ODDFELLOWS’ LODGE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 282, 12 November 1936, Page 8

ODDFELLOWS’ LODGE

Visit of Grand Master to Hastings HEALTH INSURANCE Members of the various lodges of the Independent Order of Oddfellows throughout Hawke’s Bay assembled in the Buffalo Hall, Warren etreet, to welcome the Grand Master, Bro. A. J. Guy, lately returned from the quinquennial session of the Grand Lodge of Australasia, held at Hobart, _ Tasmania. There was a large attendance of members of both Rebekah and male members of the order, their wives and friends, who spent a most interesting and instructive evening, which, though consisting mainly of the Grand Master’s address, included various social items. Dancing was also indulged in. The D.D.G.M., Bro. Turkington, who acted as chairman throughout th* evening, opened the proceedings by extending the warmest of welcomes ty the Grand Master and called on the following members to speak: P.G.M. Bro. J. Aitken, P.D.D.G.M.. Bro. R. Goss, Bro. A. M. Dane, P.G. and P.D.D.G.M. Bro. T. A. Williams.

The Grand Master made feeling reference to the passing of the late D.B.G.M. Bro. J. 8. B. Anderson. Bro. Guy dealt firstly with the national health insurance scheme soon to be introduced, aud though they had the assurance of the Minister in charge of friendly Societies that friendly societies would have every consideration, he feared that they may he adversely affected, especially if contributions to the national scheme were lower than those of lodges. However, if the scheme were run on similar lines to that of England they would have noth-' mg to fear. The Grand Master mentioned that the ratio of friendly society members at Home was one in six and one in 14 in the Dominion. Dealing with tho order in New Zealand the funds of which are centralised, the Grand Master said that though second in membership (i7,50j) the 1.0.0. F. was first in financial stability. Funds amounting to £ooo,ooo were invested in New Zealand.

In an eloquent appeal to the gathering the Grand Master asked the members to put fellowship, friendship and fraternity before intrinsic matters and strive for unity always. He announced that the P.G.M. Bro. D. F. SmiUie has been’ appointed Grand Treasurer and that he himself had been appointed Deputy Grand Sire for the ensuing term.

Bro. Guy’s address was received with loud applause aud the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Bro. Guy then presented Sister D. Bullott with her P.G.’s certificate. ' ' A sumptuous ‘sit-down eupper, of which the Kahuranaki Rebekah Lodge were in sole charge, was then partaken of. many items, vocal, instrumental <ind , dancing, were interspersed throughout the evening. At the conclusion of supper the room was cleared and dancing continued until “Auld Lang Syne” brohgut a happy evening to.a close. : t

Prior to the main function the Grand Master attended the meeting «of ■ Kahuranaki Rebekah Lodge No. 37 and received a hearty welcome from the sisters assembled.