drinks, paper hats, masks and comic faces, balloons, fans, squeakers md supper were all served out at intervals. During the evening some fancy goods were sold on behalf of the juvenile funds. In connection with these prizes" were offered for articles made by the children, and these were distributed. A number of those present were in fancy dress and prizes for the best were won by Sister Mary Coon (1). Joyce*Willcy (2) and Bros. Victor Wallis (1) and O. Hewitt (2). A welcome visitor during the even in was Bro. W. J. Jordan, m7p., who told the children that he first learned to speak in public at a Good Templar lodge meeting. Bro. T. Moore, D.C.T., briefly spoke, and conveyed the season's greetings. A very nice Christmas cake presented by Sister E. Cant was cut by the Juvenile C.T., Bro. Allan Baker, and then distributed. The members all spent a very happv time, and the children went home tired but satisfied.

There was a large attendance of Oddfellows from the Bay of Plenty and Upper Thames districts at the combined installation of officers of tlie Loyal lauranga. Whakatane and Otakiri lodges, which took place in the Coronation Ilall, Tauranga, on Friday evening. The installing oflicer was the D.G.M.. Bro. J. L. Allen, who was assisted by the P.D.G31., Bro. 1?. T. Scott, of Morririsville, aiul group officers Bros. Stanley, P.G., Matamata, Stembridge, P.G., Netlierton, and C. Tonkin, P.G.. Tauranga. The following were the chief officers installed: | Tauranga: X.0., Bro. L. K. Gain mart; 1 Y.G.. Bro. K. C. Hammond; IC.S.. Bro. J. McGlone. * Whakatane: N.G., Bro. If., Qua vie; V.G.. Bro. H. Litchwork. Otakiiii: N.G., Bro. C. Simkel; V.G.. Bro. D. Plavle; K.S.. Bro! V. Marx. During the evening addresses were given by Bros. Allen. Scott. Stembridge, Stanley and W. J. White. P.P.G.M. Bro. C. Ton-' kin P.G.. made special reference to the' work of P.G. Bro. A. W. Carswell.j through whose energy and enthusiasm the Tauranga Lodge was formed and Oddfellowship advanced generally throughout the Bay. Lodge closed at 10.30, and after supper had been served a very enjoyable dance was held. Aftei the lodge had closed, the Past Grands of Lodge Tauranga- met in tlie Foresters' Hall, when nine members of TYhakatane and Otakiri Lodges, one from Netlierton, one from Ivatikati and one. fiom ranga all took their various oast officers' decrees.

The Light of Manukau Lodge, U.A.0.D., held its annual Christmas tree for the members' children on Thursday evening, a crowded attendance of young people, with their parents, being recorded. Bro. G. Rose, A.D., acted as master of ceremonies and kept the fun moving all the time. The stage was set to represent a room with a large open fireplace, Father Christmas appearing down the chimney in approved style. He first shook hands with .the principal fairy, Miss D. Wells, who introduced him to her dancing sprites, the Misses Thompson. Accompanied by these and three clowns (Bros. W. Wells, Whitehead and 11. Wells), Santa toured the hall to give the waiting children a close view of him. He thanked the lodge ; members for giving him such a good sum of money to help with the gifts. As each child was presented and received ' a present, they also had given to them • lollies, ice cream and a cap. The i parents had light refreshments served , by willing volunteer members, who well i earned the thanks of the lodge. A splendid entertainment was given, Mr. Norman Tate, the fun doctor, delighting the children with his acts, whilst Mr. Alan Mathews had them all mystified with his cleve.r conjuring. Instrumental duets by Master R. and Miss J. Wilkes ' were much enjoyed, as was also the dancing of the fairies. The juvenile artists received a box of chocolates each from Bro. H. Wells, who thanked them for their services. The fireplace and chimney were arranged by Mrs. and Bro. 11. Robinson and Bro. B. Wells, timber being kindly lent by Bro. Herk. The whole evening proved a great success, i thanks to the many willing helpers.