FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20242, 30 April 1929, Page 18

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

WORK OF THE LODGES.

RECENT DISTRICT GATHERING. The retiring district chief ranger of tho Ancient Order of 1* orcsters, Bro. Knaggs, gave a very fino address to tho delegates at tho recent district gathering. "It must not bo forgotten," said Bro. Knaggs, "that tho interests of tho few should give way to those of tho many. I do not propose to mnko a general review of tho questions that will come bcforo you, but there is one matter that 1 feel I must say a few words about, and that is the functioning of a governing body for tho Order in New Zealand. Your exocutivo has dono much good work in this direction, but much still 10raauis io bo done, and in my opinion it is essential that this governing body should 1)0 brought into being as soon as ever possible if wo arc to keep oui place in the friendly society world. Ihe future of our Order is largely in our own hands. No organisation can be successful if it is not certain of its mission, and it therefore becomes rt question whether wo aro certain of our mission. Our mission is to makp men and women belter equipped for the duties and privileges of life, and it is necessary for us to believe that, and if we do, then wo have gone a long way on dip road to success. In my opinion 0110 of our greatest avenues for numerical progiess is to be found in the juvenile movement, and it is a great pleasuro to know that several juvenilo courts liavo been opened, and tho prospects in this branch are very bright. Tho year has not been an easy 0110, but has been atuph compensated for by tho uniform kindness and courtesy of all whom I havp had Hie pleasuro of meeting."

A meeting unique in the history of Oddfellowship was held in tho Renali Street Hall, Ponsonby. Tho occasion was tho installation of the newly-elected officers of tho Star of Eden Lodge, and tho ceremony was carried out by a team composed entirely of past grand masters assisted bv tho grand warden of the Grand f Loclge, New Zealand. The office of installing officer was taken by P.G.M. Bro. John Burchell, the oldest surviving P.G.M. in New Zealand. The other offices were capably filled by P.G.M. s Bros. Q. Armiger, 11. C. Gray, D. R. Cooper. M. J. Hooper arid Grand Warden Bro A. J. Guy. Tho following officers were the chief ones installed : N.G., Bro. E. Joynt; V.G., Bro. J. McNaniara; permanent secretary, Bro. Percy Evans; recording secretary, Bro. E Parr, P.G.; treasurer, Bro. W. R. Ross, P.G.; warden, Bro. F. Phillips; conductor, Bro. Belchamber. At the close of the business the members sat down to supper, and a long tcast list was honoured.

Mizpah Rebekah Lodge No. 18, 1.0.0. F., held its usual meeting in tho Masonic liall. Eden Terrace, when the installation oi officers for the ensuing term was performed by Sister Newbold and her officers. _ The capable team with which Sister S. Kelly, the newlv-installed noble grand, has surrounded herself, gives assurance of a successful term ahead. The following were installed in the principal chairs: — J.P.N.G., Sister V. Heaps; N.G., Sister S. Kelly; receiving secretary, Sister E. Stubbs;"finance secretary, Sister A. Gear; treasurer, Sister 11. Horspool. In thanking the members for the confidence reposed in her, Sister Kelly said only by the loyal support of everyone could a successful term he accomplished, and this she was hopeful of attaining. Another very pleasing feature of the evening's business was the investiture bv Sister M. L. Tailbv, P.L.D.D.S.M., of Sister E. L. Newbold. the re-elected L.D.D.G.M. of tho Auckland District No. b. A tribute was paid to Sister Newbold for her services by the presentation on behalf of the Eebekahs of the district of a wallet of sovereigns. Sister Tailby spoke in eulogistic terms of Sister Newbold's capable work in the responsiblo position held by her. Sister Newbold said any good accomplished by her had been for the benefit of the lodges and for the good of the order. A brief visit was paid by Bro. M. J. Hooper, D.D.G.M., Bro. A. J. Guy, grand warden, and Bro. J. Burchell, P.S.M., each of whom conveyed fraternal greetings and good wishes to Sister Newbold.

The usual meeting of the Endeavour Lodge International Order of Good Templars was held last week. There was a large attendance of members. Greetings were received from Christchurch and Wellington Lodges, these being conveyed by Sislers Glibbon and Hodgkinson. Bro. Gilliam, an old member of the order, rejoined and was warmly received. Reports were received from members on hoard H.M.S. Diomede and Dunedin stating that on their Southern cruise they had succeeded in obtaining five new members. The programme for the evening consisted mostly of competitions.