ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LII, Issue 4806, 8 September 1932, Page 3

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

FOXTON LODGE WELCOMES NEW ZEALAND GRAND MASTER

Tuesday, was a “red letter day” in the history of the Loyal Foxton Lodge of Oddfellows, M.U., the occasion being the visit of the New Zealand Grand Master, Bro. H. S. M. Quigley. Also present were the District Grand Oifficers, Bros. H. J. Fowler, D.G.M.; L. Millar, Deputy D.G.M.; H. M. Keesing, District Secretary; Past . District Office Bearers, and Sisters and Brothers of Lodges Manawatu (P.N.;, Marton, Manchester (Feilding), Dannevirke, and Wanganui. The total at-

tendance, including Foxton Odd-

fellows, was about one hundred. N.G. Bro. I. W. Mudford, of Loyal Foxton Lodge, presided in open' lodge at the commencement of the proceedings, and was supported by Right Supporter Bro. A. G. Huntley, Left Supporter Bro. W. Nye, Warden Bro. F. Vertongen, Vice-Grand Bro. E. A. Morgan, Right Support Bro. L. King, Left Support Bro. J. E. Clark, I.P.N.G. Bro. W. Howe, Financial Secre-

tary Bro. W. G. Nye, Elective Sec- ♦ rotary Bro. G. King, Guardian Bro. 0. 11. Morgan. N.G. Bro. Mudford formally welcomed the New Zealand Grand Master, visiting District Officers, and the representatives of the various Lodges, expressing his pleasure at the attendance, and referring to the high honour bestowed

upon their Lodge by the presence of G.M. Bro. Quigley. This was the first occasion upon which such an honour had been extended to them, and was fully appreciated. The large gathering representative of a wide district showed the true spirit of Oddfellowship, of which they were all proud, and he extended a very cordial welcome. The District Grand Master, Bro. Fowler, on behalf of the W T anganui District, also extended a welcome to the New Zealand Grand Master, and expressed the view that the attendance showed a very keen interest and enthusiasm in the

Order. Other speakers were Bro. L. Millar, Deputy G.M. Wanganui District; Bro. Stevenson, Wanganui; Bro. E. A. Garlick, Feilding; Bro. Slessor, Marton; Sister Millar, Dannevirke; and Bro. H. M. Keesing, District Secretary. . In the course of his remarks Bro. Keesing paid a fine tribute to Bro. W. G. Nye, secretary of Foxton Lodge, for his work in that capacity, and also referred to the keen interest shown by the New Zealand Grand Master in the smallor Lodges of the Order, and paid a compliment to his good work and enthusiasm. G.M. Bro. Quigley, ,in a brief reply to tbe welcome extended to himself said despite the depression through ‘which the Dominion was passing, the prestige of the New Zealand Lodge of Oddfellows was never better than to-day. The organisation of the Order .was of such a high standard as made this possible, and he had expressed the opinion to members of the farming community, with whom he had a good deal to do, that had they an organisation equal to that of the Manchester Unity in New Zealand they would be able to face the world-wide depression with confidence.

Bro. Bruce, Past District Brand Master, made humorous reference to the earlier days of the Loyal Foxton Lodge’s when the position was responsible for some embarrassing: interludes between the district officials and the local office bearers. All this was changed now, however, and the surplus now shown spoke volumes for the present administration. Bro. A. 6. Huntley replied to Bro. Bruce, covering the points referred to, saying that although the early episodes may have engendered a little feeling of restraint towards the district officials of that time, the sentiment was now of the most cordial nature, and worthy of the high aims of Oddfellowship. He extended an invitation to members of sister Lodges, to visit Foxton in the future. They felt specially honoured by the visit of. the New Zealand Grand Master. The meeting then took the form of a social evening, when a pianoforte duet was contributed by Misses K. and €. Coley, two songs by Master Leo King (Miss Pearl King as accompanist), and dance music by Mr. L. Mattar. At a later juncture N.Z.G.M. Bro. Quigley addressed those present on the subject of the M.U., 1.0.0. F., the keynote of his remarks being that of brotherhood, and omitting all but the merest reference to the financial aspect of Oddfellowship. The movement, he said, commenced some 120 years ago, from a very small beginning, and was based upon the principle of mutual selfhelp. In the course of time, however, the aim of the movement seemed to be diverted to the financial aspect, until the time arrived when, like the world in general today, the liiiancial aim had become the over-ruling purpose. With the finances in a very sound condition, they had to find what portion of the Manchester Unity required reconstruction. Old-time experience in this Dominion wiiuld have to come hack —the outlook would have to be remodelled. The foundation was still there, and they could make the movement what they wanted. The Unity even in these bad times could pay 40/- in the £l, but that was not the sum of its needs; it was the human asset that was of the greatest value. In our country a Government may not ba able to put things right, but humanity could. That was the spirit that the Lodge stood for. Referring to the history of the Loyal Foxton Lodge,. Bro. Quigley said the Branch had been

established in 190(1. The Lodge had proved itself to be a really good one, and he was also pleased to see Sisters in the Lodge. The total funds of Lodge Foxton had now reached a very substantial sum, and the available surplus this year was £373. The management fund had of late years been converted from a debit to a credit, which was very creditable in these times. He paid a compliment to the local officers and to the Secretary, Bro. W. G. Nye, in this connection. He also made an appeal to members to assist the Secretary as much as possible, as the value of his duties were far beyond that of any monetary consideration he may receive. The speaker exhorted members to go out and push the work of the Order, contending there was a great field in front of them. The slump had had a great levelling effect on the community and many citizens of the Dominion who had previously looked slightingly upon the proposal to become members of a friendly society now saw its value. Friendly societies were of incalculable value to the Dominion, and had saved taxpayers millions of pounds because of the thrift they teach. The Manchester Unity was a great factor in the life of the nation, not only as a friendly .society, but also a helping society. The need of brotherhood was never more pressing than at the present time, and he could say that l;is experience as a member had taught him in many \C r ays to be a man. Brothers should take membership seriously, and make some sacrifice in return for its privileges. The Unity,* stood for responsible citizenhip,' not for. a commercial institution. They should aim at a Manchester Unity with a greater vision, and they have the opportunity without worrying about finance. You cannot buy friendship, the speaker continued, and the Manchester Unity was built on the hand of friendship in times of need. The movement does ' not depend on money, but on friendship, love and truth. At the conclusion of his address Bro. Quigley was thanked by the District Grand President, and by N.G. Bro. Mudford.

A tasty supper was handed round, and much appreciated. A community sing was conducted by members of the Palmerston North Lodge, and a very successful gathering dispersed about midnight.