MEETINGS

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 July 1927, Page 5

MEETINGS

GREY PROGRESS LEAGUE. A meeting of the Grey District Progress League was held fast evening, there being present: Messrs D. M. Robertson (chairman), J. D. Wingham, .L. B. Miller, J. Crookes, F. Izzai'd, A. 11. Wilde, and E. I. Lord

(secretary). Apologies were received from Messrs J. O’Brien and J. B. Kent, who were absent in Wellington on Power Board matters and Mr Kim Williams.

Mr E. J. Dollimore (officer in charge of the local Government Tourist Office) wrote notifying that the stock of handbooks printed by the League showing the scenic beauty spots of the district, was exhausted, stating inter alia: “There is still a very large demand for your handbook and my stock is practically exhausted. This publication has been particularly useful. The 1500 copies entrusted to this office have been widely distributed and have been a most excellent medium in connection with making better known our local scenic attractions.” The Secretary reported that the League’s stock of 1500 had also been distributed, there being only about a dozen in hand. It was resolved to make a canvass of the town and district for members, with the object of increasing the League’s revenue, and thus making possible the production of a second enlarged edition in the near future. Messrs Robertson, Izzard, Miller, Wilde, Williams and Trouland were deputed to carry out the canvass. ’Die President (Mr I). AL Robertson) reported on. the activities of the deputation which visited Wellington to interview the Premier with regard to the timber industry and also on the. recent conference of South Island Progress Leagues held at ChristchurchIde explained fully his opposition to the remit anent “back loading ’ Irorn Christchurch, which was moved by the Hokitika sub-committee of the Canterbury Progress League, his being the only vote against the. proposal. — Robertson’s action in the matter was endorsed, and a hearty vote of thanks ordered to be recorded on the minutes.

The Otago Expansion League wrote with regard to the excessive telephone toll charges.—-After a protracted discussion it was resolved that this League is in accord with the proposed reduction and would suggest the advisability of installing where possible the automatic system. The Secretary reported that Mr Morton (Government Publicity Department) had completed “shooting” the moving pictures of the district, which would be released at an early date. It had been hoped that Mr Morton would take a movie of the Canterbury farmers’ visit, but this Was unfortunately made impossible by the fact that outside, representation was made to the Minister in charge of the Tourist Department, asking that this be done, who unaware of the facts of the case, declined the request. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Grey County Council for their valued assistance during Mr Morton's visit.

“GOLDEN WEST” LODGE. Despite the counter attractions, last evening a large and interested audience witnessed, in the United Pavilion, a ceremony which can be described as the most impressive in Friendly Society circles in Greymouth, in the formal opening of the first ladies’ lodge on the West Coast, by the installing of the officers of “Golden West” Rebekah Lodge 1.0.0. F. At a short meeting prior to the public one, the Acting Grand Master, Sister J. Rintoul L.D.D.G.M. (North Canterbury) and assisting acting Grand Officers formally delivered the special dispensation for working of the Lodge until the Charter has been prepared. The Charter members are Sisters A. J. Black, A. L. Ogilvie, T. C. Jacobsen. A. S. Smart, T. Anderson, S. Roberts, N. Trainer. The public were then admitted to witness the installation ceremony. The hall, which was furnished as a Lodge was tastefully decorated in the colours of the Rebekah Degree (pink and green). The officers elected were in their respective stations, in regalia, and surrounded by the large number of new members also wearing lodge colours. The Acting Grand Master and installing officers retired from the Lodge and re-entered in due form and carried but the intricate ceremonial of installing the officers to their respective “chairs” in dignified and efficient manner, which later called forth congratulatory remarks from the large number of visiting Brothers.

The first officers of the Lodge are

Sisters A. J. Black N.G., A. L. Ogilvie V.G., A. B. Stent, Secretary: H. Gilmore, Rec. Secretary; N. E. N. Bettel, Treasurer, C. E. Gilmord, Warden; M. Spalding, Conductor; E. Simpson, Chaplin; E. Jones, R.S.N.G., I. Morley, L S.N.G., I. C. Jacobsen, R.S.V.G., T. Anderson, L.S.V.G., E. Restieaux, IS.G.; D. Pound, 0.5. G.; Trustees; E. L. Grant, C. M. Body, C. M. McLean; Organist: E. Wise. After the ceremony, Sister J. Rintoul shortly addressed the members and officers and apologised for the abscence of the Grand Master, Bro. W. 11. Simmons. She congratulated the

ladies of Greymouth in opening their lodge with 62 new members ami thereby putting up a record for New Zealand. She had heard that Greymouth

people did not do things by halves, and she understood Brighter Greymouth Lodge, which opened last year had been “crowing” about their record, and it was nice the sisters had beaten them. She thanked

one and all for the kindness extended to her and visiting sisters. Following Sister Rintoul came congratulations from visiting Brothers of different orders. Bro. G. E. Black, P.G.D.D. G.M. (Westland* 1.0.0. F.) welcomed the new lodge as a most important (/vent in the friendly society movement in Greymouth. Bro T. H. Jones N.G., Brighter Greymouth extended his lodge’s welcome. Bro. Rothwell, Star of the West, and Bro. JI. A. McPhee. Seddoh Lodge, Runanga, congratulated the ladies on behalf of the Druids’ order. Bro. Rothwell said he understood a number of husbands were opposed to the Ladies’ Lodge as it might give the wives an excuse to stop out. till 1 a.m. and tell “Hubby” that the Lodge was “late.” Bro. Green, Loyal Greymonth M.U.1.0.0.F. wished the sisters the best of luck. Bro. T. Clark, on behalf of the A.O.F. (Forrest) stated that although he had been associated with many lodges in his time this was his first opportunity of seeing a constituted ladies’ lodge and he congratulated the installing officers on their efficiency, Which should

be an example to the new officers, and could be taken as a lesson by many men’s lodges, which were all founded with the one object, irrespective of their constitution. Bro. G. D. Smart read several telegrams from different parts of the Dominion, including one from Bro. Crooke. He also apologised for the absence of the Mayor (Bro. J. W. Greenslade), Archdeacon Carr, Rev. Father Long, Rev. Mr Brown and Rev. Cuttie, who all wished the “Golden West” a happy future. After the lodge was closed a most enjoyable social and dance was indulged in until the early hours. Items, much appreciated were rendered during the evening by Sister C. Hopgood (song), Sisters Sherrifs (Christchurch), duet;| Sister E. Wise (pianoforte solo). Miss O. Weaver kindly played an extra during the evening. Brs. B. A. Griffiths and T. H. Jones acted as M.C’s. A dainty and ample supper provided by the sisters was handed round and thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks are due to Mrs E. Parfitt, who supplied excellent music for the dauce, free as a donation to. the new lodge.