MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 16793, 22 February 1915, Page 5

MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.

The Pioneer Lodge, No. 1, U.A.0.D., held its quarterly meeting on Monday evening. A.D. Brother J. Lyness presided over a large attendance of members, including visitors from other lodges. The bards reported twelve members under their care, and the sum of £l2 18s 4d was passed for sick pay. The business paper for the District Grand Lodge sessions was discussed and a large portion held over till, next lodge night. The I,oval Citv of Christchureh

lipdge, M.C.. 1.0.0. E., mot on Monday evening, the X.G. Brother G. I'attcrson presiding. The balance-sheet for 101.4 showed that the Sick and Funeral Fund had a balance of £1.8,743, the increase for the year being £522 notwithstanding that the sick benefit paid (£806) hud been exceptionally heavy. The Management Fund had a credit balance of £1941 and the Benevolent and Medical Fluids also showed ftmall credit balances. The. aged members' account showed that £95 had been expended in the payment of half the contribution of members over 65 years of age. The membership-had increased t 0542. of which number 71 were, between the ages of sixty-live and eighty-three vears. The total accumulated funds amounted to £20,731. of which £18.170 was invested on mortgage at an average, rate of sjj per cent. It was reported that six members of the lodge were now swing the Empire in Egypt and one had died in that country whilst on duty there. The expeditionary members were being kept Rood on the .hooks whilst serving their country. If was decided to make application to the Grand Master and board of directors for an appropriation of £525 from the surplus disclosed at the last valuation for the purpose of assisting the Management Fund in paying part of the contributions of Hie members.over sixty-five years of age.

The Hope of Christchnroh Lodge No. 8 mot in the Manchester Chambers on Tuesday last, the C.T.. Sister Marclen, presiding. The lodge was paid an official visit by the Reviving Stream Lodge. It being young members' night. Sister Reta Round in charge, the following items were contributed : Vocal duet, Mesdames M.uschamp and Powell; musical monologue, Mr Greenwood ; vocal solos, Mesdames Powell, Muschamp and Bound', Sister Reta. Round and Brothers Roy Cummins and Lennie Cummins; recitations. Brothers Roy Cummins and Lenuie Cummins.

The annual picnic of the 1.0.G.T. Juvenile Lodge was held at Sumner on February 6. A large number of children and parents were present, and a most enjoyable day was spent. The prizes won in the sports were presented on Tuesday evening to the following :—Sisters C. Bcllamv, I. Cotten. I. Hamilton (4), M. Holmes, E. and B. Johnson. G. and E. Mansfield and A. Short and Brothers R. Tabley (2), A Cook and G. Cotton.

The Loyal Orange Lodge met in the Orange Hall on Wednesday, the W.M., Brother X. H. Straw, presiding over a large attendance of members and visiting brethren. After the general business had been disposed of, in response to a request from Brother Straw, the D.M. Brother Birmingham handed to Brother Jamison, who is leaving with the Expeditionary Force, a set of military hairbrushes, in recognition of the esteem in which he is held by the brethren. The W.M. of the Royal Black Preceptory of Black Knights of Ireland also presented Brother Jamieson with a wristlet watch, on behalf ol the Preceptory. of which Brother Jamieson was a member. The ledge then adjourned to the supper-room, where a number of toasts were honoured.

The St Albans Rechabito Tent met on Thursday. Sister L. Partridge presiding over a good attendance of members. An official visit was paid by the D.C.R., Brother. R. H. Taylor, and the provincial officers, Brothers E. A. M. Leaver, A. I). Ha.ssall. W. Saunders and G. Spiers. The visitors were heartily welcomed. In addition to remarks from the visitors, the Mayor (Brother H. Holland) spoke on the value of abstaining from the use of intoxicants.