FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 131, 3 May 1927, Page 4

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

MANCHESTER UNITY, 1.0.0. F. RITUAL COMPETITION. The Oddfellows’ Hall was taxed to its utmost accommodation last evening on the occasion of the second ritual competition between Loyal Wanganui and Manawatu Lodges. In addition to the officers and members of the two lodges, visitors were present from Loyal Foxton, Marton and Dannevirke Lodges, also representatives of lodges of various districts. Very keen interest had been evinced in the competition, with the result that there was a large attendance. P.D.G.M. Bro. T. Bruce introduced the judge of the ritual competition — P.D.G.M. Bro. H. S. M. Quigley—to the meeting. The judge was assisted by P.G.’s Bros. W. Studd and J. A. Johnston. Bro. Quigley stated that the holding of the rtual competition between various lodges was indeed a wise step, and tended to help the officers of such in the working of the lodges. Many a member had not the time to devote to extensive study, but could qualify for the position in a lodge. He was not going to criticise any of those who took part; neither would there be any individual points to award, but the work of the lodge would bo considered on its merits. They were assembled as brothers and sisters of the order, and he ■trusted that, at the conclusion of the contest the finding would be received in the best of Oddfellowship. On behalf of the New Zealand branch of which he was a director, he extended to the gathering fraternal greetings from that body. A commencement of the contest was then made, Loyal Manawatu Lodge, presided over by Sister V. Cliurcher, going through the opening ceremony, the initiation of a candidate, and the closing of the lodge. The officers of Loyal Wanganui Lodge, presided over by N.G. Bro. H. M. Keesing, then went through a similar ceremony. After an adjournment for supper, which was provided by a committee of brothers and sisters, Bro. Quigley gave his decision in favour of Loyal Manawatu Lodge, which was received with applause. It had been very hard to arrive at a decision on account of the excellent rendering of the charges by the various officers, and the addresses given by them were splendid, said the judge, who made special reference to the Noble Grand of each lodge. A pleasing feature of the evening was the fact that the officers of both lodges could notice that they both had a largo gathering of members with them—which was of great assistance. The lady piamstes were indeed splendid, and deserved great praise. There were a few points that both lodges could improve on, and lie would be pleased to attend same with a view of observing whether his surmise was correct. Bro. Keesing congratulated Sister Cliurcher upon her success, and Loyal Manawatu Lodge as a whole. He referred to the splendid feeling that existed between the two lodges. Sister Churcher, as the N.G. of Loyal Manawatu Lodge, thanked Bro. Quigley for journeying to Palmerston North to act as judge. They would look forward to another friendly contest in the near future. Had Loyal Wanganui Lodge admitted lady members, then they might have won. Bro. Quigley, who had been accorded three cheers for his kindness in coming forward to act as judge, said it was indeed a pleasing feature to see tha splendid fraternal spirit that existed throughout the Manchester Unity, and especially in the Wanganui district. Hearty cheers for both teams coileluded a very enjoyable gathering. During the course of his remarks the judge made special reference to the valuable assistance given by Sister Iv. Seroggs, the pianiste of Loyal Manawatu Lodge. THE NEW ZEALAND BRANCH. MANCHESTER UNITY OF ODDFELLOWS.

The New Zealand branch of the Manchester Unity was established on 17th April 1902, 60 years after the opening of the first lodge of the Manchester Unity in New Zealand, on 7th April, 1842, thus, having completed 25 years as the controlling body of Manchester Unty work in this Dominion. That the realisation of the founders has been attained is clearly reflected in the co-ordination and co-operation that to-day marks the society’s effort. A closer community of interest prevails; the amalgamation of the several dstricts broadened the outlook; the adoption of uniform scales of contributions and benefits; the spreading of ordinary and extraordinary liabilities over tho whole society, such as pertains in the society funeral fund, the Avar members’ relief fund, deficiency lodges’ relief fund—facts and features Avhich assure that the constitution of the Neiv Zealand branch has not only maintained and sustained tho ethical and practical principles of a great sister and brotherhood,, but has created a financial stability, and a Avider application of mutual help and sympathy in every branch of tho order. Much has already been done to preserve the historical records of the province, but a compilation covering the history of Manchester Unity OddfelloAVsliip in NeAV Zealand Avould be not only a valuable addition to those already published, but Avould cover ground Avhich they have left untouched, and Avould dovetail in Avith them in permanently recording the Avisdom, the sacrifice, and the perseverance of the pioneers (Avas the theme of a recent speech regarding the lodge). And lioav can Ave best honour them and the others avlio have handed to us the heritage Avhich it is our prh'ilege to administer to-day By allowing the highest ideals of our order to guide us in our administrative AA'ork, and by seeing that in our day the insurance uspect of OddfelloAvship is overshadoAVed by a spirit of brotherhood and a spirit of felloAVship. Watching tho good and Avelfaro of our brethren in the Homeland, every OddfelloAV must have felt a thrill of joy and pride on hearing of tho initiation into our order of Princess Mary, the King’s daughter, and her husband, Viscount Lascelleo. Apart from the educational and fraternal aspects of our work, the absolutely sound business proposition Avhich Ave as a surplus district have to offer Avill, if placed before the best of our young manhood and young womanhood, bring into our ranks the new blood Avhich is so essential to our healthy growth and expansion. We have good goods to offer on behalf of a good firm! We are offering premium shares at par! And Ave are doing a good turn to our best and Avorthiest friends Avlien Ave place before them, first, the ideals, and then the wise and prudent investment offered by the M.U.1.0.0.F. The poAver and strength of our order 20 years hence "■’ill be to a great extent a reflex of bur sound numericahincrease of to-day, and it is our duty to see that a good

proportion of the best material available is initiated into our order. We must march Avith the times if our great and glorious order is going to maintain its position as the Dominion’s leading friendly society; therefore efficiency in management, organisation, and service should be the aim and duty of us all. Three phases of members are indispensable to the successful working of any lodge or district. First, the regular attendance of past officers to guide and coach the sitting officers. Second, enthusiasm, zeal and thoroughness on the part of the sitting officers. And third, the immediate making-at-home of ncA\dy-initiated members, that, having obeyed the command of prduenee, they may feel the bond of felloAVship, attend their lodge, learn lodge procedure, and then respond to the call of service. We are proud—and rigljtly proud—of the century-old tree of Manchester Unity OddfelloAvship. Let us remember, however, that fruits, and not roots, are the manifestation of life in any society. In our Avillingness to soav, not seeing the beneficient results of our labours; in our Avillingness to give of our best, expecting no reward; in our kindlier judgments, and in our acts of love will the beauty and strength of our order be recognised, its existence justified, and the bond of folloAA’ship amongst us realised and appreciated. We are not only bound together by grips or by sign or by passwords, but by a mutual interest in each other’s AA;elfare— especially the aged and the sick, the distressed and tho needy. The first thing in OddfelloAvship to appeal to one Avas the true spirit of unity, Avhich creates co-operation amongst so many dNersities of opinion. COURT MANAWATU, A.O.F. The fortnightly meeting of Court ManaAvatu, A.0.F., No. 5655, Avas held in. the Foresters’ Hail oil Monday night. The C.lt., Bro. Hunt, presided over a good attendance of members. including a number of visiting brethren from other courts. An invitation Avas received from Court Hinemoa to attend their sth anniversary. At the conclusion of tho meeting members adjourned to the social room where the usual card tourney took place. The Avinner was Bro. Beunan.