PONSONBY LODGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 274, 18 November 1936, Page 10

PONSONBY LODGE.

GOLDEN I JUBILEE. MEMORIES AND TRIBUTES. ESTABLISHED FIFTY YEARS. With the offering of many toasts, memories and congratulations, the Ponsonby Lodge, No. 17> United Ancient Order of Druids, happily celebrated its golden jubilee with a social gathering in the Druids' Hall last night. More than 250 took part, and Bro. W. Blomfield, P.G.P., the only living foundation member, presided. In a souvenir booklet specially prepared for the occasion Mr. Blomfield reviewed the 50 years' history of the lodge, from its opening on November 17, ISS6, to its. present proud position as one of the largest friendly society lodges in New Zealand. In his opening address the chairman enlarged upon this review with entertaining stories of tl£ earliest days of the lodge and of the difficulties and incidents through which it passed in the course of its development. Bro. P. Mackie, P.A., P.S., in offering further reminiscences, wrote: "To the present generation, who by virtue of the world's commercial outlook are apt to judge most things from that viewpoint, the true spirit of brotherhood that prompted the actions of the charter members and those who assisted in the earlier years may be difficult to understand, and while one would not for a moment suggest that brotherly kindness and actions are not still part of our creed, it is certain that the> spirit of brotherhood and harmony was the great incentive that- led to the foundation of the Ponsonby Lodge, which was destined to become, as it at present is, one of the leading lodges in the Order." It seemed that it was in this spirit of brotherhood and harmony that the jubilee of tho lodge was celebrated. "I am 70 years of age," said the chairman,, "and I have been 50 years in the 'game,' but I have waited for this night, and I don't care what happens afterwards." Congratulations to the lodge from kindred societies, tributes to past and present executive members and to the spirit of the lodge as a whole flowed freely.

Happy little speeches were made with the honouring of toasts. "The King" was proposed by the chairman; "The Grand Lodge of the North Island" by Bro. F. H. Jackson, P.A., and replied to by Bro. W. J. Gregory, G.P., and Bro. J. Laughton, G.S.; "Ponsonby Lodge," by Bro. Gregory, with a reply by Bro. S. V. Thomas, J*J).P., : P.T;.;'\ "Kindred Societies," P.. 'Mackie,. P.A., P.S., replied.:to'by representatives of the Rechabite, Hibernian, Oddfellow and Manchester, /-Unity Orders,. and ' the Friendly Societies'" Conference; 'Visiting Brethren," by Bro. W. R. Horton, P.A., with a response by Bro. A. Williams, G.V.P.' The celebrations will be continued next Tuesday, when a ladies' night will be held.