ODDFELLOWSHIP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 20, 5 June 1939, Page 7

ODDFELLOWSHIP

THE INDEPENDENT ORDER

VISITORS FROM ROTORUA

At the regular fortnightly meeting of the Centenary Lodge, held in the Masonic Hall on Monday, May 291h, I the Noble Grand. Bro F. Brown, pies.'ded over a large gathering of Oddfellows., The usual business having been completed the Lodge went in, to recess to await a party of visiting brothers from Rotorua. They arrived soon after S p.m. and included the Noble Grand and Vice Grand of the Geyser Lodge, two Past District Deputy Grand Masters of the Rotorua district and jive Past Grands. The Taneatua and O-potiki Lodges were represented by Bro C. Wylde P. I>. D G.M. and Grand Lodge representative for the Bay of Plenty, and the Star of Ngongotaha Lodge by Bro W. Coulter P.D.D.G.M.

When lodge reopened the visiting Noble Grand Bro J. Ellis, asked Bro W. Rixon O. D. G. M. to present a Past Grand's certificate to Bro. 11. Kingon on behalf of the brothers of the Geyser Lodge. Bro Kingon has lately joined the Centenary Lodge after having lived for many years in Rotorua. Bro said he was delighted to be asked to perform such a duty, as he, with all the locaj brothers had quickly recognised in Bro Kingon a keen Oddfellow and a real acquisition to the Lodge. Bro F. Oldham, P.D.D.G.M. of the Rotorua district then presented him with a jewel for services rendered to the Geyser Lodge amid much applause. Bro Kingon returned thanks in a very fine speech, emphasising, among other things, the strength of the spirit of Oddfellowship in the two districts. He came to Whakatane alone as a stranger in a strange town and in no time he had found himself in a wide 1 circle of friends who had shown him jnuch kindness and given him considerable assistance in the start of his business. He resumed his seat amid prolonged applause and Bro A. Queenen P.D.D.G.M, of the Rotorua District rose and endorsed Bro Oldham's remarks. The N.G. Bro F. Brown congratulated Bro Kingon on behalf of the Centenary Lodge and endorsed al! the eulogies of the previous speakers. The fraternal greetings given by the representatives of the visiting Lodges were reciprocated by the N..0 ! and the lodge was then closed. The supper was such that by the time was consumed it was found to be too ! late to play bowls; but the members of the Geyser Lodge all agreed that a challenge match would have to be arranged when the evenings were warmer. TANEATUA VISIT On Monday, May 22nd eight brothers from the Centenary Lodge accompanied Bro W. Rixon D.D.-G.M. to Taneatua for- the purpose of install, ing in their respective chairs the officers of that Lodge for the new term. Another most enjoyable evening was held, the small Oddfellow's hall being particularly cosy in, the winter for these evening gatherings The last remaining lodge function this district for this term is now thd institution of the new Star of Te Puke Lodge and the installation, of its officei", which is to be held quite shortly. This ought to be the biggest meeting of Oddfellows in the district for many years, as representatives from Lodges throughout the Bay of Plenty. Rotorua and Waikato districts have been invited. It is confidently expected to be a, grand finale to the run of ritualistic ceremoni.il and social visits tha/t the 1.0.0. F. of this district have lately enjoyed.