UNITED ANCIENT ORDER OF DRUIDS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3551, 25 November 1882, Page 3

UNITED ANCIENT ORDER OF DRUIDS.

The " Albion " Lodge of Druids, under the Grand Lodge of Australia, was successfully established last night in the Methodist Church school-room, Carlyle-etreet. There was a large attendance of candidates, all of whom were initiated into the mysterious rites of Druidism by the District President (Mr W. Bishop) No. 18 District, "Wellington. The ceremony of consecrating the new lodge was carried through with considerable eclat, the President being ably assisted in the work by Visiting Bros. R. Gibson and J. Cox, Campbell Lodge, Christchurch, L. Cook, of the Oak of Sydenham, and W. H Wroath and James Everett, Lyttelton Hearts of Oak Lodge. The following brethren were then elected as first officebearers, and afterwards duly installed into their respective chairs: —R. Gibson, Arch Druid; F. Cassin, Vice Arch Druid; R. Barrows, Treasurer ; Financial Secretary, H. Hammond; Minute Secretary, F. J. Hall; Arch Druid Bards. Bros. Ingpen and H. Cohen ; Vice Arch Bards, Bros. G. T. Robinson and R. Potts; Inner and Outside Guardians, Bros. J. O'Brien and C. Lambert respectively ; Surgeon, Dr. Hitchings. Tbe appointment of trustees (3) and auditors (2) was, owing to tbe late hoar, held over till the next meeting. A hearty vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the District President for his services in connection with the establishment and opening of the Lodge, etc. The Lodge which in future will meet on alternate Fridays, was then closed in due form by tbe Arch Druid.

During the evening the District President stated Mr J. J. Brenan, Grand Secretary of the Australian branch of the Order, was at present in New Zealand on an official tour of the Lodges throughout the colony, and would probably visit Napier within the next fortnight. The officers and members of the Albion Lodge are to be congratulated on the successful start they have made in our midst, and knowing the value and excellent principles inculcated by Friendly Societies on the basis taught by Oddfellowship, Forestry, and Druidisim, we heartily wish the new branch of the followers of Stonehenge exery prosperity.