ODDFELLOWS HONORED

Evening Star, Issue 17454, 10 September 1920, Page 6

ODDFELLOWS HONORED

FOR SERVICES RENDERED. A great gathering of members of both branches of the 1.0.0. F. assembled in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Roslyu, on Wednesday evening at the invitation of Linden Lodge on the occasion of a presentation to two brethren who recently vacated responsible offices after lengthy service—Bros. Jas. Pattison (trustee) and Jas. S. Nelson (secretary). Bro. M. K. Glover, N.Q.. extended a hearty welcome to the visitors, many of whom came from a distance! Representatives were present from the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, South Ofcftgo District, Place nix Encampment, all the local subordinate lodges (including a contingent from Hereweka Lodge, Portobello), and Linda, Ruth, and Rose of Clinton Rebekan. An apology was received nom the Grand Secrtearv, Bro. Wm Reid.

. The first part of the programme comprised well-rendered vocal, instrumental, and elocutionary items, the following contributing Miss George, Mesdames M‘lnnes and Dixon, Bros. T. G. Brickell, S. G. Angell, F. Jones. C. A. Wardrop, R. S. Wardrop, Messrs Kelly, O’Sullivan, and Oeorge. Bro. Glover referred briefly to toe mam object of the meeting, and asked Bro. Pattison, whom he stated had been 44 years in Linden Lodge and had occupied every office, to accept on behalf of the members a token of their respect and esteem, the present taking the form of a monetary ,gitt. Bro. W. Smith, a cotoustee, said he had been associated with Bre. Pattison since 1830, and from that time onward he had found Bro. Pattison, as he had always been, an active worker and a hard-working member. In the strenuous early days in the 1.0.0. F. Bro Pattison when D.D.G.M., did veoman service for the Order, and necessarily having to travel great distances on foot. As a member of Grand Lodge he took his chare in the fight for the centralisation of toe sick funds, which members wou’d was one of the finest things the Order had ■done. (Applause.) It was also due to Bro. Pattison s persistent energy that the Order owed the establishment" of the Rebekah degree m this district. Linda Eebekah Lodge was founded nominally bv tester Salmon, bnt in reality by ‘ Bio PatUson, who worked day and night toil axd -that end He was still an ardent worker m that branch of the Order. The fraternal side of Odd fellowship was always kept in the forefront by Bro Pattisoa, whose counsel and advice the brethren hoped would be available for many years to come. Bro. C. A. Wardroo, V.G.. in a few well-chosen words, presented from tae lodge a handsome Past Grands collar to Bro. J. S. Nelson, and Bro. R S Wardrop who followed, said that words could not do justice to Bro. Nelson’s worth—the recipient’s past work spoke for itself. He referred- to some of the difficulties connected with secretariat duties despUe which Bro. Nelson had cheerfully undertaken, during In’s term or over 20 years m office, the visiting of the sick and distressed, and thus acted up to the highest principles of the Order. He was a genuine Oddfellow ‘and an upright man (Applause ) Bro L. D. Ritchie (Grand Pleasure!) added his tribute of respect and esteem to the brethren honored. It was, ho said,_ in great measure due to the etiorts, inspiration, and enthusiasm of such men that the Order owed its proud position to-day. There was sometimes a tendency among young enthusiastic members of friendly societies to consider themselves as the salt of the earth. In this connection he would mention that when he (the speaker) was born in that d ; strict some 40 years ago Bro. Pattison was alTeady actively engaged in the work of friendship, love, and truth. Referring to Bio. -Nelson, he said lie was proud to have won his friendship, and the worth and ivork of such men was not easily appraised. I heir ploughing had been well donestraight furrows in the fertile soil of Oddfel.owship—and good fruit had been gathered in the alleviation afforded to the sick and distressed and the comfort beon the widow and orphan. It was imnossible to estimate the extent of the influence of such men on young brethren. Tile recipients, on ris : ng to replv, were enthusiastically greeted with ‘musical i honors.

Bro. Pattison, who spoke with much fcehng, thanked the brethren of his lodge and the several speakers, and said he had done no_ more than he had a right to do in tiated in Unity Lodge, he transferred to Lmd_en Lodge shortly after if« inception 45 years aged He thanked the Rebekah sisters present m such large number?, and paid a_ tribute to his brother trustees. Ho had visited lodges from Auckland to the Bluff, taking a great interest in so doimr. He regretted that only one or his former associates in Linden Lodge of 44 years ago was present—Bro. D. Ross. He would never forget that night's function, nor could he forget “good true hearts” O! the lodge's former officers. Bro. J. S. Xelson, replying, referred to Bro. Pattison as his godfather in Oddfellowah'p, to whose example he owed any success lie may have achieved, and whose services had been gratuitously given. Ho regretted having to relinquish active work, hut would never regret having become an Oddfellow. He thanked Bros. F. Wilkinson, Wm. Reid, and others for assistance given and indulgence shown at a time when ho was overburdened. He was of the opinion that brethren who attended their lodge meetings and interested themselves in the work of the Order would thus become better men. Ho concluded by feelingly thanking one and all for the honor conferred. A vote of thanks to the contributors to the programme and to Miss George for playing the accompaniments was passed prior to refreshments being served at the conclusion of a memorable meeting.