I.O.O.F. LODGES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20385, 23 October 1940, Page 4

1.0.0. F. LODGES

IN GOOD CONDITION GRAND MASTER’S VISIT OFFICERS INSTALLED A very well attended meeting greeted the grand master of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, Mr. G. F. Rudkin, on the occasion of the installation of officers of the Star, of Gisborne Lodge, 1.0.0. F. The function, being semi-public, was attended by a considerable number of Rebekah lady members.

The grand master was assisted by the the district deputy grand master, Mr. E. E. Somervell and past grands, Messrs, J. Morton, J, A, Price, S. D. Chiles,* W, H. Wilcox, P. J. Rohan, A. McLean, W. H. Frazer, and A. E. Lund. Mrs. W. Wells, noble grand of the Rebekah Lodge, welcomed the grand master and expressed the pleasure of the ladies at being present for the first time at such a ceremony. Greetings also were received from Wynyard Lodge, Auckland, Southern Cross, Wellington, and the lodges of the East Coast district. Mr. H. Kennedy, Grand Lodge representative, and Mr. A. Bennett, past Grand Lodge representative, also telegraphed their good wishes to the gathering. Officers .installed were Mr. Douglas L. Smith, noble grand; Messrs. L. Hays, G. C. Corbett, C. L. Harvey, W. Wells, G. V. Lynex, <T. Pearce, J. Hossack, J. Rennie, R. E. Searle, W. G. Prince, J. English, P.G., W. Townson, P.G., and A. Bradfield, P.G. Work of the Lodge The grand master expressed his appreciation of his reception and looked forward to presiding at the Grand Lodge session to be held here when circumstances permitted. The postponement of this would result in a saving of money, which could be devoted to part of the cost of keeping soldier members financial. He appealed to all officers to realise that there were no small parts in lodge work, but sometimes small actors, and that if each part of the machine ,of Oddfellowship worked efficiently, the order would emerge from the present difficulties strong and virile. Referring to the record of the order during 1914-18, he stated that from a membership then of 6500 men, 1462 served in the forces overseas and 263 made the supreme sacrifice. From that membership the order had grown to over 19,500 last year. Two hundred members had left New Zealand with the First Echelon, and it was safe to assume that those at present serving in the forces approached the thousand mark. Owing to the extension of benefits in recent years, it was only possible to secure permission from the Government actuary to pay the contributions of members overseas on active service, and not for any on home duties. Subscriptions had been increased to’ provide medical and chemist benefits for the families of married members overseas. Defence of Freedom He strongly condemned the suppression of the order in Germany, Austria, and probably Norway and other countries overrun by the Nazis, and stated that the defence of freedom of thought, of worship, and of organisations such as the order, with its ritual ceremonies for the purpose of binding men together for mutual assistance in adversity, was a vital issue being fought for at present. The grand master expressed deep sympathy with a past grand master, Mr. Robert Robb, who was seriously ill, and had a long record of outstanding work for the order. Having recently visited all districts of the order with the exception of Otago and Southland, he could state that, notwithstanding war conditions and the effect of social security legislation, he had found the great majoritg of lodges in good condition. The ceremony was followed by a dance for members and friends, representatives of kindred societies being entertained. Music was provided by Mrs. Menzies, and an excellent supper rounded off an evening which long will be remember :d by those attending.