FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 55, 2 September 1937, Page 7

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

NEW HUTT VALLEY LODGE

1.0.0. F., N>Z,

Hutt Valley Lodges in 1931 were granted local administrative status under their own District Deputy Grand Master, and three years later, with the Wairarapa district (formed in 1929), were constituted the North-east Wellington' Electoral District with direct representation in Grand Lodge. A further step in the status of the Hutt Valley District was taken last week when the Hutt Valley District and Degree Lodge No. 9 was instituted in the R.S.A. Hall, Lower Hutt, under Grand Lodge charter. At this meeting Bro. G. F. Rudkin, Deputy Grand Master, installed the first set of officers. The ceremony attendant on the institution was carried out by Bro. Rudkin assisted by Bro. H. A. Hardham (Acting Grand Marshal), Bro. F. J. Jones (Acting Grand Secretary), and Bro. B. W. Churchill (Acting Grand Guardian). The contingent obligation was taken by officers of Muritai, Heretaunga, Belleviie, Waiwhetu, and Ngatiawa Lodges. The following were the first officers installed:—F. Armstrong, Degree Master; R. Posten, Deputy Degree Master; A. W/H. Turner, District Secretary; R. Stuart, Recording Secretary; and A. E. Peterson, Treasurer. The Grand Lodge Officers mentioned were assisted by Bros. R..J. Mathers, A. J. Bargh, B. W. Churchill, and E. D. Wallis. Bro. R. H. De Laney was installed as Deputy Grand Master of the new district.

At the conclusion of the formal meeting of institution and installation a lengthy toast list was disposed of. The "Grand Lodge of New Zealand" was proposed by Bro. R. H. De Laney and [responded to by the Deputy Grand Master and Bro. A. J. Bargh. "Hurt Valley District and Degree Lodge, No. 9," proposed by Bro. F. J. Jones and responded to by Bro. F. Ai-mstrong; "Hutt Valley Subordinate Lodges," proposed by Bro. R. J. Mathers and responded to by senior representatives (present. ! . Bro. R. Mac Donald, on behalf of the i Hutt Valley District, has been presented With a Past Degree Master's jewel, the presentation being made by Bro. G. F. Rudkin.

Pride of Karori, Wildey, Onslow, and Southern Cross Lodges, and Victoria and Esther Rebekah Lodges have held meetings in the past week. In each case the' attendances were good. At these meetings one candidate was initiated, two admitted on transfer, and seven nominated for membership.

Pioneer Lodge No. 1, at Dunedin,,this month celebrated its 75th anniversary, the congratulations of ■< Wellington lodges being forwarded to New Zealand's oldest lodge of the order.

Victoria Rebekah Lodge last week held a "hard-up" social at which a number of amusing costumes were worn.

Southern Cross Lodge is to play Maraenui Lodge shortly for the district bowls trophy. . '

Bro. Hooper, Past Grand Master, of Auckland, has" been visiting Wellington lodges, accompanied by the Deputy Grand Master, Bro. G. F. Rudkin.

MANCHESTER UNITY ODDFELLOWS.

■Meetings were held, last week by Antipodean, Rose of the Valley, Rose of Sharon, Combination, Sister Wallis, and Heart of Oak (Carterton) Lodges. Rose of the Valley Auxiliary Juvenile Lodge, at Lower Hutt, also held a meeting. Each of the meetings was well attended- Three candidates were initiated. : .

Visitors from Papatoetoe, Malvern, and Temuka Lodges have been visiting Manchester Unity Lodges in 'Wellington in the past week. ,

Ritual judges have visited several of the lodges considering the ritual work generally.

Hose of the Valley Auxiliary Juvenile Lodge celebrated its second anniversary last week, a number of adult visitors being present. Bro. Seddon, manager of the lodge, received congratulations on the success which has attended his work. Music for the meeting was supplied by Sister Cole and the three Bros. Baker. At the conclusion of the meeting parents were admitted. The entertainment programme included elocutionary items, pianoforte solos, tap-dancing, and instrumental solos by juvenile members.

Rose.of the Valley members won the bowls tournament at Petone Lodge's meeting last week. Amended doctors' fees were notified to several lodges at recent meetings; A parcel containing' useful articles lias been, forwarded to Makogai Leper Island patients. by Rose of the Valley Lodge. ■', . Newtown Lodge is to celebrate its fortieth anniversary shortly with a dance.

Britannia Lodge members defeated members of Combination Lodge last week at bowls. !

Wellington Past Grands' Lodge is to hold its annual dance early in October.