ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 8 December 1930, Page 8

ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS

TRIBUTE TO BRO. R. .HUNTER LONG TERM A.S SECRETARY A largo and representative gathering of officers, past officers and members of several Courts of the Ancient Order of Foresters was held in the Foresters' Hall, Collingwood street, on Saturday evening to do honour to Bro. Robert Hunter, P.D.C.R., in recognition of his Jong and faithful service as district secretary and secretary of Court Robin Hood.

Bro. 11.. Bethwaite, P.D.C.R., who presided over a happy and enthusiastic meeting, stated that Bro. Hunter had been for nine years treasurer of Court Robin Hood, relinquishing that office to take over the secretaryship of the Court which he had held for 25 years. During this period 650 Court nights had been held, Bro. Hunter being absent on one occasion only, and that on account of sickness. He had also been district secretary for 3b 1 years, 494 meetings being held during Bro. Hunter's term of office, and of these lie had missed only one meeting, and that on account of a family borenvement. As a Court and district secretary Bro. Hunter had held tho confidence and esteem of all members of tho Order throughout the district, and it was with feelings of pride and satisfaction that they had 'assembled to do honour to one who had so well and faithfully fulfilled the duties and the responsibilities of the important offices he had held. Bro. Hunter had in addition to his secretarial duties been most attentive to all brethren who were sick or in old age. Bro. Hunter had more than lived up to his obligations as a Forester. Bro. Bethwaite concluded his remarks which were frequently applauded, by expressing pleasure at the large and representative gathering and wished Bro. Hunter continued good health, all happiness and prosperity.

OTHER SPEAKERS

Other speakers who paid tribute to tho excellent record of service and the worth of Bro. Hunter as a Forester and a citizen were Bros. E. Fleming, P.D.C.R., and Bros. Shone and Vaughan. P.C.R's., of Court Robin Hood; Bro. Geo. Dodson, P.D.C.R., Court Pride of the Forest; Bro. Thos. Milno, P.D.C.R., Court Royal Oak; Bro. Jas. Oiling. P.D.C.R., Court Sherwood Forest; Bro. W. J. Moffatt (Mayor of Nelson), Court Perseverance ; and Bro. Page, a member of a Christchurch Court. Among (he veterans present were Bros. W. Alborough and P. Ching, P.D.C.R.S..

Bro. Jas. Ching, secretary of Court Sherwood Forest, Stoke, who is H 3 years of age, and still vigorous, was in reminiscent and happy mood, stating that he had been a Forester since 18 years of age, and recalled many of the happenings and incidents of the early clays, as did Bros. Dodson and Moffatt. Appreciative reference was made to the work and enthusiasm of many who built up the A.O.F. in the Nelson district. The names of Bros. Slater. Finney, Trask, Douglas, W. T. Bond and others of the early founders were mentioned.

PRESENTATION TO GUEST

At the conclusion of the speeches Bro. Bethwaite called on Bro. J. Easdale, P.D.C.R. of Court Robin Hood, to make a presentation to Bro. Hunter of a case of pipes.

Bro. Easdale who was frequently applauded during his speech, made the presentation.

A WORK OF PLEASURE

Bro. Hunter, who was greeted with cheers and musical honours, expressed his appreciation of the honour done him by the assembled brethren, and said he had a keen recollection of the pride he felt when first elected to the position of secretary, and it was indeed gratifying to him to receive such tributes as he had that evening. He could assure them all that throughout the years of his service he had pleasure and happiness in his work, and throughout he had the loyal help and support of the brethren both in his own Court, and throughout the district. He had made many friends whom he greatly valued. He was happy in knowing that some of the Courts were in a strong position financially and that the Order had made progress. In an interesting manner Bro. Hunter reviewed some of the happenings of the past and referred to lively and able debates that had from time to time taken place on matters pertaining to the Order, all of which had materially assisted in the progress made. He concluded by expressing the hope that equal interest would bo taken by the young members of to-day and again thanked all for their kindness. The honours of tho Order were accorded Bro. Hunter, the Foresters' fire being led by Bro. Easdale. A portion of tho evening was devoted to social and card games, while entertaining items were eiven by Bro. E. Richards and others, and ian excellent supper was served. A happy and enjoyable gathering terminated with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem.