LODGE MEETINGS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 76, 31 March 1931, Page 18

LODGE MEETINGS

IA..D. Bro. Straiton presided over the recently-held meeting of Mewburn Lodge, No. SO, U.A.O.D. Lodge business having been disposed of, P.A. Bro. Brownlee, a charter member of the lodge, presented P.A. Bro. F. E. Matthews with a Past Arch collar and diploma, and in his remarks made complimentary reference to the manner in which he had conducted the business of the lodge while Arch X>ruid. Musical items were rendered by several brothers, including P.S. Bro. Lyall, and Mr. Joss Williams and party. Bro. Wood played the accompaniments.

The Noble Grand, Bro. E. Miller, presided over a good attendance of Southern Cross Lodge, No. 24, 1.0.0. F., N.Z. An official visit was paid by members of the Onslow Lodge. Sick pay and other accounts were approved for payment. Three nominations for membership were received. The lodge passed a sum of £8 as a donation to the Grand Lodge Earthquake Appeal Fund, making a total of £10 now given. The elections of officers for the next term resulted in Bro. F. Manger being elected 2S Toblo Grand (unopposed), and Bro. J. G. M'Gregor Vice-Grand. Bro. J. W. Condliffe was re-elected financial secretary, Bro. George Hobbs recording secretary, and Bro. R. C. Andrew treasurer. Bros. Scott and Thomson, of Onslow. Lodge, acted as scrutineers. Bro. J. H. West, P.G., the lodge's representative in the District Senior Ritual Competition, was congratulated on winning. A report on the United Friendly Societies' 3jispensary was received from Bro. A. T. West, P.G., who outlined the reorganisation of the dispensary. The Standing Committee was re-elected for the ensuing term. A pleasant surprise was received by members, when Bro. A. T. West, P.G., and R. C. Andrew, P.G., on behalf of the Regalia Committee, presented, the lodge with new regalia, collars, robes, etc. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded members of the committee for their work in. raising the funds. An enjoyable game of cards was played at the close of busi»ess.

The quarterly meeting of Court Sir Cfeorge Bowen, No. 5084, A.0.F., was held on Wednesday, C.R. Bro. A. B. Chapman presiding over a good attendance. Visitors to the Court were Bro. Rutherford, P.C.R., Court Pride of Leith, Dunedin, and Bro. C. Meek, P.D.C.R., of Auckland. One new member was initiated. C.R. Bro. Chapman reported on the indoor bowls tournament at Court Epuni, Petone, last-week. Bro. W f H. Wall, who Las recently visited Hawkes Bay, gave some interesting information relative to Forestel's' Courts in that district as a result of the earthquake. It was resolved, on the »notion of Bro. C. F. Worth, that a grant of 1 per cent, of the Sick and Funeral Fund, a sum approximating £150, be made towards the rehabilitation of courts in Hawkes Bay. Accounts for sick pay, etc., amounting to £113 were passed for payment.

At the last meeting of Loyal Britannia Lodge, M.U., Bro. J. G. Harper, N.G., presided. Sick visitors reports were received and relative sick pay passed. Several brethren took minor degrees. At the conclusion of business members participated in a game of cards.

An interesting meeting of Loyal Rose of the Valley Lodge, Manchester Unity,, took place recently, N.G. Bro. Kells presiding. Keports were received from delegates to the District Conference, and also regarding the forming of a friendly societies' rauncil in the Hutt Valley and the formation of a new lodge in Moera Settlement. Three new members were initiated and one candidate was proposed for membership. Dancing brought an enjoyable meeting to t, close.

The usual meeting of Loyal Newtown Lodge, Manchester Unity, was lieid on Monday last, Bro. Archer, N.G., presiding over a good attendance. Members of Loyal Sister Wallis Lodge, accompanied V I.P.D.G.M. Bro. R. K. Couper, paid an official visit. A special welcome was given to Bro. Butler, of the Loyal Napier Lodge. Lodge honours were accorded visitors, who suitably replied. Delegates reported on the recent conference, special mention being made and congratulations being tendered to Bro. Bland, P.G., and Sister M'Farlane, P.G., on their election •to the District Management Committee. iLater the lodge was adjourned for harroony, dancing and games filling an enjoyable evening.

Newtowu Alpha Branch, Grand United Order of Oddfellows1, held a meeting last ,week, Bro. Smith, N.G., presiding, and Bro. H. Hutchins, P.N.G., supervising. There was a. good attendance. A visit itvas received from Bro. Murphy, Grand Trustro, Bro. Barnett, Grand Director, 'and Bro. Morgan, Grand Director. The ■visiting officers were accorded lodge honours, to which Bro. Murphy responded. Sisters Ryde, Norton, Hutchins, Hart, Murphy, Brothers, Rydn, and Norton wero also visitors. P.N.G.'s present were Bros, Hutchins, Ponder, Goggin, and Piper. Bro. Murphy addressed the branch on ike matter of audit. The election of officers for the ensuing term was dealt with. Bro. A. Hutchins was elected N.G., and Bro. Blair V.G. Bro. 11. Hulehins and Bro. Smith were elected delegates to the annual district conference. At the close a pleasant evening was spent with harmony.

Loyal Central Branch, G.U.0.0.F., held * ahort meeting last Thursday. Only urgent business was dealt with to enable the meeting to be adjourned to receive a, visit from members of Zealandia Lodge, 3.0.0. F., the occasion being to defend a challenge received from the visiting lodge for'the Friendly Societies' Council "Five Hundred" Challenge Shield. Loyal Central managed to successfully defend the shield. Play was keen throughout the evening, and honours were very near even. Bro. O'Rourke presented the shield to the winners).

Loyal William Bain Branch, G.U.0.0.F., held its usual meeting last Thursday, Bro. Broker, N.G., presiding, and Bro. Brown, 3P.N.G., supervising. There was a good attendance. Several visitors from other branches were welcomed. The following P.N.G.'s were present: Bros. Murphy, Tritt, and Brown. Bros. Tritt and Brown were elected as delegates to the annual delegates' conference, and Bros. Brooker and Newman were nominated as district auditors. The evening concluded pleasantly with cards and other entertainments.

Miramar Branch, G.U.0.0.F., licld its nsual meeting last week, Bro. Browne, N.G., presiding, and Bro. Butlov, P.N.G., supervising. The brauch enjoyed a full complement of officers and a good muster of members. The following r.N.G.'s ■were: present: Broi<. Chorley, Bradstocfc, Batter, and Hudson. One new member •wes initiated. Bro. E. Browne was elcrttk an itikiprie to the aßntral conference.