PORTOBELLO ODDFELLOWSHIP

Evening Star, Issue 20150, 15 April 1929, Page 11

PORTOBELLO ODDFELLOWSHIP

The fortnightly meeting of Hereweka Lodge, No. 60, was held on Saturday evening in the Masonic Hail, Uro. H. Hanson, N.G., presiding over a largo gathering of members and visitors. Lodge decided to attend Anzac Day parade as usual. In addition to routine business degrees were conferred on several members, the ceremony being carried out by Bro. A. Beveridge, D.M., assisted by officers of the District Degree Lodge, Dunedin. Prior to the installation of the dllieers for the new term the officers and members of the following lodges, making their official visit, were admitted and welcomed in regular form:—Pioneer No. 1, Leit'li No. 4. Unity No. 16, Linden No. 19, Maori Hill No. Bb. St. Kikla No. 87. «ilro. J. M'lvor, P.D.D.G.M., then introduced Bro. R. Kirkham, D.D.G.M., who was that evening paying his first official visit in his new capacity. Bro. Kirkham was welcomed with the full honours of the order. The installation of new officers was then carried out in an impressive manner by Installing Master llro. J. Skinner, assisted by Bro. J. M'lvor, A.D.U. Marshal; Bro. 1). Swinton, A.D.G. Warden; Bro. H. Smith, A.D.G. Chaplain; Bro. R. Kirkham, A.D.G. Secretary; Bro. 11 H. Johnson, A.D.G. Treasurer; Bro. C. Bolton, A.D.G. Guardian. The officers for the new term are: J.P.G., Bro. H. Hanson; K.G., Bro. T. S. Edmonds; v .G., Bro. D. Seaton; secretary, Bro. D. Arnott; treasurer, Bro. VV. A. Seaton; chaplain, Bro. D. Rutherford; warden, Bro. F. Mitchell; conductor, Bro. P. Kenished; R.S.N.G., Bro. M. Pero; L.S.N.G., Bro. IV. Gill; R.S.V.G., Bro. J. M‘Kav; L.S.V.G., Bro. S. Broadley; R.S.S., Bro H Brown: LH.S., Bro; J, Seaton; J.G., Bro.A). M'Kay. Alter the ceremony Bro. J. Skinner, P.D.D.G.M., congratulated the incoming officers, and said he would like to thank Bros. M'lvor and Kirkham for their act of courtesy in asking him to act as installing master. Ho looked upon’ it as a compliment to have the opportunity of installing the officers ol Hereweka, particularly as during the past two years he had been unable to keep in close touch with the ccremon/D part of lodge work, although as one ot the trustees of their lunds he iound plenty to do. He referred loclingly to the death of their late Grand Secretary, Bro. F. Wilkinson. Before concluding ho initimated that they had with them that evening the three Grand Lodge representatives, from whom particulars of the proceedings of the session could he obtained. Bro. J. M'lvor, P.D.D.G.M., also extended congratulations, and assured the members that an official visit to Portobello was always a pleasure trip to him. Bro. D. Swim ton, P.D.D.G.M., said it was gratifying to see all offices in a small lodge filled. Ho referrecLlo the early history of the lodge, and tactfully mentioned some of the names which stood in prominence and the pleasure it afforded him to see the same names, but of a younger generation, still among Hie active workers. Bro. H. Smith', P.D.D.G.M., said that the very largo gathering of visitors was a tribute to the high esteem in which their country members were held.

Bro. R. Kirkham, D.D.G.M., in olfering his congratulations, also thanked the members for the welcome extended to him, and would endeavour to assist them in any difficulty. Bro. H. ii. Johnson, P.D.D.G.M., as secretary of the Syllabus Committee, apologised for not being able to arrange a combined meeting of all secretaries, the purpose of which was to co-ordinate the dates of lectures, etc. He took the opportunity of mentioning the subject as there was such a fine gathering from various lodges. Bro. C. Bolton, P.D.D.G.M., and senior district representative, acceded to the request for a short resume of G.L. sessions, and in the brief time available supplied members with a general outline of the subjects of local interest. Ho particularly referred to reduction in rates for junior members. These rates would operate alter the rules were revised and approved by the registrar. Congratulations from visiting lodges were extended by Bros. Morris (Pioneer), Beveridge (Leith), Milne (Unity), M'Hardy (Linden), Wise (Maori Hill), Carson (St. Kilcla). Bro. Smart, of Ridgley Lodge, Christchurch, and Brighter Greymouth Lodge, spoke as a comparative stranger to Dunedin; but he had heard of Hereweka hosiptality and took the first opportunity of visiting them, and could now understand the large gathering of city members. He felt certain that it names held any significance Bro. T. Edmonds would be sure to rise even higher than N.G of Hereweka Lodge. Bro. Edmonds, in an appropriate speech, thanked the installing officers and visitors for their congratulations, and also his own members for placing him in charge of their lodge. He assured the visitors they were always welcome. As a mark of respect to the memory of their late Grand Secretary the lodge adjourned instead of closing in customary form.

A very much appreciated supper approaching the dimensions of a banquet, was provided by the local lodge before 11 io visitors returned to town. Bro. 11. H. Johnson once again referred to tiie fraternal spirit and the hospitality of Hereweka’s members, his remarks being heartily endorsed and punctuated by three rousing cheers and an additional one for Bro. Hanson, whose contribution to the supper table was apparently appreciated. While awaiting the return of the special tramway bus to convey the visitors to the city several items were well rendered by the following Bros. •>. Skinner (recitation), Bro. Wise (recitation) Bro. Morris (song), Bro. Bolton (song) Bro. J. M'lvor gave a few humorous reminiscences of his recent visit’ to Nelson and Wellington. The arrival of the bus terminated a very pleasant gathering for one and all.