LODGE JUBILEE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22579, 18 November 1936, Page 15

LODGE JUBILEE

PONSONBY DRUIDS PROGRESS OF 50 YEARS "Recognised as one of the largest friendly society lodges in New Zealand, the Ponsonby Lodge No. 17, United Ancient Order of Druids, last night celebrated its golden jubilee with a smoke concert in the Druids' Hall, Newton. Over 2-30 members and visitors attended the function, at which several toasts were honoured. The only living foundation member, Mr. W. Blomfield, the past grand president, presided. Mr. Blomfield related a series of interesting anecdotes of the early history of the lodge and incidents during his terms of office as grand president in 1906-07 and 1928-29. Responding to the toast to the lodge, proposed by Mr. W. J. Gregory, the social secretary and treasurer, Mr. S. V. Thomas, P.D.P., quoted figures revealing the progress of the lodge from a membership of 26 in 18S6 to 732 at the present time, with an increase in funds from £'9 to £55i6. Other toasts were "The Grand Lodge of the North Island," proposed by Mr. F. H. Jackson, P.A., with replies by Messrs. Gregory and J. Laughton, G.S.; "Kindred Societies." proposed by Mr. P. Mackie, P.A., P.S.. and replied to bv representatives of the Rechabite, Hibernian, Oddfellow and Manchester Unity Orders and the Friendly Societies' Conference; "Visiting Brethren," proposed by Mr. W. R. Horton, P.A., and replied to by Mr. A. Williams, G.V.P.