LODGE MEETINGS

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 65, 17 March 1934, Page 25

LODGE MEETINGS

1.0.6. F., N.Z. Grand Lodge.—The forty-fifth, session o£ the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, N.Z., will open at Dunedin next Wednesday, Bvo. J. I. G. Spmerville, Grand Master, Waitepeka, presiding. Thirty-five delegates, representing the twenty-one districts, will be present. The local representatives are Bios. G, 3?. Eudkin, F. J. Jones,,and P. J. Lee. The session will consider, among other matters, ninety-one proposals to amend the constitution, and provisions for continuing the assistance afforded unemployed members in meeting their dues during the last three years. The reports of the executive offi-. cere of the society show that the roll of active lodges on December 31 last totalled 229, the membership standing at. 17,130; giving a net loss only of 37 for the preceding year. .- Last year 551 married unemployed members were assisted, 2418 members received 20,126 weeks' sick pay during that pei'iod, costing £14,567, 700 members received maternity bonuses, £516 18s 3d was expended in payment of old members' dues, three new Rebekah Lodges were instituted during the year, and the consolidated sick and funeral benefits funds increased by £18,012 14s -,10d. to £371,811 13s Id. The further mortgaged properties fell into the hands of the Grand Trustees, making only thirteen in all throughout the Dominion, illustrating the comparatively: high standard of the investments of the society. '"■■'. District Lodge.—Bro. G-. F. E'udkih pre 5 sided over a good attendance. Account's totalling £38 11s 5d were passed. Correspondence re an amendment of the district cribbage shield rules, remits for Grand Lodge Session, etc., were ■ dealt with. Three members of subordinate lodges were advanced to the Second Degree. Reports were received re official visits, annual picnic, district "five hundred"' shield competition, unemployed members' dues fund,and audit of half-yearly accounts, relative balance-sheet being adopted. The second nominations of district officers for 1031-35 were taken. Arrangements were completed for entertaining northern members v.of Grand Lodge en route to Dunedin, : and for a general reception of the incoming Grand Master, Bro. A. J. Guy, Auckland. Zealandia Lodge —Bro. G. Steel, NG , presided o\er a good attendance. Visitors included Bio. G. F. Eudkin, D D.G.It, and.officers of District Lodge on an official visit; Bros. R. J. Mathers, C.P., H. Edmahaonj-.G. Wilson, H. Brook, J. Kerwm, and A Simpson (Kupe Lodge), Bio A. Evans "(Waraemu Lodge), and Btos. P. J. Lee, W. J. Jar\is, and A Ejan (Southern Cross \Lodge). Three members were reported to be on the sick list and,relative sick pay was passed for pajanent Hie finance committee presented a leport in connection with the reorganisation of "the dispensary. On behalf o£ the lodge the D.D.C.11. made a presentation to Bro. E. D. Wallis of a P.G 's jewel and a P. Secretaiy's jewel *for services lendered to the lodge, over a number of years. Jluritai Lodge.—Bro. C. Cheeseman was the presiding officer, the attendance being small. The finances of the lodge were discussed at some length, and arrangements made for future action. It was decided to make application to the Grand Lodge for tiansfer from the Hutt Valley Administrate c District to the Wellington' District. -•' , MANCHESTER UNITY. Loyal Combination Lodge.—Bro. E. S. Gandy, NCf., piesided over a good muster. One new candidate was initiated.' 'After the usual business was transacted, the lodge was closed early to enable members to attend the installation o£ the new officers of the district, which took place at Petone. , , Loyal Rose of the Valley Lodge.—Bro. Little, N.G., presided over a good attendance. Sick visitors' repoits were leceived from ' BrosV Hewer and Stevenson,'- and also one from the same brethren in connection with the recent conference. An invitation was accepted'from Sister Wallis Lodge to a social, after which the lodge closed, and members passed a pleasant hour at cards. Loyal^ Britannia Lodge—Bio Kuft, JT.G., piesided over^ a good dteudance After the usual business had been tiansagted, four new candidates were initiated and one nomination leceived. At 8 o'clock the lodge adjourned to enable members and visitors to celebrate the ninety-first anniversary of -the lodge. Bro. S. Parks preeided.and was supported by Bro. A. G. Shrimpton, G.S., as light supporter and Bro. W. Madeley as left supporter. The loyal toast was honoured, and the toast of the New Zealand branch was proposed by Bro. F. McGreevy, responded to by Bro. Shrimpton. "Bntanma Lodge" was proposed by Bro. Shnmpton, Bro. J. F. O'Sulhvan replying. Bro J. L. Stewart proposed the toast'of "District Officers," Bro. E. W. Guise, DS, replying. Bro. A. Perrin proposed "The Visitors," representatives of various lodges replying. Interspersed with the toasts were items by Bros. k "Williams; / Townsley, and Houchen, with community singing led by the, chairman to the'music of the lodge pianist, Bro. t G. \V. Xeggett. During'the evening Bro. 'Shrimpton presented to Bro. Wv Madeley, P,D S 6.M., jan^easyj chair, on behalf, of^the lodge,>in recognition^l of the many years . faithful' service ;rendered to the Order. '■- ,■" > 4 - Loyal Newtown Lodge.—Bro'. Ar. Rhodes, N.G, was the presiding officer. The main business of the meeting was to prepare

the winter programme. Arrangements were also made for a visit to Kilbirnie Lodge, and.also for the annual tourney with Wellington Foresters. Bros. S. Eadles and C. Jorgensen reported on the recent conference. One nomination for membership was received. Lodge closing members enjoyed a pleasant hour at cards. Loyal Sister Wallis Lodge.—Sister Giles, N.G., presided over a {air attendance. Two candidates were initiated. Sister Macfarlane reported on the recent conference at Petone. Visitors from Newtown and Te Awamutu 'Lodges were accorded lodge honours. ORDER OF FORESTERS. Northland Court.—A ladies' Foresters' Court has been inagurated at Northland by members of the old-established Court Lady Glasgow. The official opening took place in St. Anne's Hall, Northland, last Tuesday, and was marked by considerable enthusiasm. Among those present were members of the District Court and Court Loyal Northland. Sister E. Pnrdie, C.R., presided, and appealed for. support for the new court from ladies* resident in JCavori and Northland. Bro. F. S. Hoy, D.C.R., referred to the opening of the new lodge as "another' milestone in the' history of Court Lady Glasgow," whose efforts had been rewarded with complete success. Bro. F. W. Ward, PJD.C.B.. also expressed pleasure at being present at the inaugural meeting of the new court, lollowing the official opening the initiation ceremony was conducted by Sister Purdie, assisted by Sister Lawton, P-C-B-. Prior to closing Sister Lawton, on behalf of Court Lady Glasgow, presented Sister Tansey with P.C.R. certificate.