I.O.O.F., N.Z.

Hawera Star, Volume L, 18 September 1930, Page 6

1.0.0. F., N.Z.

RECEPTION TO GRAND BLASTER

REPRESENTATIVE FUNCTION HELD IN HAWERA.

Oddfellows of the New Zealand Independent Order representing practically all the lodges of South Taranaki, together with visiting brethren from Wano-anui, assembled at the horesters’ Hall, Hawera, last evening to welcome and to honour Bro. D. • Smillie, of Palmerston North, who, m his official capacity as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, is on a visit to this district. As befitting an event of such importance the Huia Lodge (1.0.0. F., N.Z.), No. 9, Hawera, spared no effort to ensure a’ successful evening and all who were privileged by invitation to attend will have liapny recollections of a most eniovable gathering. Among the visitors were many of the older members or the Order, who were accorded a. warm welcome in the lodge-room and '\ho afterwards entered into the social side of the programme with evident enjoyment. .. , The lodge was opened formally by the presiding officer, Bro. J. Timmins, N.G., who briefly welcomed brethren from Wanganui, Optmake. Okaiawa, Eltham and surrounding districts. The Grand Master, accompanied by Bro. A. H. Corey, P.G., District Lodge representative on the executive of Grand Lod"e was announced and introduced bv tlie District Deputy Grand Blaster Bro. L. C. Storm, P.G., and received with the honours of the Order, hollowing the welcome extended by the Noble Grand and supporting officers, the Grand Blaster tendered Ins responses with fraternal greetings Horn Grand Lodge, and gave a brief resume of the extension of the Order throughout New Zealand during his term of office. He expressed great appreciation of the reception accorded him, and wished Huia Lodge and othei subordinate lodges of th© district everv prosueritv during "the coming years. The'Order was /steadily increasing its ./membership, and he appealed young members to take an interest in the work of their respective lodges and to carry out their duty in whatever office they might occupy, not onlv for their own betterment, but tor the diffusion of those principles of fraternity, benevolence and charity which were the very foundations oi Oddfellowship. Bro. F. Britton, P.G., on behalf of Pyramid Lodge (Wanganui) also welcomed the Grand Master, and his iemarks were supported by Bro H . Bone, P.G. (Kiwitea Lodge, Feilding). Bro. J. Harrop, P.D.D.G.81. (Star of Opunake Lodge), Bro. A. G. Robertson, P.D.D.G.81. (Okaiawa Lodge) and Bro. John W- Stubbs, P.D.D.G.81. (Star of Eltham Lodge). . During the. formal reception the Grand Master was presented with the triple links, emblem of the Order, suitably mounted and inscribed. A happy interlude was provided when the Grand Blaster called upon Bro. Bone (Eltham) and invested him with the insignia of Past Noble Grand. Bro. Bone, who was formerly resident m Feilding ancl a member of Kiwitea Lodge, responded/ The session closed with honours, and the lodge adjourned to the social hall for a social ancl dance. The programme, which was arranged by Bro. H. Collier, went with a swing, clue in no small measure to the splendid dance music played by Mitchell’s Orchestra and the excellence and variety of the vocal numbers which interspersed the dancing. Bro. Storm acted as 81. C., and under liis I direction the entertainment proceeded without a moment’s delay. Songs were given by the Hawera B.lale Quartette (Blessrs J. 0. Smith, A. E. Morris, B. (Malone and G. H. Buckeridge), Blisses Joan and Betty Tonks (duet) “In Springtime.” Blr Len Green “Invictus,” Bliss Beryl Cooper “Gentle Shepherd,” and Mr L. Smith “The Blue Dragoons.” Extras during the supper interval were played by Miss Tavlor and Blr J. Timmins.

The Huia Lodge is deeply indebted I to- Mr F. LT. Ollerenshaw for his generous assistance in connection with the catering arrangements, and also to the ladies of the sister lodge. Kiwi Rehekah. for their loyal co-operation. The ladies’ committee, comprising Mesdames A. J. Cooper, O. V. Church. H. Collier, If. C. Storm and Misses Ti. Cooper. E. Dahl and T. Ingram, provided a. dainty supner, and quicklv replenished the tables after each sitting. _ The lodge’s social committee, comprising Bros. H. Collier (organiser), N. Hatcher, W. Ritter, M. Yeates. L. Newell and O. V. Church, also did excellent work. Dancing was continued until after midnight, when the company dispersed with free expressions of a good evening well spent.