Rangiotu.

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6902, 7 May 1929, Page 10

Rangiotu.

LODGE "RANGIOTU" 1.0.0. r.

FOUNDED. From Our Own Correspondent. Bro. AV. Hurst, of Rongotea, accompanied by many fellow members of j odc-B Kopanc,'journeyed on Friday n'ir.l,to Rangiotu to make preliminary arrangements'for the establishment, of a new branch lodge in the township. I'or many weeks past this ardent Oddfellow had been busy organising a meeting of prospective members and the gathering on Friday evening must have been very gratifying to him and "his co-workers. Mr AV. H. Gimblett, of Mangawhata, chairman of the meeting, briefly outlined the object of establishing a branch lodge, stressing the many advantages accruing therefrom, and called upon District Deputy Grand Master Bro. A. Robb, of AYanganui, to address the gathering. The speaker in congratulating Die organisers and members of Lodge Kopane, expressed great pleasure at the large attendance of intending members. Young men joining a society generally looked upon such as a business proposition. Subscriptions and fees were paid and it was only reasonable to inquire what was the prospective return. In the first place friendly societies were a form of insurance against sickness, secondly, membership fostered the social side of life and thirdly association in the work of meetings and taking an active part in organising, was distinctly educational. Bro. Trenkncr, of Lodge Kopane, the next speaker, showed how membership was in many cases very beneficial. He quoted one instance showing how a member had saved £3G in one year as a direct result of membership. The great thing to remember was that all friendly societies were good. The Oddfellows were not in competition with any similar order. It was wrong to make comparisons between lodges wlion all were endeavouring to do their best to promote fellowship and confer benefits.

Bro. Lyons, of Kopanc Lodge, gave full particulars the benefit members could gain by joining the various funds. Contributions for young members, ages 16—20 years were 34s 6d quarterly and ss. hospital fund, entitling member to full benefits. Initiation fees were 10s 6d and the age limit for benefit members was 45 years. However, honorary members of any age were accepted and apart from benefits of sick pay they could enjoy full membership and were eligible to go through all the chairs of the lodge. Numerous questions were asked by interested intending members. These were fully answered by various visiting members of the proposed fraternity and ou the motion of Mr M. Kristensen, seconded by Mr K. AAilton, the following resolution was carried unanimously: "That a branch of the 1.0. O.F. be formed in Rangiotu.’’ Further resolutions were: "That the name of the branch be ‘Lodge Rangiotu, ’’’ and that the initiation ceremony take place on Thursday, May 9. Mr Keillcr AVilton was unanimously elected secretary pro. tern., and instructed to notify all those who had signed the requisition to Grand Lodge of the above date.

A most successful and enthusiastic meeting concluded by vote of thanks to the chairman and to tho organiser (Bro. AV. Hurst), after which supper was dispensed before the visitors were farcwelled.