MANCHESTER UNITY

Evening Star, Issue 19764, 14 January 1928, Page 2

MANCHESTER UNITY

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Hand and Heart Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., was held on Tuesday evening, the N.G., Bro. Pithie, presiding over a good attendance of members, Two candidates were initiated into the order, and proposals for membership received. After business had been dealt with, the meeting was adjourned for “ elective officers’ evening,” which took the form of a “500” tournament, Bro. Campbell proving the omo-winner. P.G. Bro. Lloyd, of the Loyal Nascby Lodge, in responding to the toast.of “The Visitors,” extended fraternal greetings from the Naseby Lodge, and spoke on the' progress of M.U. in the country districts. Visiting brethren from Caversham and Centenary Lodges also responded. It was decided to hold the adjourned summoned meeting next lodge night. The late P.G. Bro. H. B. Renfree, who passed away last week, at the age of seventy-six, was a very old and respected member of Manchester Unity. Arriving in Dunedin in 1874, he was initiated into the Loyal Albion Lodge m that year, and on the opening ot the Loyal Caversham Lodge in 1881 he drew his clearance from Albion and was appointed a trustee of the newly-formed lodge on the opening night. In 1883 he was appointed permanent secretary of the Loyal Caversham Lodge, which position he occupied for forty-four years, until his retirement in May last year. During his long period as permanent secretary Bro. Renfree was a most conscientious and painstaking, officer, and the strong financial position which the Caversham Lodge occupies to-day is in a very large measure due to his untiring efforts. His keen interest •in the affairs of his lodge, coupled with a courteous and* unassuming manner, won for him thh highest respect of all with whom he came in contact. Although primarily wrapped up in his own lodge, Bro. Renfree took a very keen interest in all matters appertaining to the order. The respect in which Bro. Renfree was held was strikingly illustrated on the occasion of his retirement from the_ office of permanent secretary of his lodge, when there was a very large gathering of Oddfellows from all parts of the Otago district at a banquet in the Caversham Lodge Hall, at which many tributes were paid to his services. Bro. Renfree later presented an enlarged photograph of himself to his lodge, and it now occupies an honored position in the Loyal Caversham Lodge room.

The first meeting othis year of the Loyal Dunedin Lodge was held in the M.U. Hall, Stuart street, on Thursday evening. The prevalent holiday feeling was evidenced by a somewhat smaller attendance of members than usual. One new member was initiated, and one candidate proposed for membership in the lodge. After the usual lodge business had been transacted a pleasant evening was spent by members in relating their holiday experiences. The adjourned summoned meeting has been set down for next lodge night. , ,■