DRUIDISM

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 6 October 1936, Page 6

DRUIDISM

MEETING OF PIONEER LODGE SUCCESSFUL SOCIAL GATHERING ENJOYABLE PROGRAMME The fortnightly rqeeting of Pioneer Lodge No. 19, U.A.0.D., was held in the Orange Hall, Cpllingwood street, last evening. There was a very good attendance, presided over by the Arch Druid (Bro. G. Harvey). Visitors present from Maitai Lodge were: District President (Bro. W. W. Delaney), Arch Druid (Bro. H. Ricketts), P.A. Bro. E. Bennetts, P.A. Bro. P. Smalley, P.A. Bro. L. Delaney, P.A. Bro. C. Hebberd, J.P.A. Bro. W. Ricketts and Bros. R. Simpson, H. Low and E. Johnston. One candidate was initiated as a full benefit member, Bro. Smalley acting as conductor. At the close of the meeting, visitors were admitted for a social and the hall was quickly filled. A hearty welcome was extended by the Superintendent (Bro. A. Hill), who expressed the hope that everyone would have an enjoyable evening. VISITORS ENTERTAINED A very enjoyable and greatly appreciated programme was contributed to by the following; Bro. Peter Adams (recitation), Miss K. Bennetts (recitation), Bro. R. Simpson (songs), Miss Zeta Smalley (club swinging), Bro. G. Cullen (recitation), Mr H. Low, senr. (recitation), Miss Jocelyn Adams (toe dance), Bro. V. Hill (recitation), Miss J. Bennetts (recitation), Bros. Hollyman (songs), Miss Thelma Hill (recitation), Miss Zeta Smalley (humorous recitation), Miss Doris Treweek (tap dance, and as an encore the Sailor’s Hornpipe), Sister Webster (club swinging) and Mr H. Low (song). The toe dance by Miss Jocelyn Adams, tap dance and Sailor’s Hornpipe by Miss Doris Treweek, and club swinging by Miss Zeta Smalley and Sister Webster (with lights in clubs and a dark room) were enthusiastically received by the audience.

PRESENTATION TO SUPERINTENDENT

During an interval in the programme the District President (who officiated as chairman) said he had a very pleasing duty to perform on behalf of the Maitai and Pioneer Lodges in making a presentation to the Superintendent (Bro. A. Hill). The speaker stated that since the inception of the juvenile lodge there had been only two superintendents—the first being Bro. H. P. Forster. The two lodges greatly appreciated the work and attention that Bro. Hill had given to the Pioneer Lodge over a large number of years and also wished to recognise the part that had been taken by Mrs Hill. The chairman then asked Bro. Hill to accept a cheque from the Maitai Lodge and Mrs Hill to accept a presentation from the adult and juvenile lodges. (Applause). In supporting the previous speaker, Bro. Vercoe (secretary of Maitai Lodge) stated that the adult lodge Was delighted to give honour to whom honour was due, especially in respect to the services rendered to Pioneer Lodge No. 19. He urged the boys to do everything in their power to secure as many new members as possible and thus build up the membership of their lodge, whilst securing benefits for themselves.

Other speakers who endorsed the remarks of the chairman and Bro. Vercoe, were the Arch Druid of Maitai Lodge (Bro. H. Ricketts), Arch Druid of Pioneer Lodge (Bro. G. Harvey), and P.D.P. Bro. S. Palmer. Upon rising to reply, the Superintendent was greeted with prolonged applause. Bro. Hill said it gave him great pleasure to accept the presentation and it was quite unexpected. The members of the juvenile lodge were attending the meetings very well and giving every possible assistance. He \vished to give credit to some of the members of Maitai Lodge for assistance rendered to him, especially during his late illness, when they carried on the work of the juvenile move- ; ment. In conclusion, he expressed his thanks to the various speakers for their kind remarks. Mrs Hill also returned thanks for the presentation she had received. Supper was handed round by a band of willing helpers, after which the proceedings closed at 11 o’clock with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem.

During the evening the duties of accompanist were capably carried out by Bro. Smalley, and those present were invited to attend a social to be held by Maitai Lodge on 26th October.