ODDFELLOWS’ LODGE

Grey River Argus, 13 March 1940, Page 5

ODDFELLOWS’ LODGE

CENTENNIALCELEBRATIONS trict Trustee, Brother E. Warnes P o?the other societies. . -p TuTr C. Nevm? n wh° ''f ,r A tl gX der in New Zealand. He said that was 72 years since the first Lodge w nnpned in Greymouth. It was a great Xsure to be present toetore such a large number, and also to see s many young men who had joined and he hoped the Lodge would eon mue to nrosper. The greatest part of the members' work was to contact other “otog men, and help them as much as possible. "As we go around the streets," said Mr Neville "we find young men from the age of 18 to -- putting in time in useless occupations but our idea should be to get these young men to join the society a d make them realise what their service to the country means.” Responding to the toast, Brot ‘ p C Heaphy, P.D.G.M., traced the early history of the Order and referred to the fact that in lodges men made friends of a lifetime. In Nelson in 1843 the first branch of the Manchester Unity was opened. In lobo a branch was formed in Greymouth and its unbroken success since tnat date was proof of its value to the community. Manchester Unity was a great brotherhood in which the members helped one another throug times of difficulty and hardships. Had all the people been members of lodges there would have been no need for the Social Security Act in New Zealand. He felt sure that lodges still had an important part to play. He appealed to the younger members to maintain their interest in the society and thanked Mr Neville for his tribute to the society and its work. Mr James O’Brien, M.P., who also congratulated the society on its work proposed the toast of “Members on Active Service.” Just a few years ago he said, ten million lives had been lost and thirty million had been wounded in a war that was to end war. To-day they faced another, and even greater prospect of countless millions of casualties. Already, he said, thirty thousand men, responding to the call of their country, had been taken out of industries in New Zealand. The call of his country was not secondary to the principles of any man. After referring to the horrors of the war Mr O’Brien said that it was unfortunate that the men of today had to face those horrors because of the call of duty. He looked forward to the day when, men and nations would put aside their petty jealousy and come together for the common good of all. In a few more months probably another thirty thousands men would follow the first forces to go overseas, and friendly societies more than any other sections of the community had a duty to the men who returned, and who would lib in need of care and attention. Those who stayed behind had to see that production was maintained at its highest level, for it was useless to send men overseas unless we could provide for their welfare behind the lines. Shortly, he concluded, he hoped to be able to welcome back to the West Coast, the very many fine young men who had given their services to their country. At the conclusion of Mr O’Brien’s speech, Brother J| Laing, D.G.M., in-

stalled the new District Grand Master, Brother T. C. Dellaca, and the Deputy District Grand Master, Brother R. Lowe, congratulating them on their election, and wishing them a pleasant term of office. Brother Laing also presented a District Grand Master’s jewel to the Immediate Past District Grand President, Brother W. Green.

Fitting reference to the splendid spirit of co-operation existing, was made by Bro. J. Daniel, in proposing the toast of “The United Westland District.” All branches of the Order were in a flourishing position, due largely to the capability of past and present officers. The District Secretary, Bro. G. M. Powell, P.D.G.M. responded. Other toasts honoured during the evening were: “Retiring District Officers” (Bro. R. W. Green, P.D.G.M. — Bro. Laing); “Medical Officers, Past and Present” (Bro. J. B. Auld, P.D.G.M.—Drs. W. McKay and W. A. Bird and Mr J. S. Ross); “Kindred Societies” (Bro. D. Kidd, P.G.); “Visiting Delegates” (Bro. E. Fell, P.G. — Bro. J. B. Auld, Reefton; Bro. R. W. Green, Westport; Bro. R. Neilson, Blackball; Bro. F. Congreve, P.D.G.M.Kumara); “District Trustees” (Bro. A. V. McLuskie, P.D.G.M.—Bros. E. Warnes and H. Gemmill); “The Press” (Ero. F. Congreve, P.D.G.M.).

Musical items were supplied by Mr Reg. Buchanan’s 7 Orchestra, whilst numerous songs and recitations were rendered during the course of an enjoyable evening.