ODDFELLOWSHIP

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 80, 5 April 1926, Page 9

ODDFELLOWSHIP

WELCOME TO GRAND MASTER

WELLINGTON PREMIER DISTRICT

OP JURISDICTION.

City and suburban members of the Independent Order of Oddfellows of Now Zealand accorded a welcome at St. Thomas's Hall, Newtown, on Thursday evening, to the Grand Master (Bio. D. Eoy Cooper, Auckland) and the Immediate Past-Grand Master (Bro. M. J. Hooper, Auckland), who ( w.ere on route to a Grand Lodge Executive meeting at Masterton, and celebrated the fact that the district, comprising Hutt, Horowhenua, and Wairarapa, had wrested the title of premier district of the Order in the Dominion from its fraternal rival, Auckland, the local branchcj now comprising the District and Degree Lodge, Kebekah P.N.G.'s Association, Port Nicholson Encampment, one Juvenile Lodge, six Rebokah Lodges, and thirteon male lodges. Proceedings were opened with a brief meeting of Zealaudia Lodge (to conduct essential business), Bro. C. Holland, N.G., presiding. The District Deputy-Grand Master (Bro. H. Dames, P.G.) and district officers were received, the D.D.G.M. taking, the chair, with N.G, and V.Gr. of Zealandia Lodge as supporters, and senior officers of local male lodges occupying the various other stations. The Grand Master and. Immediate Past Grand Master were received by Bros.H. A. Hardham, P.G., P.G. Rep., T. 1\ Glengarry, P.G., P.G. Rep., F. J. Jones, P.G., G. Rep., G. ,F. Eudkin, P.C , G.H., and J. Nind, P.G., P.C.P., D.D.G. Mar-

shal, being accorded the honours n.' the Order. The- Grand Master was tendered the gavel by the D.D.G.M., after which a combined meeting of male, Eebekah, and juvenile members was held, the D.D.G.M. presiding, there being a very large and representative gathering of members of the three branches of the Order.

After performance of the flag ceremony of the Order by juvenile officers, the D.D.G.M. extended a welcome to the Grand Master and his predecessors, during whose terms the district progress, stimulated by the Grand Lodge Session in "Wellington in 1921, had been so satisfactory. He paid a tribute to the very fine team wc*k in all directions, which had resulted in the creation by local effort of so many new branches, and a progressive membership in all. He also mentioned that the district had now qualified for three Grand Lodge representatives, and hado made a gain of 332 members in the preceding term, and of 107 in the current quarter. The Lady District Deputy-Grand Master (Sister E. Maloy, P.N.G.) conveyed the greetings of the W llington P.N.G.'s Association and the Eebekah branches.

The Grand Master and the I.G.N. responded, being greeted with musical honours and cheers. The Grand Master extended the congratulations of the Grand Lodge on the splendid progress of tho district being celebrated on the occasion. He also expressed his pleasure at being called on to instituto Rahiri Bebekah Lodge, No. 49, Miramar, on tho preceding evening, within twelve months of the institution of Maraenui Lodgo on his previous visit. He furthor stated he had cautioned Auckland's district officers that they must set out to make up leeway, and ho I. Sieved "something was doing." Turning to the financial progress of the Order, the Grand Master- briefly indicated tho position for the year ending 31st December last, .stating that the. details Would .be 'reviewed at the ( cxeciitivo meeting pending. The quinquennial, actuarial valuation has recently come to hand from the Registrar, of Friendly Societies, and particulars would bo distributed to representatives and branches at an early date.

The District Secretary'announced a telegram had been received from the preceding D.D.G.M., Bro. Norman Lee, now of Wanganui, convoying congratulation? and greetings to the Grand officers, and also announcing that a charter petition for a male lodgo' at Aranioho was en route to the Grand Master.

A most enjoyable social and oanco followed, Bro. H. A. Hardham, P.G., acting as M.C. and Bros. J. Ciaighead and K. Tahiwi and other members eontvilvting the music. During the evening opportunity was taken to make the following presentations by Bro. M. J. Hoopet, 1.P.0.M., on behalf of Zeulandia Lodge, a gold and enamel badge donated by Bro. A. P. Oldham, P.G., and won by Bro. J. J. Robinson, P.g!, for introduction of most members last term; by the Grand Master to Sister I. Colo, P.N,G., secretary, a gold P.N.G. jewel from Esther Rebekah Lodge, No. 30, Brooklyn, in recognition of continued services; and to Bro. T. Glengarry, P.G., ]>3t secretary, a handsome P.G. collar norn Zealandia Lodge for services rendered.