DRUIDISM.

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 March 1911, Page 5

DRUIDISM.

STAR OF THE WEST LODGE, A meeting of the Star of the West Lodge, U.A.0.D., was held in the Druid’s Hall, Tainui Street, last evening, when A.D. Bro W. ’Sampson presided, being. supported by P.A. Bro H. Webb in the Y.A. chair and J.P.A Bro L. Bruhn. The visitors included Grand Guardian Bro. John Tennent and D.P. Bro. Keenan, and representatives from the Brunner and Seddon Lodges. One candidate was initiated into the mysteries of the Order, after which the D.P-elect, Bro. W. Mosely was duly installed. The ceremony was impressively performed by D.P. Bro Keenan, who was assisted by Grand Guardian Bro. Tennent. Bro. Keenan, having performed the ceremony, congratulated Bro. Mosely on having attained the highest office in the district and said that he had no doubt but that he would fulfil the office with credit to himself and the Order.

Bro J. Ward (Brunner) P.D.P., Bro R. Parker (Seddon). and G.G. Bro. Tennent spoke in complimentary terms of Bro. Mosley, who had at all times worked ardently in the interests of the Order, especially of the Greymouth Lodge of which he had. proved a valued member. D.P. Bro. Mosley briefly conveyed his thanks to the brehren for electing him to the position. He would at all times strive to merit the confidence they had reposed in him. P.A. Bro. H. Webb then proposed a vote of thanks to P.D.P. Bro. Keenan for the efficient manner in which ht had carried out the duties of D.P. during the preceding term. Bro. Keenan was highly complimented on the interest and energy he had at all times displayed and excellent manner in which he had at all times displayed in attending to the functions of D.P. The motion was seconded by Bro. Tennent and carried unanimously, P.D.P. Bro. Keenan suitably acknowledging the compliment paid him. s After the Lodge had been closed ir. due form, the brethren held a smoke concert, whereat the following toasts were honored:—“The King and Order,” proposed by the A.D; “Om Guests,” by the A.D. and acknowledged by Grand Guardian Bro J. Tennent and D.P. Bro W. Mosley; “The Grand Lodge” by P. A. Bro. Webb and replied to by Bros Ward, Tennent and Keenan; “Visiting Brethren” by P.A. Bro J. Jackson and responded tc by P.D.P. Bro. Keenan and P.D.P Bro R. Parker; “Star of the West Lodge” by Bro Ward and replied tc by P.D.P. Bro J. Ferguson and A.D. Bro. Sampson and “The Press” by Bro Jackson and’ acknowledged by P.A. Brc Petrie.

During the evening, Bro Tennenl gave a lengthy account of his stewardship as the Lodge’s representative at the recent Druidic Conference at Auckland. He said that he felt it an honor to bo elected Grand Guardian and hi desired to thank Bros Ward (Brunner) Shanks (Westport) and Murphy (Kumara) for the assistance they had rendered him in the election. There were now eighty-two lodges in the union, four new lodges having recently been opened. Their membership totalled 9820 and the accumulated funds were over £20,000. Last year £4500 had been paid away in special death donations, the Grand Lodge finding it only necessary to call up threepence per member per death to provide £IOO in each case. The Grand Lodge financially was a strong and substantial body. - ■ , Bro Tennent dealt exhaustively with the amendment to the rules passed at the recent conference, which, by the way was attended by three Grand Pre sidents, Otago and the Canterbury Orders being represented. First of all past officers had been made eligible to hold seats in the Grand Lodge ; in the future lodges with one hundred members would be entitled to send one delegate who would have two votes ; it had been decided to establish a Druid’s orphanage; the D.P. would in future be nominated by the Lodges in a district and the Grand Lodge would then make the appointment, and Lodges were empowered to call in a profes sional auditor. In other respects, the Grand Lodge promised to bring in a report next conference -on the death levies which the Government actuary thought unsound. Bro Tennent then presented the Lodge with a framed enlarged photograph of the recent conference. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Bro. Tennent for his able report and for his gift of the photograph. Bro. H. Carruthers, A. King and J. Kennedy contributed to the harmony of the evening. The singing of Auld Lang Syne brought an enjoyable gathering to a close.