MANCHESTER UNITY

Evening Star, Issue 19061, 2 October 1925, Page 11

MANCHESTER UNITY

The reunion of members of the order as manifested at district meetings is always a pleasing feature, and the presence of two old members at the gathering at Lawrence was specially so. P. 6. Peter Thomson, representing Tapanui Lodge, showed that, despite advancing years and not the best _ of health, he_ still possessed his fighting spirit. This was evidenced in his vigorous endeavor to obtain easier conditions in the district shield competition for country lodges. The delegates Assembled wore delighted to have amongst them P. 6. Bro. Pearson, now of Beaumont, and a member of Tuapoka Pioneer Lodge. Bro. Pearson’s membership extends over fifty-nine years, and notwithstanding his eightyfive years was in splendid form. In a speech, Bro. Pearson urged on the younger brethren a greater degree of service and loyalty to a cause which had been so many years dear to himself.

A very largo muster greeted W.G. . Bro. F. C. Macdonald at the meeting , of Loyal Prince of Wales Lodge. One . candidate was initiated, and three were proposed. The business paper for the district meeting was read and thor- , oughly discussed. Per. Sec. Bro. W. J. Johnstone, P. G. Campbell, and Thorn were elected delegates. This lodge was to move in the matter of a hospital fund, and much time and trouble had been spent in preparing the case. P.P.G.M. Bro. A. Cable and P.G. Bro. W. Campbell were accorded a vote of thanks for their services in revising the rules. P.P.G.M. Bro. A. Cable, in a neat speech, presented a past-officer’s diploma to P.G, Bro. D. Stark. This lodge proved the winner of the gramophone _ presented by the distrcit for the initiation of most members during the period. Loyal Milton Lodge was well attended. Three new members were initiated. Those who attended the Outram jubilee reported as having spent an enjoyable time. Members reported on the successful Hibernian social. The business paper for the district meeting was fully discussed, many members taking part. The figures necessary to form the case of fh§ lodge for increased benefits wore reviewed, and presented a strong case. P.G. Bro. Birby and P.G. Bro. A. W. Hatton were appointed to lead in the matter. Loyal Centenary meetings wore .well attended. Several members were initiated. A progressive euchre tournament was hold, resulting in a win for

N.G. Bro. Frank Clark and Bro. King. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to P.G. Bro. M'Allan for the prizes donated. The resignation of Bro. Handley as guardian was received with regret, and after a ballot Bro,. M‘Swain was elected. The report of delegates to the district meeting was presented, P.G. Bro. Boardraan and G.M. Bro. W. Doeffler both giving a full and complete account of the proceedings. After a vote of thanks had been accorded them a discussion was entered into on several subjects, the hospital fund and the increased benefit proposals being dealt With by P.G. Bro. Isaacs, G.M. Bro. Loeffler. and others. P.P.G.M. Bro. J. A. Robson delivered a short address on the question of contributions and benefits, which was listened to with groat interest, and the visitors were accorded a vote of thanks for their assistance. Loyal Cavcrsham Lodge had a large attendance. N.G. Bro. J. Lunan presided. The N.G. reported ,pn an official visit to Loyal Outram Lodge, P.P.G.M. Bro. Wilson presented Bro. Railton with a past officers’ certificate, and commented favorably op the services of the recipient, P.G. Bros. Hey, Lunan, Braggs, and Isaacs were appointed delegates to the district meeting. P.G. Bro. Hey reported on juvenile lodge" matters. The Liverpool ‘ Echo ’ of August 6 contains an article of interest to members of all societies as well as the Manchester Unity. Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles were initiated as honorary members of the Manchester Unity at a special meeting of the Harmony Lodge, Harrogate district, held at Goldsborough Hall, the Yorkshire, homo of H.R.H. The lodge was established in 1831, and since 1842 it has been a practice of the Lascelles < family to become members. The initiation ceremony created the greatest interest throughout the order, as it was the first occasion on which a member of the Royal Family had been created an Oddfellow. Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles having signed the declaration, the initiation charge was Impressively given by Bro. Capt, Ralph Gibbs. U.P.G.M. Bro. J. H. Ellis. P.P.G.M., who acted ns N.G., proposed the toast of the newly-initiated sister, and brother, and spoke of the pride or welcoming into _ Oddfellowship the daughter of the King and Queen. Ho also welcomed Viscount _ Lascelles, and spoke of the connection of his father, the Earl of Harewood, witlrthe order. The Grand Master of the order, Bro. J. G. Day, of Leicester, spoke as the representative of a million and ahalf members in welcoming the newlyelected members. The toast was enthusiastically honored. Lord Lascelles, in reply, expressed his gratitude to the members for the warmth of the welcome extended, stating that he had been associated with and greatly interested in the order for many years. Princess Mary had been specially interested since the initiation of her infant children as honorary members. He concluded by “Let me say that the principles which govern your order, and upon which the order is founded, seem to he such as must assist .any man or woman who can carry them out to he a more useful member of society.”