FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20819, 11 March 1931, Page 14

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

WORK OF THE LODGES.

MEDICAL INSTITUTE REPORT. The annual meeting of (ho Auckland United Friendly Societies' Medical Institute was held last week, the president, Bro. W. Kane, presiding. The attendance of delegates was extremely good, and the president's report, together with the bal-ance-sheet, were unanimously adopted. The salient points of the report showed an increase in membership of 12 over (he previous year and two additional lodges. Male members now total 1956, widows 85, sisters 346, and juveniles 108, a total of 2495, while lodges total 50. Mention was made of the absence of any serious complaints, indicating the confidence of the members in the services rendered by the institute and the conscien tious carrying out of duties by the medical officers. Sympathetic reference was made to the death of Dr. Swanston, who was connected with the institute for a number of years and who recently resigned on account of ill-health. The following officers were re-elected: —President, Bro. W. Kane; secretary, Bro. W. H. McCombie; treasurer, Bro. F. Priestley. Bro. W. It. Forsyth was elected vice-president and the following will comprise the board :—Bros. J. T. Rutledge, F. Flanagan, P. Duffin, W. J. Pitcher and E. S. Laing. Tho balance-sheet showed the finances to be in a satisfactory condition, tho credit balance being higher than last year.

The Loyal Rernucra Lodge, M.U. 1.0.0. F., met last week, tho noble grand, Bro. E. Prendergast, presiding over a good attendance of members and visitors. Among the latter were representatives from Loyal I'apatoetoe, Franklin and Pupuke Lodges, who were extended a hearty welcome by the N.G. Bros. Gray and Godwin, P.G.'s, were appointed delegates to the district conference. At the conclusion of tho business tho meeting was taken in charge by Bro. Collecutt, who entertained the members in a most happy way. The serving of supper brought a very pleasant evening to a close.

Mizpah Rebekah Lodge, No. 18, 1.0.0. F., met last week under tho presidency of the N.G., Sister M. Scarborough. A large number of past-noble grands were in attendance for the purpose of electing a lady district deputy-grand master for the coming term. After a keen contest Bister Boles, the district marshall, was successful. Sister Newbold, L.D.D.G.M., addressed the meeting and thanked the sisters for their attendance and interest. Sister J. Hoffman, P.N.G., one of tho candidates, thanked the members for their support and congratulated Sister Boles on her success. A very enjoyable social evening and dance followed, Bro. Johnstone, P.G., acting as M.C. The music for the dancing was provided by Sister Leece and was mucli appreciated. A collection was taken up on behalf of the 1.0.0. F. earthquake fund and met with a good response. The supper was provided by tho P.N.G.'s and was served under the direction of Sister R. House, P.N.G., and her committee.

The Star of Newmarket Lodge, U.A.0.D., met in the Municipal Buildings, Bro. Andrew, A.D., presiding. The attendance was good and a number of visitors were present. These included Bro. Indoe, secretary of the Napier Lodge, who received a great reception and who told the brethren some of the experiences of the earthquake and how the Druids of that town had rendered yeoman service in assisting their unfortunate neighbours. A large amount of routine business was attended to. Members were shocked to hear of the sudden death, through a motor accident, that day, of Bro. Bachelor, a most popular and promising young member. A vote of sympathy with his family was carried, the members standing in silence. At the conclusion of the lodge business, the members adjourned for refreshments and a harmony programme. The lodge was indebted to Bro. Huble, an old member, now resident in Gisborne, but visiting Auckland, for the refreshments. The programme consisted of tho famous lodge singing competition. A large entrv was attracted and the judge, Bro. A. Mackay, D.P., awarded the medal to Bro. Corbett. Tho funeral of Bro. Bachelor took place on Friday afternoon, a number of lodge members being present. These included tho District President, Bro. Mackav, the Past Grand President, Bro. T. Wilson, and P.A.'s Bro. Wade and Page. The beautiful funeral ritual of tho Order was most impressively read by the D.P., Bro. Mackay.

The first regular meeting of the Waitemata Encampment, No. 5, 1.0.0. F., for the term, was held last week and presided over by the Chief Patriarch, Bro. J. M. Barker. Two visitors, Bro. Newbegin, of Heretaunga Encampment. liasttings, and Bro. Steele, of Port Nicholson Encampment, Wellington, were welcomed by the C.B. They later conveyed greetings from their respective encampments. P.C.P. Bro. A. .T. Guy reported 011 the visit to Franklin Encampment, when a team of officers accompanied him to instal the officers of that encampment afc Pukekohe. A very pleasant time had been spent, the Franklin brethren being noted for their hospitality and fraternity. After tho formal closing of the encampment, representatives of the subordinate lodges of tho Auckland district attended by invitation and were cordially welcomed to the Patriarchal Branch of the Order. A most enjoyable evening was spent with bowls and cards. Appreciation was expressed by tho visitors while all were gathered at tho supper table. During tho evening two presentations were made on behalf of tho encampment. The first was by Pat. 51. J. Hooper, P.D.D.G.S., to P.C.P. Bro. A. J. Guy, and consisted of a Past Chief Patriarch's Jewel in recognition of his services in ths presiding chair during the year. Tho Chief Patriarch also made a presentation of a pipe to Pat. R. L. Brewster, who was that day celebrating his 79th birthday.

The quarterly meeting of the Loyal Mount Albert Lodgo, M.U.T.0.0.F., attracted a good attendance, Bro. F. Furnell, N.G., presiding. The business of the evening was quickly dealt with as the Loyal Chevalier Lodgo members attended in force to support their challenges for tho Guncliffo 500 Cup. This trophy was presented by Bro. T. Cuncliffe, of tlio Mount Albert Lodge, for competition between the M.U. Lodges of tho district, and the games are proving a great attraction. The evening was very enjoyable and exciting, Mount Albert retaining tho trophy after a struggle, by ono game. This is tho second challenge they have withstood.

At the usual meeting of the Epsom Lodge, 1.0.0. E., Bro. Sinclair, N.G., presided over a good attendance and welcomed the officers and members of the Rawhiti Lodge, who, under their N.G., Bro. Bellchamber, were paying an official visit. Arrangements were made for tho holding of a series of social evenings for the earthquake fund. Bro. Johnson, secretary of Rawhiti Lodge, thanked tho members for their support in the recent election of G.L. representatives, and gave a short account of the business dealt with at the conference. P.G. Bro. Joynt conveyed fraternal greetings from tho Star of Eden Lodge. After the business was finished, indoor bowling matches were played, an interval being called for supper. On the following night, threo car loads of the Epsom degree team journeyed to Otahuiiu and in a very impressivo ceremony conferred tho second degree on a member of that lodge. Bro. Bey, N.G. of Otahuhu, thanked the Epsom brethren for their visit and congratulated them on the excellence of their performance. Bro. Steele. I'.D.P.G.M., also added his word of praise and spoke of the benefits derived from these fraternal visits. The Epsom bowling team won both rinks of indoor bowls played on this occasion.)