FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 184, 5 August 1936, Page 19

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

ANNIVERSARIES.

DISTRICT FUNCTIONS.

REBEKAH AND JUVENILE ACTIVITIES.

(By SCRIBE.)

The recent provision of bowls trophies by Alberta Lodge No. 53, 1.0.0. F., N.Z., for competition among the members has proved a very popular innovation. The trophies or badges consist of two tastefully designed buttons worn by each of the winners in a pairs tournament held recently in the lodge room. The tournament consisted of a series of knock-out games of seven heads between the various teams entering the tourney. The first wearers of the badges were Brothers A. Menzies, V.G., and W. E. Smit-liyman, P.G. Subsequent to the first series the games to decide the final holders for the time being must consist of . eleven heads, further head or heads to 'be played if the result of the first eleven prove inconclusive. The present holders who challenged the brothers mentioned above put up a great fight against, a strong opposition. It was a "ding dong" affair from start to finish and lasted until the twelfth head closed with the winners just two points ahead. Brothers Griffiths, P.G., and W. McCombie, jun., P.G., were the winners and are requh'ed 'by the rules to wear the badges. on all thenlawful occasions in the order for 14 dayc and until beaten by a better team of their fellow members. The Morningside Lodge has been passing through a very critical time of late years, but have now commenced to make the up grade again. Bowling will have to give place to initiations in the future and there are signs not wanting that a further era of extended usefulness is 011 the way —a tribute to and a reward for the faithful work carried 'along through the depression period 'by the stalwarts who "could wait and not be tired by waiting."

The annual ball of the Koa Eebekah and Northern Star 1.0.0. F. combined lodges was held 011 Thursday evening in the A. and P. Hall, Kaitaia. This has come to be recognised as the leading function of the dancing season in the neighbourhood, and always attracts a large crowd. _ The hall had been prettily decoratecl and the scene was a very pay one. The floor duties were under the able control of Bros. H. Thompson and A. Rae, whilst the music for the dancing was supplied by Cliristensen's orchestra. Extras were contributed by Mrs. H. A. Bagley, Jlisses W. Bastard, F. Petersen and M. Switzer.- Special lighting effects had been arranged, whilst the path to the adjoining Parish Hall (where supper was set)' Was also brightly illuminated. The Koa listers maintained their reputation for providing a high standard of catering; and the supper was thoroughly .enjoyed The large number of friends and visitors present all spent a very happy evening.

The Star_ of Newmarket Lodge, U.A.0.D., met in the Council Chambers lodge room on Wednesday evening, tlio arch druid, Bro. J. Polkinghorne, presiding over a good attendance. The visitors included Bro. Judson, from Christchurch arid Bro. Ashforth (Light of Manukau). Quite a lot of business came up for discussion, one letter from the Medical Institute creating a deal of interest. An invitation from the Light of Manukau Lodge, for a representative to attend their ladies' night on August 10, resulted .in the junior past arch, Bro. Hill, being appointed. The district president gave a report on the meeting of the Druids' hospital committee, for which he was thanked. At the close of the business supper was served and the lodge went into harmony, a very enjoyable time being spent.

The tenth anniversary celebrations of the Loyal Kereone Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., were held on Thursday evening in the Kereone Hall. About 150 visitors gathered to enjoy the social and dance, representatives being present from Morrinsville. Tauwhare, Te Puninga, Waitoa and Te Aroha lodges. A special welcome was given t« Bro. and Sister Norman, the founders of the lodge, who are now living at Papakura and who made a special trip to be present. Bro. Norman gave a short address and congratulated the members upon the good progress the lodge is making. Later on Bro. Norman cut the handsome birthday cake. Ten other foundation members were present and received a warm ovation. The group" officer, Bro. R. T. Scott, P.D.G.M. (Morrinsville), gaye the congratulations arid best wishes of the Auckland district officers arid saicl that Kereone was the only lodge to have its own lodge room, entirely free from debt. Music for the dancing was supplied by the Loyal Morrinsville Lodge orchestra, a combination which is always popular owing to its splendid rhythm and time. The anniversary celebrations were a great success.

Maungarei Rebekah Lodge, No. 06, was opened by the Noble Grand Sister Higgins, in the presence of a good attendance of members. Business was quickly and efficiently dealt with. After the lodge had closed, several articles donated by the sisters were sold to help the funds of the lodge. The serving of supper brought a happy evening to a close.

The youthful Enterprise Juvenile Temple, 1.0. G.T., met 011 Thursday evening, a good attendance being presided over by the Chief Templar, Brother A. Simmonds. One new member was initiated and welcomed. The chief business of the evening was the election of officers for the new term, this resulting as follows: —P.G.T., Brother A. Simmonds; Chief Templar, Sister D. Grant; vice-Templar, Brother E. Harvey; secretary, Sister M. Spence; assistant secretary, Sister J. Wilson; chaplain, Sister G. Pace; treasurer, Sister I. Evans; financial secretary, Sister P. Hanna; marshal, Sister. E. Garner; deputy-marshal. Brother JV Brown; guard, Sister B. Wells; sentinel, Sister P. Spence. The evening concluded with a mock court, conducted by the G.S.J.W., assisted by Brother E. Cliadderton (Roskill) and Sister Eraser.

The Harmony Rebekah Lodge held a very successful social and dance in the Victoria Hall, Birkenhead, 011 Wednesday evening at the close of their usual business meeting. Mrs. Benfcll (piano) and Mr. Bishop (violin) supplied the dance music, whilst Brother S.- Pugh made an efficient master of ceremonies. The Monte Carlo was won by Miss D. Clowes and partner. As usual the sisters added to the success of the evening by serving a dainty supper.

Bro. H. 0. Massey, N.G., opened Epsom Lodge, No. 88, before a good attendance of members. A good deal of business came up for discussion and was efficiently dealt with. The N.G. and officers of the Star of Otaliuliu Lodge, 1.0.0. F., were admitted and cordially welcomed. When the business session had concluded the bowling mats were laid and a challenge match played against the visitors for the Hilda Cup. Some keen and exciting play was witnessed, Otahuliu finally winning by a fair margin. Refreshments were welcomed and brought an enjoyable evening to a close.

The ladies' lodge at Morningside—the Clematis Rebekah Lodge No. 82, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows — continues to make steady progress, and under the guidance of the sitting noble grand. Sister D. Watt, and her verv efficient staff of officers, with the various committees functioning in their many activities, solid progress is being made. Several new membera have been initiated this term, and the team of officers was very eulogistically commented upon at a recent function, when in the presence of many of the senior officers in the district the initiation ceremony was carried out, the officers being attired in their, new robes, which lent colour and life to a very impressive function. Three brothers received the Rebekah degree at the last session of this lodge. Their names will be well known to everyone engaged in friendly society work, and their, elevation to this degree will materially assist them in their very useful work and duties, which they have been unassumingly but very capably carrying 011 for so many years. The brothers who were thus received into the Rebekah degree were T. W. Attwood, P.G., district secretary and secretary hospital district fund; W. 11. McCombie, P.G. and secretary of the Auckland United Friendly Societies' medical institute and dispensary, and R. W. Campbell, N.G. of Alberta Lodge, No. 53. There was a representative gathering of the members of the Rebekah degree. The grand master, Bro. A. J. Guy, who had specially reserved this evening was at the last moment, under the orders of his medical man, confined to the house. The D.D.G.M., Bro. G. Arnott, was present being accompanied by the grand marshal of the Grand Lodge and 1.P.D.D.G.M.. The ladies were represented by Sisters L. Newbold, 1.P.L.D.D.G.M., and M. Tailby. P.L.D.D.G.M., in addition to other P.N. grands. As was to be expected, the early proceeding,s were of a very formal nature and the fancy dress dance with which the evening terminated made a pleasant contrast and was, 011 the whole* a fitting conclusion to a most successful evening.

A ' largely attended meeting of the Loyal Te Aroha Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., was held 011 Monday evening, the Noble Grand, Brother H. Burt, presiding. About

100 visitors were welcomccl from Loyal Morrinsville, Ponsonby, Papakura, Te Awamutu aricl Ivereore Lodges. Ten new members were initiated' and welcomed with the honours of the order. After busines was concluded more visitors and friends were admitted, including 1 members of the local Foresters' and Druids' lodges. About 150 were then present to enjoy a social and dance. Music was supplied by Mr. A. Dangan, with extras from Brother Cottrell. Brother Bates acted as master of ceremonies. Items were interspersed between the dances, those contributing to a very line programme including Sisters Burt and Hair (piano duet), Brother T. Moore (elocution and mouth organ), Brother AV. Moore (sketching), Sister M. Brenan (songs) and Brothers A. Douglas, J. Rushbrook, and G. Jackson (humorous sketch). During the supper interval Brother W. Scott, group officer, presented Brother Bates with a gold bar in recognition of his fine achievement of introducing 80 new members, and said he hoped Brother Bates would win the gold medal for the 100 new members. Brother Bates suitably responded. The evening proved a great success.

The Enterprise Lodge, 1.0. G.T., met on Thursday evening, a good attendance being presided over by the chief templar, Sister Eileen Pace. An official visit was received from representatives' of sister lodges, who were welcomed with due. ceremony. Bro. E. Chadderton, P.C.T., Pride of Roskill Lodge, was invited to conduct the remainder of the meeting. When the business was concluded a social hour was spent, concluding with supper.