GOOD INTENT LODGE, I.O.O.F., M.U.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 6996, 19 April 1884, Page 6

GOOD INTENT LODGE, 1.0.0. F., M.U.

PRESENTATION TO P.P.G.M. H. J. SMITH. Me. Henby J. Smith, P.P.G.M. of the Auckland district, and corresponding Secretary, having after fourteen years service come to the conclusion to resign. the position, finding himself unable to attend to the duties, the brethren of the Good Intent Lodge determined that the valuable services of snch an efficient Secretary should not go tmrecog- \ nisei.. He was entertained at a banquet last i rdehfc at the Cook»street HalL The chair was occupied by Mr. T. Cole, P.P.G.M., supported on his right by the guest of the and on his left by Sis W ora hip th© the Mayor.. Amongst those present were the" following dignitaries of the order:— Mr. A. Fleming, P.P.G.M.; Mr. Simms, P P.G.M. ; Mr. G. Leahy, P.P.G.M.; Mr. G. Guird, P.P.G.M.; Mr. J. J. Holland, P.P.G.M.Dr. Walker; Mr. C. Wright, PPD;G.M.j Mr. Mills, P.P.D.G.M., and Warden; Mr. Mackay, N.G., Good Intent JLodge; and a number of other lodge officers. Fifty all told sat down to a well-served spread, provided by Mr. T. McEwin, and no better compliment could be paid to the caterer than the ample justice done to his viands* fruits, and wines# The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed from the chair, and the toast of "The Mayor, and City Council" was responded to by His Worship and Councillors Fleming and Field. The " Manchester Unity" was proposed by Mr. Leahy, and responded to by Mr. A. Fleming, each giving interesting statistics of the membership and financial success of the order. . The toast of the district officers was responded to by Mr. Smith, having been proposed by Mr. Simms; and Mr. Fleming, in the absence of Mr. W. G. Connolly, proposed the toast of the Good Intent Lodge, to which P«G. Jones responded. . The Chairman said that the next matter in .hand was the most important business of the Evening. At a summoned meeting of the lodge it was decided to make a presentation to Brother Smith, and the task of making that .presentation devolved on him, and he did not regret it. When Brother Smith first took office they held their meetings at the British Hotel. Their previous Secretary resigned on account of the small remuneration, and Mr. Smith consented to take office at his (the Chairman's) desire. He considered that he bad the necessary ability, and consulted with Mr. Coombes and proposed him. Since then, time rolled on and for 14 years Brother Smith performed the duties of the office tp the satisfaction of all. He (the Chairman) was Treasurer. during that time, and his duties were to hi™ a pleasure by being associated with a Secretary who was a credit to himftftlf and a credit to the Manchester Unity. (Cheers.) A committee was appointed, and they concluded that the most suitable presentation would be a gold watch and ch*in, and an address. This was on his (Mr. Cole's) suggestion, as he himself carried a watch similarly presented, which he valued Very highly, and he felt sure that Brother Smith would similarly value such a present. He trusted he would live long to wear them. Turning to Mr. Smith, the Chairman said: The duty now devolves on me to make this presentation to you, on behalf of the officers and members of the lodge. We have been closely connected for many years—monetary matters and the duties of Secretary being closely allied. I can bear testimony that no one could have perforated the duties better than you have done, and by the unanimous wish of the . lodge I now present you this watch and chain, and this address, which I shall read. It has not been framed, the choice of frame being left to yourself, but it reads as follows Loyal Good Intent Lodge, No. 4369, Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, Auckland District.—Dear Sir and Brother, —On behalf of the members of the above lodge we have to request that -you will kindly accept this address, together with a gold watch and chain, as a small tokon of the regard and esteem in which you are held by them, and also in appreciation of the many valuable services rendered by you as Secretary for the past fourteen years. We extremely regret your retirement from office, and it is the prayer of all that God will protect you, and spare you to sojourn in our midst.—We are, Dear Sir and Brother, yours, fraternally."—(Signed by the N.G. and Secretary.) ' The presentation was a handsome gold lever watch .and massive. albert chain, purchased from Mr. A..' Aley. On the inner case the following inscription was neatly engraved:—"Presented to P.P.G.M. H.J. Smith, by the members of the JLoyal Good Intent Lodge, No. 4369, L0.0.F., M.U., A.D., in recognition of the valuable services rendered by him as Secretary of the above Lodge during the past 14 years, Auckland, New Zealand, 18th April, 1884." Mr. Smith, who was received with cheers on rising to. respond, thanked the Chairman for his very flattering remarks, but would ask the brethren to believe a tenth of what had been said; He had read lately a definition of the word testimonial, that it was an expensive expression of incompetence. (No, no.) He had gained the confidence of the lodge, or he could not have remained in office so long, and the reception he met when he announced bis resignation showed this. There was only one member'who'.ivas pleased that he was resigning office,. and that member was now present. It;Was r himself.' (Gheers.) Finding that he coold hot "perform the duties with satisfaction;to, 'he resigned. Baring fourteen years 110 had only .been absent from two irieetirfgß,' and that waa when he was on the jampage .down South with Mr. Fleming. (Laughter.)' .He'received the greatest kindness''and* courtesy' from the members, and was' mu'eii pleased to accept "from them, thrOngh tlie Chairman, their very handsome present.;'' He'"was sure they could 'not have selected'any-gift which he would Value more highly,'for/it. would 'daily and hourly firing to his mind the. festeem in which he .was held by his brethren.' (Cheers.) He hoped the new Secretary; wouldhaye the same'friendship and' goodwill;shown towards 'him' which he had received'; I: and he thanked them' cor-dially-for their very handsome gift, which he would value and cherish afe long as-he lived. (Cheers.)' ' ' ... The toast of " Sister Lodges and Kindred Societies," "The Ladies," "The Press," "Sick and Distressed of the Order," and " Our Host" followed,'after which the tables were removed.

The celebration appropriately closed with a b»ll, to enable the lady friends of the members to take part in the celebration. There was a good dancing programme. Mr. .Reed's band provided the music, and' Mr. T. Cole, in the position of master of ceremonies, kept the fan and enjoyment going through the night. • ■•. •