FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20074, 11 October 1928, Page 16

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

AIMS AND ACHIEVEMENTS.

DISTRICT LODGE AFFAIRS. Speaking .it Rothcrhain just before his death,' the lalo Sir Alfred Warren told tho members of tho M.U.1.0.0.F. that "they represented ono of Uio greatest institutions for tho amelioration of evil that had over been founded." It was a remarkablo fact that while tho beneficent measures of tho order had been in opciation for such a long time, there were still a great many peoplo who knew very little about t hem. They were now learning the value and importance of advertising. They had realised that if they were to occupy their right position tho general • public must bo taught more about the order and its objects. Extraordinarily few historians had ever referred to the friendly society movement and what it had accomplished for tho people of this country. In a peaceful and quiet manner tho friendly societies had worked the greatest possible good for Iho men and women of Britain, anrl had dono much to lighlon the load of life. Friendly societies had provided M.P.'s, Mayors and councillors who hail learned their work on _tho committees of friendly society lodges, and 1 in passing through tho chairs. That had been a very valuable thing in tho lifo of tho nation, for they had not had to depend largely upon men of high family, and who had been to tho universities, but they had been ablo to depend upon men who had taught themselves all they know and who had fought their way to tho top. The societies had had the advantage of teaching that the real joy of servico was in the spontaneous pouring out of oneself for tho benefit of those who wero not so well advantaged.

Tho half-yearly installation of officers of tho Alpha Juvenile Lorlgo, No. 1, 1.0.0. F., was held last week in tho Oddfellows' Ilall, Pitt Street. Bro. A. J Guy, 1.P.D.D.C.M., was tho installing officer, and was ably assisted by the following team of officers: D.D.G. Warden Sister B. Wood, P.N.G., D.D.G. Marshal, Bio. W. Harding, P.D.D.G.M , D.D.G. Hoc. Sec., Sister E. Robinson, P.N.U., D.D.G. Fin. Sec., Sister L. Doull, P.N.G., D.D.G. Guardian Sister McAuliffe P.N.G., D.D.G. Chaplain, Sister Leslie, P.N.G., D.D.G. Organist, Sister Kelly. The ceremony was carried out in a most impressive manner, and evidently appealed very greatly to the largo number of hoys and general public present. In addition to the juvenilo officers of tho lodgo the following adult officers were installed: President, Bro. W. Masson, P.G.; vice-president, Bro. 11. Montgomery, P.G.; secrotary, Bro. Hawes, I'.G. A feature of the ceremony was tho uso for the first timo of the new juvenilo installation ritual, which has just been compiled by a prominent officer of tho Auckland District Lodgo and approved by Grand Lodge.

New Lynn Rechabitcs had an enjoyablo social evening on their last meeting night, in tho Congregational Church. The senior and juvenilo tents (llopo of Lynndalo and Pride of Lynndale) united for this occasion under tho leadership of Bro. J. A. Park, C.R. The district officers paid an official visit and received a warm welcome, tho D.C.R., Bro. Brodio, being asked by tho C.R. to take charge of the meeting.

Paeroa celebrated Oddfellows' Day on October 1 in perfect weather. During (he morning (hero was a great influx of Oddfellows from Tnakan, Cambridgo and adjoining places. To take part in various sports was ono purpose, but tho great underlying feature of tho visit was (lie, fraternal gathering of members of the order. The visitors were met on arrival by members of the local lodge who looked after them well until (lie timo again came for parting. After the hockey and basketball matches tho ladies wero entertained to afternoon tea by Loyal Jubilee sisters and friends. Tho net profits of the day were handed over to the 11. Robinson benefit fund. In tho evening a social gathering was held in tho Gaiety Theatre.

The Star of Newmarket Lodge, U.A.0.D., met last Wednesday, the A.IX, Bro. J. Blakernore, presiding over a large attendance of members and visitors. Among those present were Bro. Govan, P.P., No. 6 district, P.P.P.'s Bros McCowatt (now acting as A.P. of Auckland Lodge), W. Gregory, and F. Tliursby. Representatives were also present from Auckland, Waitemata, Koskill, Pevonport, and Light, of Manuknu Lodges. Great interest was taken in a ritual competition for the Mewbnrn Shield, Auckland Lodge having challenged Newmarket (holders). The challengers had been judged (lie previous night, and a number of them were present to seo tlio holders endeavour to retain tlie trophy. The judge's final decision was in favour of the challengers by 42 points

Tho officers of Star of Melrose Lodge No. 2, 1.0.0. F., Devonport, wero installed for the ensuing six monlhs at a brilliant public function last Thursday. Bro. F. S. Newbold, D.D.G.M., was the installing officer, and had associated with him Bros. M. J. Hooper, Ds. Dep. Grand Sire, D. If. Cooper, I.P.G.M. ,7. Burchell, P.G.M., and ft. Gray, P.G.M. A very strong installation snito was composed of lending district officers and G.L. representatives. 'Hie following wero the chief officers installed:—N.G., Bro. A. TTayes; V.G., Bro. 1,. Bancroft; J.P.G, Bro. ft. Christian; receiving secretary, Bro. M. Bartlett; financial secretary, Bro. .T. Sando. P.O. : treasurer, Bro. P. Marks, P.O. r l fio obligation ajjd admonition to tho appointive officers wero given bv Bro. I). R. Cooper, 1.P.G.M., while (lie installation address was yiveri bv Bro. M. J. Hooper, P.G.M., D.D.G. Sire of G.L. Australasia. o(her interesting addresses wero given by Bro. .T. Burchell. the oldest living P.G.M. in New Zealand, and the Mayor of Devonport. Bro. E. Aldridge.