NEW ODDFELLOWS' LODGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XV, Issue 5308, 20 November 1878, Page 2

NEW ODDFELLOWS' LODGE.

According to advertisement, the Eureka Lodge, No. 9(i4, was opened ou Monday night, by Brother Henry Hafton, Provincial Grand Master, by commission from the Kxecutive Committee of National Independent Order of Oddfellows, assisted by Provincial Deputy G. M. Wtn. Thompson, and Past Grand Master Wright. Brother Rafton, after reading the Dispensation, presented it with duo ceremony to the lodge, aud made a few well chosen remarks in reference to the great good societies of this kiod do to the community generally, but more especially the influence thoy exerted in promoting goodwill, friendship, and brotherhood, as well as the material benelits they afford for the sick and distressed, the widows and orphans. Past Grand Master Wright gave a lengthened resume of the working of the drder, and shewed the benefits to bo derived from becoming connected with the Order. Here thoy had independent action of cach lodge, full control of their own funds, and were at liberty to make their own contributions; in fact, .ill that was required was unity of purpose, friendship, love, and truth. Ho further said :—Aa I am one of the oldest members of the National here, and took part in the presentation of 936 Dispensation, I also am happy to be present to-night to witness a similar presentation of 964. I trust that the aims of the "Eureka" Lodge will not only be that of beneficence and the tnaterial welfare of its members, but that we shall have higher aspirations and nobler objects, viz., the cultivation of tho mind, and tho practice of those virtues that make true Oddfellows good members of society and better husbands and fathers. X have had occasion to reply to a communication from the Hon. C. S. Barns, in which I said, in reference to the agitation at present going on amongst us, that I hoped that when the dark clouds were cleared away, the sunshine would be all the brighter, aud that one and all of us would bo stimulated to greater effort to make good the vantage-ground lost, and that the National Order here would take its staud amongst the kindred societies of the colonies, and bo equal in usefulness.

iSeveral persons were initiated into the mysteries of Oddfellowship, and several propositions for membership were received.