MANCHESTER UNITY

Evening Star, Issue 19349, 8 September 1926, Page 9

MANCHESTER UNITY

A LOSS MOORUED The Oingo District has suffered _ a severe loss by the death of one of its esteemed officers. Per. Sec. Peter Hay, of Tapanui Lodge. His unexpected decease leaves vacant a position _ most worthily filled by him for a period of thirty years, during which Dme ho was the mainstay of his lodge and a considerable factor 1 in Die progress of the order in Otago. A tireless.worker, who did not spare himscl{_ in any cause ho espoused, ho saw his lodge progress materially in membership utkl _ nuant c to an exceedingly strong position. It can safely bo said that such progress was largely duo lo Brn. Hay’s care and vigilance. Always a busy man, toiling hard throughout his life, he frequently carried the burdens of others. Of a kindly and cheery nature, there were sad episodes in his life which, while they did not crush his undaunted spirit, played havoc with his otherwise good constitution. Those who wore _ privileged to know him best will cherish has memory.

Bro. Hay’s activities wore numerous, ho having been closely associated with tho Masonic body, the Borough Council. president of Dio Horticultural Society, and a member of tho Racing Club. Bro. Hay had been a. resident of the Tapanui district for over fifty years, and rose from the humble position of office boy to liecome the proprietor of his paper, the ‘Tapanui Courier.’ The funeral of the brother was very largely attended by Masonic and Oddfellow brethren. Prov. Cor. Sec. Brn. J. Hopcraft represented tho executive, and impressively rendered tho burial service of the order at the graveside. A memorial service in the Tapanui Presbyterian Church was also largely attended, the Rev. S. E. Hill giving a most touching taking liifi text from Samuel, chap, iii., verse 8— “Thou shalt lie missed, because thy seat will lie empty.” Leva! Tapanui Lodge meeting was largely attended. It was in mourning ont of respect to the memory of its late permanent secretary, Bro. P. Hay. P.G. Bro. J. Edgar occupied the chair. Throe new candidates wore initiated. P.G. Brn. P. Thomson, G.M. Bro. J. Edgar, and V.G. Bro. J. M‘Aulcy were appointed delegates to the district mooting lo he held at Dunedin on September 30. It was decided to insert tho photo of tho late permanent secretary in the new handbook. P.V.G. Bro. Lean, Hand and Heart, responded to the visitors’ toast. Special pleasure was expressed that amongst those wiio paid the last tribute of respect to the late permanent secretary was P.G. Bro. Steele, the very oldest member of Die lodge. Loyal Albion’s evening was mainly handed over to P.G. Bro. Jim Wright, who conducted one of those social dances for which he is noted. This occasion proved as successful as formerly, and a large, number of members and their lady friends assembled in the Stuart Street Hall, dancing being merrily carried on until a late honr. The fine music supplied by Messrs Smith and Dagg proved inspiring to the dancers, and there was not a dull moment. During an interval a splendid exhibition of conjuring was presented by Bro. F. Smith (assisted by Miss Smith), who succeeded in thoroughly mystifying and happily entertaining those present. A fine supper was provided, and the Albion Lodge accorded its hearty t,Vinks to P.G. Bro. Wright for his successful function.