FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21855, 18 July 1934, Page 16

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

WORK OF CONFERENCE GRAND MASTER'S VISITS PROGRESS OF THE ORDERS l'ho Auckland United Friendly Societies' Conference was held last Thursday, a fair number of delegates being presided over by the president, Bro. F. .). Hammond. This was the nowlyinstalled president's first meeting, nnd in extending a welcome to the new delegates he expressed tho hope that their experience in friendly society work would be useful in their deliberations together and would add to the common good of all societies. The agreement with the medical oflicers was discussed at some length, members being unanimous in their opinion that some reductions in the present charges should be made, in view of the altered conditions since the agreement was first made. It was finally decided to arrange a conference between tho delegates and tho medical oflicers. The question of how to assist unemployed members was also brought up, and further discussion will take place next meeting. Motions of sympathy were passed with Bros. F. C. Pace and A. Jcnkin, the former having suffered tho loss of his father and the latter his daughter since last meeting. The Youthful Enterprise Temple, 1.0. G.T., met 011 Thursday evening, a good attendance being presided over by the chief templar, Bro. A. Dickson. In tho absence of tho superintendent through illness, the assistant-super-intendent, Sister E Cant, took charge of the evening. The usual routine business was efficiently dealt with, and afterwards a programme given by the sisters was much enjoyed. Songs, recitations and games helped the young people to spend a happy time together. Epsom Lodge, No 88, 1.0.0. F., met last week, tho N.G., Bro. Whitmore, opening sharp to time. Quite a largo amount of business came before tho meeting, and while this was being discussed the presence was announced of two distinguished visitors, Bro. A. J. Guy, grand master for New Zealand, and Bro. Valentino, past-grand master. They were given a warm welcome with all due ceremony. The lodge was then given into tho control of the degree master, Bro. Whale, who, with his team, was present for the purpose of conferring the first degree on three members. This ceremony was performed in a most impressive manner. Tho two visitors later addressed the members.

There was a good attendance of members at the last meeting of the Ponsonbv branch, Grand United Order of Oddfellows, the occasion being the half-yearly election of officers. During the evening two new members were initiated, the ceremony being well carried out. The voting resulted in tho following officers being elected: — P.N.G., Bro. T. Tague; N.G., Bro. C. Robinson; V.G., Bro. U. G. Wilson; financial secretary, Bro. C. Bai; receiving secretary, Bro. .J. Prescott; treasurer, Bro. C Beamish; supporters of noble grand, Bros. D. Cleverley and T. G. Millar; supporters of vice-grand, Bros. Gustafson and Donovan; warden, Bro. It. Taylor. After the election tho officers were installed by Bro. G. Smith, M.C., in a most impressive manner. At the close of the business, refreshments were served and a pleasant hour spent in harmony.

At the usual fortnightly meeting of the Alpha Juvenile Lodge, No. 1, L0.0.F., Bro. G. Evans, ><\G., presided over an attendance of thirty members. After the lodge had .been opened with duo ceremony, Bro. Valentine, P.G.M., of Dunedin, was introduced, and received with the full honours of the order. Immediately afterwards Bro. A. J. Guy, grand master, was announced, and he, too, received a warm official welcome. A very interesting address on Oddfellowship was given by Bro. Valentine. At the close of the meeting, the boys had supper before leaving for their homes.

The Enterprise Lodge, J.0.G.T., met on Thursday evening, the chief templar, Sister E. Cant, presiding Over a fair attendance. Reports showed the anniversary gathering to be very sue*cessful. A former photograph of tho first district officers was presented to the lodge by Bro. and Sister Ardern, who received the thanks of the members for their gift. When tho business was concluded, a programme of games and entertainment was given by the chief templar and vice-templar, tho evening closing as usual with supper.

The monthly meeting of the Loyal Auckland Past Grands Lodge was held in the Manchester Unity Hall, Hobson Street, last Wednesday. Owing to the president, Bro. L. G. Sutcliffe, P.G., having suffered bereavement by tho loss of his mother, tho chair was taken by the lecture master, Bro. R. F. Newton, P.G. A good attendance was recorded. Aftex the usual business had been dealt with, the lodge was honoured with an official visit from tho district grand master, Bro. ,i. E. Allan, who was accompanied by the district treasurer, Bro. G. Clark, P.D.G.M., and Bro. W. McMillan, P.D.G.M., directoi of the New Zealand branch, M.U. The D.G.M. gave an interesting address on tho work of the order in the district and commented favourably on the valuable assistance of the Past Grands Lodge. Degrees were conferred upon members of Loyal Dominion, Ranfurly, Waimauku and Selwyn Lodges. A talk was then given by Bro. R. F. Newton, P.G., 011 Oddfellowship a hundred years ago. At the close Of the meeting a very nice supper was served.

The Light of Penrose Lodge, J.0.G.T., had a very good attendance at its last meeting, when a penny social was held Games, competitions, items and supper all brought their quota of pennies in to help the lodge funds, and all present agreed that the evening spent was most interesting and profitable.