FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22210, 10 September 1935, Page 14

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

THE MEDICAL INSTITUTE DRUIDS' LADIES' NIGHT ANNIVERSARIES AND SOCIALS A well-attended meeting of the general committee of the Auckland United Friendly Societies' .Medical Institute recently received the president's report for the past six months. The report, with a cash statement showing that the affairs of the institute were being conducted with satisfaction generally to members, was adopted. The chief features of interest were the increase in membership of 355 over last year, the total being 2894, the highest on record, and the donation of £ll6 to lodges' benevolent funds. The president, Bro. W. (J. McCombie, stressed the importance of all friendly societies affiliating with the institute in order effectively to deal with matters connected with provision of medical service. Later additions to membership wore the newer-established branches and lodges, and it was hoped that some of the older established lodges would also link up. Relations with the medical officers were satisfactory, but Dr. A. McDonald, of Mount Albert, had recently resigned. Several new delegates were welcomed and reference was made to recent, losses in the deaths of Sister Doull, and Bros. P. Evans and H. G. Gunn. A motion of sympathy was unanimously carried by all members standing in j silence. A pleasing feature of the evening was the presentation of a fireside chair | to the immediate past president, Bro. i J. A. Govan, as a tangible recognition j for services rendered to the institutei for a considerable period of years, andj also as a mark of esteem from his colleagues on the committee. Bro. 1 Goran, in his reply, stated that lie appreciated the kindly feeling which prompted the gift, and mentioned that, all through his period of service he had been assisted very helpfully by the secretary, whose services had made it possible to make a donation equivalent to IS months' management levies to the affiliated lodges. The Light of Manukau Lodge, U.A.0.D., held their annual ladies' night in the Foresters' Theatre, Onehunga, recently. The large hall was crowded with a gaily dressed throng. An energetic committee* had ! spent many hours in decorating the I hall, the predominating colours being ! blue and gold. The stage was ar- ! ranged as a rising sun, with greenery I intermingled with coloured lights. The j happy crowd of dancers showed their appreciation of the splendid music provided by Ted broad's Chevalier Orchestra by filling the floor for each dance. Among the many friends present were representatives from sister lodges and kindred societies, and the president of the Manukau Yacht Club. The arch Druid, Bro. T. Laird, extended a very hearty welcome to all the visitors. Tlxsupper committee worked hard, but , successfully satisfied the wants of the j 300 people present. The Loyal Franklin Lodge, 6453, | M.U.1.0.0.F., had a very pleasant i time at a social tendered by the officers ! of the lodge to the ladies' anniversary ' committee. Sister M. Matthews and j Bro. \V. Morton were in charge of the 1 arrangements, while Bro. James con- j trolled the dance programme. The dance music was supplied by Mrs. Matthews and was much appreciated. The j Monte Carlo waltz was won by Miss E. i Holden and partner, while Miss F. i Wilson and Air. A. Tetley won a com- ! petition. The V.G., Bro. Morton, ex-1 pressed the thanks of flie members to I the ladies for their willing services on behalf of the lodge. Sister T. W. ! Nield replied Court Star of Helcnsville, A.0.F., at its quarterly meeting had an excellent attendance. During the evening the lodge room was invaded by a strong contingent from Court Pride of Kaukapakapa, who were paying a surprise visit. When the business was concluded the large assembly enjoyed a good supper and then a most pleasant time was spent with items and community sing-j ing. Those who contributed to the pro- i gramme included Bros. A. Dye, Brough, ! Davis, Scurrah and James. The Youthful Enterprise Templo, i t.0.G.T., met at the end of the month, ! the C.T., Sis. M. Barnes, presiding over ; a good attendance. Two now candidates ' were initiated. The young people are) now using their new ode cards and all ceremonies are fully choral. The usual : business was transacted and arrangements made for a visit to the Mann- j rewa wireless station. Instead of thei usual programme, the juveniles joined j with the seniors in welcoming Sis. j Geddes and her Maori girls from the i Methodist Home. The Loyal Kerepeehi Lodge, j M.U.1.0.0.F., had a good attendance at < its last meeting, over which the X.G., ! Bro. P. lnnes v presided. A pleasing feature of the evening was the initiation of three new members, the sitting officers carrying out their duties in a very impressive manner. The Gordon Tent, 1.0. R., had a very large attendance at its quarterly meeting, the chief ruler, Bro. T. Ashe, presiding. Three new members were initiated and welcomed. The reports showed all funds to be in a good position and steady progress maintained in the membership. The Juvenile Tent reports were also very favourable Quito a large amount of business came up for discussion, and was quickly but efficiently dealt with. The Devonport Lodge, U.A.0.D., celebrated its 31st anniversary with a large gathering in the Victoria Hall. The arch druid, Bro A. Mitchell, welcomed the many guests and gayo a special welcome to the grand president, Bro. W. Gregory, district president, Bro. rotter, and P.G P., Bro. Blomfield. A full toast list was honoured with due ceremony, while a party of first-class artists entertained the large crowd. The performers included the Davis fa in i 1 v of instrumentalists; Mrs. O'Sullivan, soprano; Bro. S. Kennings, tenor; Messrs. Finlayson and R. Yates, humorists; Mr. rummer, illusionist. Bros. L. Cusworth and Charlton were accompanists.