ODDFELLOWS’ JUBILEE

Evening Star, Issue 18052, 21 August 1922, Page 4

ODDFELLOWS’ JUBILEE

PIONEER, No. 1. Pioneer Lodge, No. 1,1.0.0. F., celebrated its diamond jubilee on Tuesday last by a smoke social after tho regular meeting, N.G. Bro. J. Duncan presiding over a. goodly number of members and visitors. •Leith, Unity, and Linden Lodges paid official visits, as also did tho Grand Lodge of Now Zealand, represented by G. Sec. Bro. F. Wilkinson, G. Trcas. Bro. L. B. Ritchie, G. Chap. Bro. W. Ripley, P.G.M. Bro. D. M. Miller, and D.D.G.M. Bro, J. iSkinncr. The chief item was a very interesting address given by P.G.M. Bro. I). M. Miller on the early history of Pioneer Lodge. Ho had been at considerable pains to collect facts relating to the founding of the lodge, reminiscences of tho early sixties, the difficulties under which lodges were worked, and the true pioneers of tho I.O.O.F.—the Hon. H. Gourley, Judge Chapman, Messrs J. Foy, James M'Ga-w (the first N.G.), Wm. Luke (first V.G.), and: B. C. Haggitt (the first New Zealandmade Oddfellow). The faithful labors of Bros. J. Miohie, sen., Thomas Cole, George Springer, and many others were mot forgotten. Bro. L. D. Ritchie (Grand Treas.) followed with encouraging words about the ideals of a, friendly society. He emphasised the fact that in following out the teachings of the 1.0.0. F. Pioneer Lodge had during its sixty years of existence done an incalculable amount of good. He urged the young members of to-day to keep good heart, setting up high ideals, as these good old pioneer members of tho early days had done, and doing their utmost to practise in their daily lives that which was handed on by (heir predecessors. Tho motto on the ancient regalia of the 1.0.0. F. —“ Working to serve the 'brethren and to honor all men ” —was one of the highest idfals that the members of the lodge could have.

D.D.G.M. Bro. J. Skinner conveyed to Pioneer Lodge the congratulations of the Dunedin Friendly Societies’ Council. On behalf of the lodge, he presented to P.G. Bro. W. Winefield, of Unity No. 16, a certificate of life honorary membership in Pioneer No. 1, and 1 hoped that he (Bro. Wincf.eld) would long be spared to attend both No. 1 and No. 16 (to which h© belonged).

Grand Sec. Bro. F. Wilkinson commended P.G.M. Bro. Miller for the capable manner in which he had gathered and set forth the lodge’s early history. P.G.M. Bro, A. H. Valentina offered congratulations to Pioneer bodge on attaining its diamond jubilee. He eulogised many of the old members, who had been in office when he first joined the 1.0.0. F.

Songs by Bros. J. Swann, J. Caldwell, and E. MLms (Bro. hi. Glover accompanying), a recitation by Bro. J. Skinner, followed by light refreshments, brought a memorable and enjoyable evening to a close.