ODDFELLOWSHIP

Evening Star, Issue 22066, 27 June 1935, Page 16

ODDFELLOWSHIP

After a lapse of some years, country night, field by the Independent Order of Oddfellowship, was reinstated, and a large gathering assembled to welcome the country brothers and sisters, who had come from as far north as Oamaru, as far south as Owaka and Tahakopa, and from Cromwell and Central Otago, Presenting the address of welcome, the D.D.G.M. of the district, Bro. R. R. Hendry, said it was a pleasure to him to g|reet, on behalf of the brothers ‘and sisters of the South Otago district, those country members who were present that evening. He asked them to convey to their respective lodges the fraternal greetings and best wishes of the district. Among the prominent visitors were the I.P.G.M. (Bro. J. I. C. Somerville), Bros. W. Neill (D.D.G.M., North Otago), B. Bassett (D.D.G.M., South-east Otago), G. Strang (P.G., Cromwell), and the N.G.s of Maheno, Warepa, and Toko Lodges. The executive was represented by the grand secretary, Bro; R- E. Sligo. Several of the .visitors replied thanking the South Otago district for its wishes and expressing appreciation of the arrangements made by the committee. During f’ e evening songs were rendered by Miss Minnock and Bro. Howie. Bro. G, Lawrie acted as M.C. for the dance, and the music was supplied by Bro. H. Beath and his orchestra. Several older members enjoyed cards, while the younger ones carried out a pleasant dance programme. The singing of ‘ Auld Lang Syne ’ brought a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment to a close. The silver jubilee meeting of the St. Kilda Lodge, No. 87, was held recently, when there was a record number of members and visitors present. The N. 6.. (Bro. Eric J. Smith, welcom-

ing the visitors and brethren, spoke of the early years of the lodge, of its trials and vicissitudes, and said he was el to be able to tell them that the ’s membership was steadily increasing and that in the last few meetings 10 new members had been initiated. Fraternal greetings and best wishes for the future Of the lodge weio presented on behalf of the Grand Lodg by Bro. R. E. Sligo (grand secretary) and by various other brothers from the city lodges. At the last meeting of the South Otago District Lodge, No. 1, Bro. R. R. Hendry, D.D.GM., presided over a largo attendance. The reports of various committees indicated that great interest was being taken in the Initiatory and Nelson Shields, and that this year’s competition promised to be of a very high standard. Keen interest was being displayed in the junior branch, and there had been a large number of initiations during the last month. The Handbook Committee reported that the handbooks had now been distributed to all lodges, and it was hoped they would prove of benefit to members. Mention was made of the transfer on promotion of Bro. Geoffrey Gordon,- P.G., and it was re solved to recognise the sterling services rendered by this brother hy presenting him with a past grand’s jewel 1 suitably inscribed. ' i Leith Lodge, No. 4, received a visit I from the C.P., Bro, R. S. Kirkham, I and the officers and members of I Phoenix Encampment. Extending a welcome to the visitors, the N.Z., lire. D. S. Stewart, wished them every success’ in the syllabus item of the evening, howls. A very close contest resulted in a narrow victory for the Patriarchs. Bro. Kirkham, in reply, thanked the N.G. and his officers for a very pleasant evening, and said they would look forward to tho return match with great interest.

The Pioneer and Linden Lodges recently held progressive euchre tournaments at which there was a large number present on each occasion. At the last meeting of Unity Lodge mention was made of the jubilee, and a strong committee was set up to arrange a suitable programme.