FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20516, 18 March 1930, Page 14

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

PROGRESS OF THE ORDERS. ODDFELLOWS' CONFERENCE. The most important gathering in the Friendly Society world last week was the conference of the M.U.1.0.0.F., followed by the installation ceremony of the new grand master, Bro. F. Pitcher. The deliberations of the delegates were most interesting and will no doubt have farreaching effects. Two of the suggestions which are to be passed on to the Dominion conference appeared in this column 12 months ago and concerned the cessation of payment of dues during periods of sickness and better treatment for oldaged members. The whole of the proceedings were marked with a splendid spirit of fraternity, the relationship between the delegates being of a most cordial nature. The installation ceremony on Thursday evening was noteworthy in being the first such ceremony to bo broadcast, in this country at any rate. Through the courtesy of the district secretary, Bro. J. Macleod, the writer was enabled to be present and was much interested in the proceedings. The chair was taken by the retiring district grand master, Bro. F. Best, of Hamilton. The charges and obligations to the incoming officers, Bro. F. Pitcher, D.G.M., and Bro. Clark, deputy-grand master, were excellently given, as were those officers' responses. A good orchestra considerably helped with the odes which were sung and also gave a selection in the interval. The addresses were short and to the point. Bro. J. Macleod made the proceedings more interesting for listeners-in by describing the different items from a spare microphone in an adjoining room. At the close of the ceremony a very enjoyable dance was held, a very large number of those present taking part. Supper was served in the upstairs hall, three sittings being required to accommodate the great crowd. The Manchester Unity officers are to be congratulated upon the success of their gathering and also on being the pioneers of broadcasting in connection with the movement in New Zealand.

The Band of Promise Tent, 1.0. R., met at Onehunga last week under the guidance of the C.R., Sister N. German. The routine business was transacted with commendable despatch and it is a pleasure to see the capable manner in which these juvenile officers carry out their work. Arrangements were made for a picnic and cricket match at One Tree Hill, also for the church parade in April. At the conclusion of the business competitions were held in candle lighting, under the guidance of Sister German. The young people thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the prizes were won by Sister M. Vazay and Bro. J. Campling.

A very successful picnic was held at the Otorohanga sports ground last Saturday by the combined Loyal Te Kuiti and Loyal Otorohanga Lodges, M.U.1.0.0.F. The visitors journeyed by motor-lorry to the meeting-place and were met on their arrival by the local brethren. Refreshments were first partaken of under the trees, after which a sports programme was proceeded with. Close contests were the order of the day, the tug-of-war being especially keen, Te Kuiti winning by the narrowest of margins. The visitors were also successful in the relay race. Bro. Hand won the 100 yds. inter-lodge championship, and Bro. F. Irwin the 220 yds. The picnic was so well enjoyed by all present that it was unanimously decided to try to make it an annual affair. The Te Kuiti brethren arrived home tired but happy about midnight, well satisfied with their day's outing.

The Devonport Lodge U.A.O.D. held a ladies' night last week, and, with a special programme to follow, the business part of the meeting was quickly dealt with. One new member received initiation. The A.D., Bro. Harding, and his officers carried out this ceremony with their usual skill and impressiveness. The harmony was then proceeded with, and to the splendid music provded by Bros. Len. Cusworth and A. Kayes, a good programme of dancing was enjoyed! P.A. Bro. Clark made a most efficient M.C. At intervals much appreciated items were given by Sister Gutry and Bro. Weir, Auckland Lodge, and Bros. Marks, Norogrove and Proctor, of Devonport Lodge. The sewing of supper brought a happy evening to a close.

Court Star of Helensville A.O.F. had a busy time last week-end. On Saturday a visit was received from a team of indoor bowlers from Henderson, who brought with them the Jamuna trophy. After a, good contest the visitors retained the trophy by 14 points to 9, the score at the close of 11 heads. The teams then played on up to 21 heads, with the result that Helensville led by 21 points to 20, but this was too late to win the trophy. Social intercourse and refreshments helped to make the time pass all too quickly. The following day the Court picnic was held, and from 7.30 a.m. the S.S. Titirangi presented a busy scene. The day was a glorious one, and by 8 a.m., when the boat sailed, a large crowd had gathered aboard. The trip down the Kaipara was enlivened by strains of music and song. On arrival at Ponto the picnickers broke into groups and explored the hampers. Sports were held during the day, some valuable prizes being offered. The journey back in tne cool of the day made a fitting climax to a very fine picnic.

The Hope of . Devonport Tent 1.0. R. has taken a new lease of life, and this month has initiated two sisters, one brother, and received ono member on transfer. At the last meeting Bro. A. C. Johns, C.R., presided, and the members were pleased to welcome as a visitor Bro. Beswick, tho secretary of the Morrinsville Tent. Bro. J. Sarsen, who has been secretary of the Devonport Tent for some years, tendered his resignation, but the meeting unanimously decided not to accept it, so Bro. Larsen agreed to carry on. A committee has been set up to arrange for the holding of the 26th anniversary, which takes place in August. The evening finished witn somo friendly games of indoor bowls.

A party oi Oddfellows from Thames visited Coromandel last week in order to hold a past grands' lodge. The official party included Bro. Strange, N.G., Bro. Grant, V.G., Bro. Johnson, 1.P.N.G., and Bro. Adamson, warden. A very satisfactory meeting was held, and the attendance was pleasing. At the conclusion of the business supper was served, and the rest of the evening spent in social intercourse.