ODDFELLOWS' GATHERING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1744, 19 February 1920, Page 3

ODDFELLOWS' GATHERING.

PRESENTATIONS TO OLD MEMBERS.

A large number of Oddfellows foregathered last night from all parts of the Wel.inglon and Wanganui districts prior to the ■district meeting, which was commenced today. The purpose of the gathering was ,i) make presentations to O.S. Bro. J. Salek, P.P.G.M., who has hoen corresponding secretary of the Wanganui District lot 25 years, and i’.S. Bro. S. •). Watson, P.P.G.M., who lias been .secretary of the Loyal Miiiiawniu Lodge for a similar period. N.G, Bro. S. Wright presided. After the toast of "Thu King” had .been honoured, P.P.G.M. Bro. 11. Sliannati proposed the toast of “The New Zealand Branch," coupled with the names of Bro*. Kershaw and Godbor, officers of the New Zealand Branch, both of whom replied in suitable terms. Bro. Kershaw complimented Bro. Salek on attaining the 25th year of office as (AS. of Wanganui District, and stated that though the Order had placed a heavy liability upon itself by allowing returned soldier members the full benefits and provisions of the Order, the general state of the financial all airs in connection with this movement would inevitably turn up on the right side of • the ledger. _ . . ~ ■ The toast of the “Wanganui Distinct was proposed by P.P.G.M. tiro. K. A. Garlick. District O.M. Bro. Dttlhie, Bro. Salek and Bro. Moran replied to tho toast. The presentation to P.O. Bro. 1. Salek was made by District O.M. Bro. W. B. Dnthie. The officers of the district bad decided that they could not allow Bro. Salek's worthy services to the district to pass unrewarded. AH members had recognised that Bro. Salek was a valuable asset to the district and the lodges comprised therein. lie hatl tilways boon willing to promote the prosperity of the Order, its lodges anil members/ Their guest had reached the highest could possibly be attained in the Order in this country—that of Past Grand Master of the Dominion. On behalf of the district he then presented Bro. Salek with a silver-mounted codec service and two gold-mounted fountain pens. He wished Bro. Salek and bis wife and family all future success and happiness (applause). Bro. Salek feelingly responded. Ho contended that the late war bad done much to consolidate the brotherhood. The toast of the “Loyal Manawatn Lodge” was proposed by P.P.G.M. Bro. E. Liddle. He congratulated the Lodge on its financial position. He contended that the results were mainly due to the excellent management. N.G. Bro. Wright replied on behalf of Loyal Manawatn Lodge, and asked Bro. iSjilt'k to unveil tho Roll of Honour of nil the local lodge members who served and fell in the war. The Roll of Honour was duly unveiled by Bro. Salek, who referred feelingly to the splendid services rendered to (lie Empire by Oddfellows during the war. All members stood in silence during tho unveiling ceremony. , P.O. Bro. Fred Mowlcin, in making Hie presentation of a silver-mounted tea and coffee service to Bro. S. .L Watson referred to the esteem in which Bro. \\ atsou was hold bv all local and visiting members of the Order. He had known Bro. Watson for over 20 years, and lie had always been careful and courteous. Ho said that Bro. Watson was an outstanding success as a lodge secretary, and was deserving of all compliments Hint could be possibly given him (applause). Bro. Watson, iu thanking the members for their handsome present, stressed mo necessity of attending the meetings and taking iip the lodge work so as to help the older members. He also referred to the -nod feeling which existed between the members and himself, and in connection with the correspondence dealt with stated that he only remembered missing a reply to one letter during his term of ofhee. Other toasts honoured were as follows; “Visiting Brethren,” proposed by Bro. U. Dilks and responded to by a large number of visiting Oddfellows and representatives of the oilier Friendly Societies in Palmerston North, all of whom congratulated the •recipients of the presentations on their long period of service. “ barter Members of Loyal Manawatn Lodge, proposed bv Bro. T. Bruce and responded to bv Bro. E. Mowlom : “Trustees Loyal Manawatn Lodge,” proposed by Bro J. ]|. Shaman and responded to by Hie. D Pringle and F. Mowlom. During the evening songs wove rendered bv Bro. U T Dilks, P. H. Oosse, A, V. Bangs, G. IE Hampson, Sherwm and t atreru'lj. Apologies wore received Bom ■ ■ •- • Bro W T. Wood, one of the founders of the‘Lodge, and Bro., T. T. Kerslake, trustee both of whom were absent through illness ■ The gathering concluded at midnight with the cutting of the Celebration Gukc and the singing of Anld Lang .-eue.