ODDFELLOWSHIP

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 August 1928, Page 12

ODDFELLOWSHIP

PRESENTATION TO DR. McKAY

The members of the Loyal Greymouth Lodge No. 5560 1.0.0.F.M.U., foregathered around the festive board last'evening, for the purpose of taking a formal farewell -of Dr W. McKay, who had been a medical officer to tlhe Lodge for the past twenty-three years, ami recently retired from active practice. Bro. D. Cook, N.G., presided,

and there was a record attendance of

members. The proceedings were opened with, the usual loyal toast, after which refreshments were partaken. The* toast of the “Manchester

Unity” was 1 proposed by .Bro. Congreve, who explained to those who had just been initiated into Oddfellowship, the objects of the Friendly Society movement. The Manchester Unity was

not only the strongest numerically, but also the strongest financially of any of the Friendly Societies in New Zealand.

In responding, Bro. 11. Long, D.G.M. (Blackball) exhorted the jounger members to take an interest in their Lodge. The work carried on by the Manchester Unity in New Zealand was wide in its ramifications. During the war, the members who were absent at the front, were kept financial More than that, in any case of illness among them, their sick pay was paid to them. In his official capacity, as head of the United Westland District, he had not been able, so far, to v'sit all the lodges. Tie, however, hoped to do that before his term of

office expired. He extended good wishes to Dr McKay, the guest of the evening, for his Tong and faithful services to Oddfellowship in Greymouth.

The toast “Our Guest, Dr 'William McKay,” was proposed by Bro. P. C. Heaphy, who outlined the services rendered the Lodge by Dr McKay since he first signed on as medical officer n September, 1905. He had been medical officer ever since ,and had rendered signal service. He had succeeded the well-known Dr Charles Morice, who had been their previous officer. At that time, the membership was 43. To-day it had risen to 136, in addition to which some sixty odd members of otherbranch lodges were attached to the Lodge. He explained the benefits of a capable medical officer. Dr McKay had had a long and strikingly brilliant career as the Lodge’s doctor. He had lendered fine service during the influenza epidemic. There had been times when the doctor had to do the whole of the work in Greymouth. At all times, and especially during the influenza 'epidemic, Dr McKay h'ad given whole-hearted attention to his Lodge patients, and there had not been one complaint. The Lodge realised that the doctor had contributed to the success of the Lodge. Whatever came, the old minutes would show the record of Dr McKay’s long and faithful service to Loyal Greymouth Lodge. Dr McKay had, in addition to having been a good medico, always been an exemplary citizen. He had done yeoman service for the Acclimatisation Society, and had been one of the prime movers in getting a swimming bath for Greymouth, and had also assisted in other directions. He requested the doctor to accept a crystal fruit set, as a- tangible expression of the appreciation of the members for his long and faithful service to Loyal Greymorith Lodge. The toast was drunk with musical honours.

Responding, Dr McKay said the occasions on which he had successfully dodged farewells and bouquets had been numerous, but at last he “had been run to earth.” He believed in giving value for what he was paid for. Coming from the stock his name indicated, he was one who abhorred a display of sentiment. He knew now what it was to stand up, like others he had heard under similar conditions and say, “Words fail me.” Tracing the .progress of his work during his service of twenty-three years, he said he had passed many young men for membership. There was an advantage in having a band to deal with' who were not “encumbered.” He, therefore, for a long time, did not come in for the usual crop of measles, hives, etc., which the young fry were heir to I He prided himself that the composition of the Lodge was one of the best in New Zealand, certainly the best on the West Coast. Doctors were not saints, and those who came to see them professionally realised that a medical man did not live on a “bed of roses.” He had his cares, and they did not come always at a convenient time. During the war, when a. good many medical men were absent at the front, there were only six doctors on the West Coast, die had his share of the vicissitudes of the conditions, and at one part had to ’ look after Hokitika’s needs (during Dr Teichelmann’s indisposition), as well as those of Greymouth. Ln’ his Lodge practice, he had stood up to all calls. This had been made the more possible, owing to the affability and courtesy of the Lodge officials, especially the Secretary (Bro. P.C. Heaphy), who was a most capable secretary. He appreciated the Lodge’s line present, which would adorn his home, and assured the brethren that he would treasure it as long as he had a house. Owing to his illness last year, he made up his mind to make arrangements to secure an assistant, and had the «good fortune to interest Dr Bird, who had come to Greymouth and had now taken over- his practice. He felt the better for the respite from the cares of the medical profession already, and it was possible he would resume practice at some future date, if not in the Dominion, then elsewhere. Though no longer the Lodge doctor, he would still have an interest in the members, and would be glad to assist them in any possible way in the future. (Applause). The toast, “The Friendly Society Movement,’’ was proposed by Bro. A. Naylor, who gave an outline of the history of the Manchester Unity, since its formation some 200 years ago, till the present time, stressing the advantages of membership. , Bro. AV. Scott responded, and expressed his pleasure at seeing so many young members joining the Lodge, lie exhorted them to take an interest in the affairs of their Lodge, aim at passing through the chairs of oilice, and to thoroughly understand the inner workings of the movement. The toast,' “Loyal Greymouth Lodge,” was proposed by Dr McKay, who said he had,always done what he conceived to be his duty to the Lodge, in keeping a close watch on those who were candidates for membership. It was impossible to keep “black sheep” out of the fold all the time, but, with cafe, they would at least keep undesirables at a minimum. A carefully selected membership was an essential to having a, strong Lodge. 'When he and Dr Mcßreartv had decided to take

up Lodge practice, Dr Meßrearty hc-xi suggested they ‘‘loss for it,” to see which Lodge they would take.' He, however, asked lor the Oddfellows’ Lodge, and had never regretted being its medical officer.

The toast was responded to by Bros Yin rues and Meer, two of the o < I f-i living members of the Lodge. The toast, the newly-elected “Medical I 'fficer, Dr Bird.” was proposed by Bro. T. Collins. In acknowledging the toast, Dr Bird said having heard the eulogies of Dr McKay, he felt he had ;t “hard job” before him, but hoped he would be able to earn the good name from the Lodge which Dr McKay had won, and, by giving the same loyal service.

.Musical and elocutionary items were given by Bros. A. Warnes, Brailsford, It. Seddon, R. Armstrong, Bush and Douglas. Bros. Armstrong and Perotti presided at the piano. The proceedings concluded by all joining and singing “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem.