LODGE ANNIVERSARY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20187, 4 March 1940, Page 5

LODGE ANNIVERSARY

STAR OF GISBORNE FORMED 39 YEARS AGO REVIEW OF HISTORY The thirty-ninth anniversary of the institution of the Star of Gisborne Lodge. 1.0.0. F.. on January 7, 1901, was celebrated by its members by a social evening after the last meeting, Brother J. O'C. McCarthy presiding over a large attendance. Correspondence was received from grand lodge intimating that sick and funeral contributions and grand lodge levies would be paid for all financial soldier members from elate of proceeding on active service overseas. and that representations had been made to the Government with a view to securing medical and dispensary cover for the wives and children of married soldier members. Advice was also received regarding the reduction of contributions for ail members on reaching 65 years oi age, irrespective of income, and the cancellation of all contributions for members of that age with limited incomes. Best wishes for a successful function were received from the district deputy grand master of Hawke’s Bay, Brother R. Hollever, and past D.D.G.M., Brother H. Kennedy, G.L rep., the latter being on home _ service at the Maori Battalion training camp at Palmerston North. A vote of condolence with Brothers J. H. and D’arcy Heeney on their recent family bereavement was carried. Social Function A good programme ol entertainment and suDpcr followed the meeting. The D.D.G.M., Brother E. E. Somervell, proposed a toast to “The Order,” and Brother R. Robb, past grand master of New Zealand, in responding, traced its history from its establishment by a small band of Englishmen in the U.S.A. and its spread to Canada, Australasia and several European countries. Brother J. A. Price, N.G., of the Mangapapa Lodge, proposing a toast to “The Star of Gisborne Lodge,” complimented it on the spiritual values it had fostered in addition to material benefits. He had seen references in the old minutes to local celebrations in connection with several coronations and the outbreak and conclusion, of two wars in which its members had served, and trusted that the coming years, however difficult, would see the lodge carrying on as it had done in the past. Veteran Members Brother McCarthy, N.G., suitably acknowledged the toast, congratulating the older members on the firm I foundation of fraternity they had laid m this district and was pleased to sec two first year members present in Brother R. Robb, the first secretary, and Brother F. Calcott. Brother B. 11. Wilcox, P.G., toasted "Our Veteran members,” and read the names of members, who .joined in the first five years. This brought forward interesting responses from the followmg older members of the order: Brothers R. Robb, F. Calcott, J. Callahan. A. Brad field, and T. P. Hogan. Brother C. L. Harvey, G.L. rep.. speaking to the toast of “Absent members” recalled to memory those who had laboured for the lodge and had passed on, particularly referring to the late Brother E. D. Smith, and those who were absent through assuming the duties of military service, Brother W. 11.. Fowler, P.G., responded. Brother E. E. Somervell thanked and congratulated the entertainers and the social committee on the success ot their efforts to provide pleasure for the members. Brother E. Hays, V.G., chairman of the committee and Mr. E. Silver (Neddo). suitably replied. The artists . were Brother J. S. Rutherford, violin solo. Brother Stuart Skeet. saxophone solos, Brothers Dunstan and Redstone at the piano, Brother W. B. Turbitt, songs, and “Neddo," humourous items.