ODDFELLOW HONOURED

Evening Star, Issue 22780, 15 October 1937, Page 1

ODDFELLOW HONOURED

FIFTY YEARS’ MEMBERSHIP The Manchester Unity Hall. Caversham, was filled to capacity on Weduesday evening, when the members or Loyal Caversham Lodge paid tribute to their fellow member, P.P.G.M. Bro. John Wilson, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary'of his entry to Oddfellowship. As an Oddfellow and a citizen, Bro. Wilson’s record of service is inspiring. Ho has given continued service to his lodge and order over the full period of his membership, has held every office‘in his lodge with the exception of secretary, has acted as lodge agent for 40 years, and was mainly instrumental in the erection of tho present lodge hall some 30 years ago, since when ho has been continuously a member of the Hall Committee. Bro. Wilson has boon a district trustee for 33 years, has filled the office of Prov. G.M., and has occupied the chair on the TJ.F.S. Board of Management. He was a member of the council and Mayer of the Borough of Caversham. Later he proved a very useful member of the Dunedin City Council, and was eventually elected Chief Magistrate of the city. At the present time he occupies the chair on both the Domain and Fire Boards. These are only the principal fraternal and civic activities of Bro. John Wilson. ' Trustee Bro. R. Hill, on behalf of ,the Cavers ham Lodge, presented to, Bro.’'Wilson''a handsome gold watch, suitably inscribed, and a reading lamp, the base of which was a replica of the lodge hall door, which, on being opened, disclosed a silver plate, inscribed. with a complete record of the recipient’s activities in Oddfellowship and civic life. Bro. Hill and the speakers who followed, the principal of whom wore the Prov. G.M., Bro. Stabb; Prov. D.G.M., Bro. Sellar; Prov. C. S.. Bro. Hopcraft; Prov. Treas., Bro. Sligo; P.P.G.M.s Bros R. S. Black and A. R. Lawry; and Bro. J. K. Macfie, tho latter representing the Foresters and U.F.S. Board, spoko in eulogistic terms of Bro. Wilson’s work and worth, with special reference to his splendid helpmate, Mrs Wilson. It was stated that anything the guest of the evening had set his hand to do had been done thoroughly; that it would be hard to find anywhere in the Dominion one who had dono more for his fellow men and the city he lived in than Mr Wilson. Service before self appeared to have been his motto. The recognition was not for length of service, but for service rendered. His example was an inspiration indeed, a challenge to tho younger men to emulate and carry on. On rising to respond, Bro. Wilson was greeted with applause. In a few weljchosen words he modestly thanked his lodge for the tangible expressions of appreciation. He thanked those who had spoken so kindly. He never regretted the work done. It brought its own reward. Ono could not receive without having given. Fifty years appeared a short period when looked back upon, and ho had enjoyed every minute of the time.

An enjoyable programme of items under the direction of Bro. J. Himburg, comprising songs by Mrs Hall Masters and Messrs Dunbar and White, recitations by Bro. H. Russell, and selections by Begg’s Orchestra, gave much pleasure to the gathering, and supper concluded a memorable function.