53 YEARS OLD

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 57, Issue 4054, 13 October 1948, Page 8

53 YEARS OLD

HAURAKI LODGE COROMANDEL FUNCTION 230 MEMBERS AND FRIENDS The fifty-third anniversary of the Loyal Hauraki Lodge was held at Coromandel on Saturday, October 2, the original date of the lodge’s foundation. A very large number of visitors attended, over 50 travelling from Auckland by the T.M.V. “ Coromel which made a special trip for the occasion. The very wet weather stopped quite a number from making the trip and also somewhat marred the celebrations.

A lodge meeting was held at 8 p.m. in the lodge room,, when the district grand master, Bro. C. J. N. Codlin, the deputy grand master, Bro. P. Stubbing, and the district warden, Bro. Prouse, were received. Also in attendance were Bros. N. Burgess and L. E. Howie, members of the district management committee, and group officers Bros. P. Jenkin (Thames) and P. A. Holmes (Manurewa).

The noble grand, Sister J. Inglis, welcomed the visiting officers and also the many visitors from other lodges. Brief speeches were made by the district grand master and his officers, after which the lodge closed and everyone repaired to St. George’s hall where a banquet and dance were held. The tables presented a very pleasing appearance and the big u welcome ” sign, together with the lodge emblem, “ Friendship, Love and Truth,” were hung at the far end of the hall and caught the eye as one entered. A lovely birthday cake graced the main table.

Approximately 230 members and friends sat down to the tables and the scene was one of jollification. A brief toast list was carried out, commencing with the loyal toast, accompanied by the national anthem.

The N.G. welcomed the guests, after which the toastmaster, Bro. W. Peters, P.G. (Paekakariki), took over with the following programme:— Toasts: Manchester Unity, proposed by P.-G. Bro. Peters, replied to by D.G.M. Bro. C. J. N. Codlin; Auckland district, proposed by P.G. Bro. K. McNeil, replied to by D.G.M. Bro. Codlin; visiting lodges, proposed by P.G. Bro. P. Horne, replied to by Bro. Keith Allan on , behalf of all the lodges represented; absent members, proposed by P.G.v Sister D. Inglis; active members of the Hauraki Lodge, proposed-by P.D.G.M-. Bro. W. Neels, replied to by N.G. Sis. O. Dobbs; the ladies, proposed by D.D.G.M. Bro. P. Stubbing, replied to by P.G. Sis. J. Deeble.

The above toasts were interspersed with the following items: Piano accordion and mouth organ duet, Mrs D. Stewart and Mr 0. Irving; group songs, “ Silent Night ” and “ The Bells of St. Mary’s,” by the Browne sister; Illusions ”byMr W. Hart. The cake was cut by Sister Codlin.

At the conclusion of the toast list the tables were cleared and dancing commenced. At intervals the Browne sisters again entertained with their popular items, action songs and a yodelling song. By special request their concluding item was 4 ‘ Now is the Hour ” which was most beautifully rendered. All their items received the tribute of perfect silence during the performance and were undoubtedly highly appreciated by everyone.

The deputy district grand master presented a gold bar awarded by the Auckland district tQ P.G. Sister E. M. Lucas for introducing 20 members into the order. She had already won a gold jewel for the first 20 members introduced and this bar was in recognition of her introducing a further 20. Bro. Stubbing referred to the services rendered to the order by Sister Lucas over a period of years, both as secretary of the Hauraki Lodge for nine years and as a member of the district management committee for three years. Sister Lucas suitably replied.

The music for dancing was supplied Ly Mrs R. Christian and Mrs E. M. Lucas, assisted by Mr W. Hart. Bro. Eric Gamble acted as M.C. Dancing continued till the early hours. Lodges represented at the function were: Loyal Remuera; Lodge Good Intent; Lodge Mt. Albert; Lodge Te Kuiti; Lodge Papatoetoe; Lodge Chevalier; Lodge Lynndale; Lodge Kirikiriroa (Hamilton East); Lodge Dominion; Lodge Avon; Lodge Thames; Lodge Parnell; Lodge Papakura; Lodge Ngatea; Lodge Ponsonby; Lodge Morrinsville. Apologies for absence were received from the District Secretary, Bro. J. E. Allan, and Bro. A. J. Matter, member of District Management Committee.