FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22731, 18 May 1937, Page 16

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

ACTIVITIES OF LODGES INSTALLATION CEREMONIES SOCIAL GATHERINGS The Youthful Enterprise Lodge, 1.0. G.T., meeting was presided over by P.C.T. Bro. A. Simmonds. One new member was initiated and welcomed. The installation of officers was eonducted by the G.S.J.W., Bro. Pace, who gave the newly-elected officers and members some useful advice. The new chief templar, Bro. Owen Hewitt, then assumed control and conducted the remainder of the meeting, Sister Cant, superintendent, announced that prizes would be offered for attendance and introducing new members. After the meeting closed the young people enjoyed a number of games. The Star of Newmarket Lodge, U.A.0.D., met in the church hall. Comment was made on the short notice received from the Newmarket Borough Council terminating the use of the council chambers lodge room, after a tenancy of 37 years. The members decided to obtain a new lodge room as soon as possible. Through the efforts of a special committee, suitable quarters have since been secured in the Orient Dining Booms, corner of Station Street and Broadway.

The fortnightly meeting of Court Maid Marion, Auckland ladies' branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters, was held in the Foresters' Hall, Albert Street. The chief ranger, Sister Hay, presided over a good attendance. It was decided to donate £2 2s to the King George Y. Memorial Fund, 10s 6d to the Society of Friends for the relief of children in Spain, and 10s 6d to the Hospital Comforts Fund. Delegates' reports from the annual district meeting were read and discussed, and the delegates were thanked for their services. One proposal for membership was received.

Haeata ltebekah Lodge, No. 63, 1.0.0. F., held its fortnightly meeting in the ex-Servicemen's Hall, Point Chevalier. The noble grand, Sister Bellchamber, presided. A number of visitors was present. The members received their first official visit from the new L.D.D.G.M., Sister Culpitt. A warm welcome was extended to her. Greetings were received from the Lily <rf Eden and Mizpah Rebeknh Lodge. After the business session, a social and dance was held. Supper was served by the social committee.

The Enterprise Lodge, 1.0. G.T., meeting was presided over by the chief templar, Sister Cant. Reports were given of the first dance of the season. It was decided to continue these dances at regular intervals. The chief business was the election and installation of officers. The results of the election were as follows: —C.T., Sister Cant; V.T., Bro. Carlaw; chaplain, Sister Barnett; secretary, Sister Joyce Hardwicke; assistant-secretary, Bro. J. Kerr; treasurer, Bro. S. Arden; financial secretary, Sister Mrs. Hardwicke; marshal, Sister Jnglesby; deputy-marshal, Sister G. Bennett; guards, Sister Harris and Bro. H. Wilding; sentinel, Sister 1). Wood. The installation was carried out by the lodge deputy, Sister Mrs. Pace acting as installing marshal. The report of the various officers showed, the lodge to be in a healthy condition and a successful quarter is anticipated. The serving of supper brought the evening to a close.

- The Loyal Kaitaia Lodge, AX.XJ., 1.0. F., had a good attendance at its last meeting, every officer being present. Three new members were initiated. Arrangements were made to visit Kaikohe in June, final details to be settled next lodge night. After the business session, a social was held, supper being served by Sisters Watts and Fox. The competition winners were:—Musical chairs waltz, Sister Wallace and Bro. Hicks; broom stick, Bro. Cowie; gift competition, Sister M. Main.

Tutanekai Rebekah Lodge, 1.0.0. F., held their installation ceremony at Helensville in the presence of a large number of members and visitors. Sister E. Mills, L.D.D.G.M., accompanied by her suite of officers, was officially welcomed and conducted the chief ceremony in an impressive manner. The new officers are: —Noble grand, Sister P. Megson; V.G., Sister M. Thompson; secretary, Sister I). Bradley; record secretary, Sister Atford; treasurer, Sister H. Smith. The duties of installing marshals were ably carried out by Sisters Bradley and Nnrbcy.

The death has just occurred of Sister Mrs. Mary Will iams, a life member of the. Enterprise Lodge, T.O.G.T. The deceased has left a record of a life of devoted service to her fellow men and women. Since early womanhood she had been connected with different forms of social service and no sacrifice was too much for her to make. A Good Templar for over 60 years, she worked hard in the early days of the Order, particularly for the juveniles, and all through the years she maintained her interest in the work. In Auckland she was well known for over half a century as an official visitor to the Auckland Hospital, Mental Hospital and gaol, and many stories could be told of her good work in these institutions. She was also well known as one of the • founders of the Free Fundamental Church and remained a staunch member until the end. The last few months of her life were spent at Tauranga with her son.

The installation of the Otahulm Lodge, No. 147, 1.0.0. F., of newlyelected officers, was carried out by the special deputy, Bro. H. W. Diggens, P.G., and the following district deputy grand officers: —Bro. A. D. Bines, P.G., warden; Bro. M. Glading, P.G., secretary; Bro. C. E. Westbrooke, treasurer; Bro. S. Christinas, record secretary; Bro. 0. Han lon, conductor; Bro. B. C. Taylor, P.G., guardian; Bro. A. A. Lovatt, P. 0., guardian; Bro, A. E. Brisbane, P. 0., chaplain. Bro. V. S. Smith, I\G., grand marshal, introduced the installing officer, and the ceremony of conducting the newlyelected officers into their respective chairs was carried out in form. Addresses by the special deputy, Bro. H. W. Diggens, P. 0., and district officers, concluded the proceedings.

One of the largest gatherings of friendly societies for many years took place in Botorua on Saturday evening, when the Loval Botorua Lodge, No. 7.518, M.U.1.0.0.F., held a Coronation banquet and ball, which was attended by over .'SOO members of the lodge, visitors and friends. The function was marked by the greatest goodfellowship and fraternity. Among the visiting Oddfellows present was Bro. A. G. Shrimpton. of Wellington, general secretary of the New Zealand branch M.U.1.0.0.F. in reply to the chief toast of the evening, proposed by the Noble Grand Bro. A. G. Crawford, Bro. Shrimpton 'traced the history of the friendly society movement from 1810, when it first began to exert an influence in England. The function concluded with the presentation of a jewel to Bro. C. Pepper who, until his recent transfer to the Whakatane district, was group officer of the Rotorua Lodge.