ORDER OF DRUIDS.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17702, 2 March 1923, Page 9

ORDER OF DRUIDS.

ANNUAL MEETING OF GRAND LODGE. The thirty-third annual meeting or. the Grand Lodge of Canterbury was opened yesterday morning in the liidgely Hall". The' Grand President, Brother I>. Marshall, presided, and was supported by Brother J. 11. Kcstall, J.P.G.P., Brother J. Burgess, G.S., Brother J. Jowsey, G.T.; Brother E. Cameron. Grand' Vice-President: Brother J..W. 11. Francis, G.G. Brother V. George, P.G.P., was appointed minute secretary. The following representatives were present: —Pioneer Lodge No. I—Brothers 11. E. .Smith, P.G.P.; W. J. Neate, P.G.P.; C. I. Barnes. P.D.P. Hone of St. Albans No. 2 W. G. McKenzie, P.D.P.; B. E. Hamilton, P.A. Mistletoe No. 3 F. E. Talbot, P.G.P.; F. W. Hughes, P.A.; J. McLay. P.A. Ethelbert No. ■i— P. V. Bailey, P.D.P. Star of Anglesea No. 6—TV. Bartram, P.G.P. Perseverance No. 7—G. Warburton, P.D.P.; D. J. Smith, P.A. Hope of Amberley No. B—W. Dwan, P.D.P. Anchor No. O—A. H. Jarvis, P.D.P.; W. J. Knighton, P.A.; ,T. C. Hobson, P.D.P. Ohoka No. 10—P. Pcaree, P.D.P. Timaru No. 11— R. W. Simpson, P.G.P.; J. T. Collins, P.D.P.; E. J. Kirk, P.A. Trafalgar No. 12— W. 11. Stark, P.A. Ivy of Linwood No. I_T. W. Burgess, P.A,: G. Bates, P.G.P.; E. Hoppy, P.D.P. Star of Ashburton No. 14— E. Parkin, P.A.; F. H. Steel, P.D.P.; P. O'Connor, P.D.P. Oak of Svdonham No. 15— J. Fisher, P.G.P.; V. Philpott, P.D.P.; J. 11. Wear, P.A. Old Oak No. 10'—James Simpson, P.S. Ellesmere No. 17— H. Quartermaino, P.D.P. Olive Brunch No. 18— J. J. Keane, P.D.P. Lily of Eichmond No. 20— F. Thorpe, P.D.P.; E, 11. Parker, P.D.P. Ivy No. 21— W. G. Eussell, P.D.P.; E, W. Hutt, P.D.P. Success of Ashburton No. 22—Sister E. Crum, P.A. Bud of Hope No. 23—C. E, Thwaites, P.D.P. Queen of tho Oak No. 21 —Sister Furneaux, P.A. Lily of Temuka No. 25 H. Pring, D.P. Senior' Trustee —T. J. Gledhill. Visitors representing the North Island Grand Lodge, Brother W. LeeMartin, Grand President, and the Otago and Southland Grand Lodge, Brother T. Walsh, Grand President, were welcomed with Druidic honours, to the meeting. The Grand President, in welcoming the worthy representatives from the sister Grand Lodges, trusted they would have a pleasant and profitable time in the Garden City, and said that the Canterbury Grand Lodge considered it a very great honour to have such distinguished visitors present during the deliberations. President's Address. The Grand President, in the course of his address to the representatives, said that the year had not been a very strenuous one as far as tho administration had been concerned. It was a matter for congratulation that steady advances had been made both in membership and finance. The most pleasing feature of the year's work had been the opening of a new lodge at Temuka, and the excellent start made there gave heart for further fields of conquest. On behalf of the Grand Lodge, ho had pleasure in cordially welcoming the representatives of the Lily of Temuka Lodge, and in thanking those brothers, particularly of the Temuka Lodge, who were instrumental in bringing to a successful issue such a pleasing result. Tho transfer of engagements of the Lyttelton Hearts of Oak were registered during, the year, and the absorption of, that lodge by the Ivy of Linwood removed a very great source of worry and unpleasantness. From all accounts matters were now progressing most satisfactorily. " . ""The finances of the Order in Canterbury are excellent, and a matter for congratulation, showing good work on the part of the financial officers of the Grand Lodgo and subordinate lodges," added the president. "The increase in the Grand Lodge funds of £1489 Is is a record. The total funds of the Order in Canterbury iB now £81J177 19s 2d, an increase of £4511 5s 7d for the year, a result which must be considered most satisfactory in every way. Tho membership shows also a very substantial increase, the net gain for the year being ninetythree. The Grand Lodge Incidental Fund has again turned the corner, and you will note there is. now a small credit balance in this fund." The Grand President was thanked for his address, and it was ordered to be printed in the transactions of tho Grand Lodge. Board of Management's Report.' The report of the Board of Management congratulated the representatives on the advance in financo and membership made during the year. The details regarding the' membership were as follows: — Number of financial members beginning of year 2843 Initiated . • 233 Made good .. •. 78 Joined by clearance and amalgamation .'. .73 3217 Members returned unfinuncial .. .. 170 Eesigned .. ■ • 1" Left by clearance and transfer .. 72 Died .. ..., 27 281 2936 : Increase for the year .. 93 The Timaru Lodge was the successful competitor for the Competition Shield with a gross increase of 24, which, on the basis of the competition, counted 12. The efforts of the following lodges were particularly noteworthy:—Success of Ashburton, 8; Star of Anglesea, 6; Mistletoe, 11; Star of Ashburton, 10; Ivy of Linwood, 8; Oak of Sydenham, 7. A much livelier interest was evinced in the competition during the past year, and it was hoped that still greater efforts would be made in 1923. Lodge funds had increased during the year by £3022 4s 7d, the figures on January Ist, 1922, being £58,709 9s 3d, and at December Ist, £61,731 13s lOd. Lodges paid out in sick pay £3659 7s od, £212 12s 5d more than the previous year, and in doctors' chemists', and hospital fees £4227 3s 4d, being £l5B Is 4d more than last year. The Grand Lodge Funeral Fund increased by £llls 4s 4d, i.e., i from £16,748 lis 5d to £17,863 15s 9d, a record increase. Interest rej eeived was £1054 5s Sd, an increase of £lB9 16s 2d. Funeral allowances ; paid out totalled £S7O. The total j funds of the Order in Canterbury- now | stood at £81,177 19s 2d. The superI annuation fund now stood at £714 17s j 2d, an increase of £143 15s Sd. There | were now 119 participants. Allow- ! ances totalling £1290 were paid out i on account of the National Provident Fund, representing 216 claims. Matters relative to the Lyttelton Hearts of Oak Lodge had now assumed normal with the admission of these members by a transfer of engagements to tho Ivy of Linwood Lodge. At the time of the change over the sum of £B9 17s Id was transferred. The special fund now stood at £126 12s, an increase of £36 14s lid. The administration of the affairs by the Ivy of Linwood Lodge appeared to be giving general satisfaction. Through the efforts of the Timaru brothers a how lodge was opened at Temuka on June Bth, 1922, called the Lily of Temnka Lodge. In the November returns thirty-four members were shown. The opening of a new lodge under such favourable

auspices marked a forward movement unknown for a considerable period in the Canterbury district. The thanks j of the Grand Lodge had been tender- | ed to all those who were responsible I for a highly successful opening. The j Mistletoe Lodge had made several praiseworthy efforts .to open a lodge j in New Brighton, but up to '.he pre- } sent without success, owing to the difficulty iu obtaining a medical -officer. ; No success had so lar been met with in the attempt to obtain a small distinguishing lapel badge. However, a sample would be submitted showing, what eould be done provided the sanction of the Grand Lodge was obtained. Correspondence was received from the Grand Lodges of the North Island and Otago and Southland, inviting representatives to their Grand Lodge meetings; also from the Registrar of Friendly Societies. The question of representation at the Sister Grand Lodge meetings was held over till later in the meeting. The communication from the Registrar was referred to the incoming executive. Brother A. V. Beisten was appointed the official representative of the "Druids' Gazette." The balance-sheets ancf auditors' reports for period ending June and December were adopted. Tho Board of Management's report was dealt with seriatim, and ultimately adopted without alteration. Amendments to rules were then proceeded with. Correspondence was received from the Gr.incl Lodges of the North Island and Otago and Southlands inviting representatives to their Grand Lodge meetings. Uro. A. V. Beisten was appointed tue official representative of the Druids' "'Gazette." The balance-sheets and auditors' reports for tho periods ending Juno and l>ecember woro adopted. Tho Board of Management's report was adopted. Proposed amendments to rules were then considered. A proposal to curtail representation by giving one lodge one vote was lost by 21 to 18. A proposal to add to the qualifications of Grand Lodgo officers by service of not less than twelve months was lost by 28 to 10. Bro. F. George, P.C.P., was elected r. trustee, and Bro. T. J. Gledhill wua appointed senior trustee. Election of Officers. The election of officers "resulted us follows :—Grand President, Bro. li. Cameron; Grand Vice-president, Bro. J. W. H. Francis; Grand iSecretary, Bro. J. Burgeis; Grand Treasurer, Bro. J. Jowseyj Grand Guardian, Bro. J. T. Collins; Immediate Past Grand President, Bro. It. Marsden; Board of Management, Bros. C. I. Barnes, R. Hoppy, A. H. Jarvis, "\V. G. McKenzie, 11. fi. Parker, ■ V. Philwstt, W. G. Russell; Appeal and Judicial Committee. Bros. JV. George, P.G.P., W. Bartram. P.G.P., G. Bates, P.G.P., F. W. Hughes, P.A., W. J. W. Neate, P.G.P.; auditors, Bro. H. E. Smith, P.G.P., T. Walker, P.G.S., F. Talbot, P.G.P. A suggestion to refer the matter of a biennial session to the executive was not adopted. Past Grand President Bro. R. W. Simpson was appointed honorary repie--sentativ© at the U.A.O.D. conferences, to be held at Portsmouth, England, and Antwerp. Bro. Simpson thanked the representatives for hi 3 appointment. G.P. Bro. E Cameron was appointed to represent the Grand Lodge of Canterbury at the North Island and Otago and Southland Grand Lodge meetings*. It was decided to adopt an official badge for tho Canterbury district. Several designs were submitted, and that adopted was two oak leaves with, acorns amid, surmounted with, the letters V. A.0.1), in a scroll. It was decided to hold the next annual meeting .at Christchurch. Tho juvenile movement was discussed, and it was decided that the Board of Management be instxuoted to collect all data and organise the movement. The installation of the Grand Lcdgo officers of tlie Grand Lodge of Canterbury then ,to'ok place, and an imposing and impressive ceremony was conducted beforo an exceptionally large concourso of members of the different lc dees. Tho Grand President of thio North Island Grand Lodge, Bro. W. Lee-Martin, and the Grand President of the Otago and iSftirchlairid -Ga-iind Lodgo, Bjro. T. Walsh, acted a3 masters of ceremony. The 1.P.G.P., Bro. It. Marsden, installed the G.P., Bro. E. Cameron, who in turn, installed the other. Grand Lodge officers. The Grand Lodgo officers returned thanks, Tlie Membership Oiillenge Shield was presented to the winners, the Timaru Lodge. The Timaru representatives suitably acknowledged the presentation. ißro. T. Walsh, G.P. of Otago and Southland, on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Canterbury, presented a, set of Grand. President's regalia to the retiring Grand President, Bro. R. Marsden. Bro.. Marsden, in acknowledging the compliment, thanked the brothers for their presentation and for the assistance given by the other officers during; his term of office. P.G.P. Bro. R. W. Simpson moved a hearty vote of thanks to the visiting brothers of the . other jurisdictions, which was carried with applause. Bro. W. Lee-Martin outlined the work of the North Island and the hi--crease in membership and finance, and congratulated the Canterbury brothers on tho excellent advances made; Bro. T. Walsh, on behalf of Otago and Southland, thanked the Canterbury Grand Lodge for the full measure of brotherly friendship shown during his Tisit. • • ,The minute secretary, P.G.P. Bro. F. George, was thanked for the conciseness of tho minutes, and the G.S., Bro. J. Burgess, for the excellence of the reports.