MANCHESTER UNITY

Evening Star, Issue 25895, 12 September 1946, Page 11

MANCHESTER UNITY

The recent meeting of Loyal Roxburgh Lodge was held in mourning out of respect to the memory of the late Bro. P.G. Thomas Waigtli, one of its most valued members. Feeling reference was made to the loss sustained by the lodge and order, and in a wider sense, by the community. It was decided to place on record the fine service the late brother had rendered to his lodge over a period of 40 years, particularly as a lodge trustee. The proposals for extended benefits to new entrants were discussed, and the lodge will be represented at a conference of Oddfellows, to be held in Lawrence on September 17, when the proposals will be outlined by members of the Investigations Committee. A grant of £1 Is was made to the Makogai leper fund. The next meeting will see a return cribbage match with the local branch of the R.S.A.

The official visits of sister lodges to Loyal Caversham was a very fine gathering, all city and suburban lodges being represented. The Prov. G.M., Bro. F. Austin, was accompanied by five members of his executive. N.G. Bro. Val Parker welcomed the guests, included among them being G.M. Sister Robertson, of Loyal Middlemarch, and Sister Bell, of Nelson. The following minute of appreciation was passed:— “ That this meeting, representative of al city and suburban lodges,, places on record its sincere appreciation of the services rendered in the cause of Oddfellowship by Prov. G.S. Bro. A. Sligo. His successful advocacy , in respect to the consolidation of the sick and funeral funds at Kaitangata in 1919 stands as a monument to his ability. Our brother has been a cathedral builder, and in his retirement we wish him. many years of good health,” The Investigation Committee was invited to attend the lodge on October 2 and explain, the new tables of benefits to be submitted at the next district meeting. To music by Bro. Bachop’s dance band, dancing was indulged in for the remainder of the evening. The M.C. was V.G. Bro. 0. Smith.

The, meetings of Loyal Valley have been full of interest, P.P.G.M. Bro. Robson substituting for N.G. Bro. P. H. Ybung, who is on holiday. At one meeting the chairman expounded the proposals in reference to new lodge benefits as outlined by the Investigations Committee. At the recent meeting a considerable amount of routine business was transacted, after which members were entertained by P.G. Bro. G. McPate, who talked'of his experiences on active service in Europe and Egypt, and later of a visit to Scotland and England. Bro. McPate dwelt at length on his hobby, music, of the singers and instrumentalists lie had heard, and the operas it had been his, privilege to witness. Loyal Hand and Heart initiated five new members at its meeting on Tuesday evening. The meeting was particularly well attended, there being fully 100 sisters and brothers present. Other business transacted, though voluminous, was of a routine nature. At the earliest opportunity the interlodge rinks championship was proceeded with, and produced some fine expositions of indoor bowls, extra heads having to be played in several instances. The final between Dunedin and Prince of Wales, was a hard tussle, 6 all at the last head. During the play of the deciding head, Prince of Wales had the misfortune to burn the head, leaving the Dunedin rink, under the control of P.G. Bro. Allan McDougall, winners for 1946.

With a view to making the proposals in respect to the new tables and benefits to be submitted to the district committee meeting in October as widely known as possible, the Investigations Committee has already visited Balclutha and Middlemarch. It will visit Lawrence on : October 17 and Palmerston on October 28. P.P.G.M. Bro. W- H. Masters, who has a thorough grip of all nine suggested proposals, has' been entrusted with expounding the committee’s recommendations;! Members who propose making the trip to Palmerston should get in touch with Bro. Lawry promptly, as transport facilities are being rapidly booked up.