ODDFELLOWSHIP

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 5, 6 July 1921, Page 6

ODDFELLOWSHIP

A MEMORABLE GATHERING

The presence in AVellington of the Grand Master for New Zealand, Bro. W. Thomas, of Auckland, and the Board of Directors of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, was taken advantage of last evening to accord them a welcome at the fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Sister Wallis Lodge. There was a very large and representative attendance of brethren of the various male lodges around Wellington, as well as the Provincial ■ Grand Master, Bro. A. G. SterTeiiseii, of Petone, who was accompanied by the district officers.

Addresses of welcome were given by the Prov. Grand Master (Bro. Steffensen) rtiul Bro. L Thompson, seeretarv of the Sister Wallis Lodge. Both speakers referred in very eulogistic terms to Bro. Thomas's good work on behalf of the Order, and to the very able administration fie and the Board of Directors were performing.

In responding. Bro- Thomas gave a very stirring address on the aims and objects of'Oddfellowship. From the very oldest to the very youngest member they had always to keep before them the fact that upon their individual efforts depended largei'- the" success of the institution.' The influence of Oddfellowship in the daily life of themselves and those around them was very great, and it slioukl.be tlieir endeavour to widen that sphere. Bro. Thomas also referred to the strength, of the Order in the Dominion, and mentioned that it was a Hity that up to the present the Otago district had not seen fit to join the NewZealand branch. He trusted Unit ere long much would be accomplished. He did not know that .there were any special reasons actuating the Otago district in not joining forces with the New Zealand branch, but he hoped it would not be long before n move in this direction was taken by the Board of Directors and the Otago district.

Bro. W. R. Gahagan, of Christchurch, Deputy-Grand Master for New Zealand, also thanked those present for the welcome accorded them, and referred to the very useful work which Oddfellowship and friendly societies generally^ were doing for the nation. Continuing, Bro. Gahagan referred to the success which had attended the hospital-bed scheme for friendly society patients in Christclrarch, and recommended consideration being given to it in this district. He • also spoke of the visit he had recently paid to the Olago district, and expressed the opinion that the.joining up of that district with the New Zealand branch could possibly be brought to fruition.

During the evening Bro. Thomas duly installed the newly-elected officers of the Loyal Sister Wallis Lodge in their resnective offices for the ensuing term, and' expressed the hope that the lodge would continue to prosper. He also congratulated those responsible for the very successful gathering that evening.