FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20985, 23 September 1931, Page 16

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

ANNUAL CHURCH PARADE. ACTIVITIES OF THE LODGES. The third annual church parade of the, Auckland United Friendly Societies was held at Onuhunga on September 13. The weather was on its worst behaviour and the procession had to bo abandoned. Nevertheless quite a good representation of the different societies gathered in the Foresters' Theatre, the juveniles and ladies' lodges being prominent. On the platform were representatives of each of the societies present. A welcome to the members was extended by the Rev. F. E. Leadley, minister, of the Onehunga Methodist Church, a reply being made by Bro. John McLeod, acting-secretary of the A.U.F.S. Conference. Prayer was offered by Bro. Face, and the Scripture lesson read by Bro. D. M. A. Bodley, district secretary, 1.0. R. A very fine children's talk was given by Bro. F. W. Beckett, Epsom Lodge, 1.0.0. F., who spoke on "Hands," and a most enjoyable solo was sung by Mrs. Wentworth. The Rev. F. E. Leadley gave the address and spoke from the words, "By love serve one another." Tracing the history of the friendly society movement, he spoke of the wonderful contribution the orders had made toward the welfare of the Empire, and of the immense amount of practical service they had rendered. He exhorted his hearers to learn the joy of true service which came to those who in love sought to help their fellow-men and he said only in consecrated service could the fullest blessing be found. • The service was most helpful and inspiring, and although the attendance was very satisfactory, considering the inclemency of the weather, there is no doubt that a larger number would have been present had the day been fine. The Endeavour Lodge, 1.0. G.T., met on Wednesday last in the Druids' Hall, Newton, the C.T., Bro. Moore, presiding. A welcome was extended to Sister Cant, secretaiy of Enterprise Lodge, who conveyed the greetings of her fellow members. Three members applied for elevation to the Grand Lodge degree. The routine business was quickly transacted, after which the sisters presented an entertaining programme. The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Dominion Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., was held in the Foresters' Hall, Dominion Road, last Tuesday evening. There was a very fair attendance of members, and visitors from Loyal Lynndale and Franklin Lodges were also present. The business for the evening was of a very small nature, and the. N.G., Sister 0. Perkins, closed the lodge early. The remainder of the evening was spent in cards and games, find the serving of supper closed an enjoyable evening. The acting-secretary of the Auckland United Friendly Societies' Conference, Bro. John McLeod, has notified the affiliated societies that as a result of the recent deputation that waited upon the British Medical Association, he has received a letter from the secretary uf the Auckland branch stating that the branch had decided to grant to friendly I societies a 10 per cent, reduction of j medical fees on full benefit members, for j a period of 12 months, from Octobei 1, 1 1931. This reduction is not. to apply to l those lodges which recently received a re--1 duction in junior membership fees. Meai- ! hers will be glad to hear of this success- ; ful result of the negotiations. i a vei-v successful meeting was held ir ! the Oddfellows' Hall. Pitt Street, on August 31, when Auckland Pioneer and United Brothers Lodges, N. 1.0.0.l 1 ., in vited Star of Auckland Lodge, 1.0.U.b., to a social and bowling evening. Therv. was a large attendance, presided over by the provincial grand master, Bro. W. P. Moulden. Bowling was indulged in for the first two hours, then members sat down to supper, after which the N.G.. Bro. W. Fletcher, of United Brothers Lodge, voiced the congratulations of that lodge on the large gathering of the visiting brethren, and N.G. Bro. McConnell. of Pioneer Lodge, on the friendly and brotherly feeling existing between the members of both orders. The Light of Manukau Lodge, UA.O.D., met in the Friendly Societies' Hall, Grey Street, Onehunga, on Wednesday evening, a fair attendance being presided' over by the A.D., Bro. H. Robinson. The lodge was again favoured with an official visit from the district president, Bro. J. Blakemore. The recent, successful ladies' night was ihe subject of many well-merited tributes, and the social committee was congratulated upon its efforts. The routine business was quickly and efficiently dealt with, one. matter to be brought before the notice of the members by the D.P. being the forthcoming anniversary of the Kia Ora Lodge, Pukekohe. Bro. Blakemore invited the Manukau members to visit Pukekohe on this occasion, and also to help him with the programme. At the conclusion of the business, the members were entertained by (he many talented singers and musicians, who make this lodge such a happy family. Tlie Epsom Lodge, No. 88, 1.0.0.1'., met in the Roval Oak Hall on Tuesday week, Bro. T. Whale, N.G.. presiding over a large attendance of members.' The chief business of the evening was the election of officers for the forthcoming term. This resulted as follows Noble grand, Bro. N. Coop; vice-grand, Bro. Kennedy; financial secretary, Bro. 11. Eastman; recording secretary, Bro. H. Jessop; treasurei, Bro. G. Whale. During the evening Bro. Wratten, P.G., a visitor from the Otago district, was introduced by P.O. Bro. F. W. Beckett, and received a warm official welcome from the noble grand. The ordinary business was quickly disposed of, and the remainder of the evening spent with a pairs indoor bowling competition. The winners proved to be Bros. Buckle and Beckett, P.G.'s. The monthly degree meeting was held last Tuesday, a very large number of members and visitors being in attendance. Five candidates received the third degree in a very impressive and dignified manner. It was a matter of general regret that Bro. J. Whale, P.G., was not able to take his position through illness. Bros. Pollard and Griffiths, noble grands of the Otahuhu and Alberta Lodges respectively, conveyed fraternal greetings, and congratulated the degree team on its very fine performance Supper was then served, after which the three lodges played a bowling contest, Otahuhu winning every game. The Enterprise Lodge, No. 80, 1.0. G.T., met at Onehunga on Thursday evening, a fair attendance being presided over by the C.T., Bro.' Pace. Greetings were received from the grand secretary, Bro. Price, and the G.S.J.W., Bro. Rennie, of Christchurch, who also conveyed fraternal wishes from the Southern lodges. At the conclusion of the business, the secretary, Sister E. Cant, took charge of the entertainment, which consisted of community singing, a recitation by Bro. J. Cliadderton, and competitions and games.