FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22864, 20 October 1937, Page 26

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

ACTIVITIES OF LODGES ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS INSTALLATION CEREMONY The Loyal Hauraki Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., Coromandel, celebrated its 42nd anniversary with a banquet, which 100 guests attended. The gathering was presided over by tlie Noble Grand, Bro. H. C. Keyte, who extended a welcome to the visitors. A lengthy toast list was honoured, interspersed with orchestral, vocal and elocutionary items. A large birthday cake bearing 42 candles was cut by P.G. Bro. J.. W. Edgar, the oldest active member. Bro. E. F. Reynolds, P.G., the only surviving charter member, was unfortunately unable to be present owing to ill health. The installation of officers of Maungarei Rebekah Lodge, No. (Ib, was held in the presence of a large attendance of officers and members. Sister Boles, intermediate past L.D.D.G.M., and her suite conducted the ceremony. The following now occupy the various chairs: —Sister Clark, P.N.G., Sister Irwin, N. G., Sister Broadwood, V.G., Sister Taylor, recording secretary; Sister Leyland, treasurer; Sister Dilger, general secretary; Sister Kelly, warden; Sister N. 11 ay nor, conductor; Sister E. Higgins, chaplain; Sister A. Ravnor, R.S.N.G.; Sister W. Higgins, L.S.N.G.; Sister Watts, R.S.V.G.; Sister Stanners, L.S.V.G.; sister 11.l 1 . Higgins, inside guardian; Sister Paulo v. outside guardian; Sisters Potter aiid Stanners, altar supporters; Sister Harriman, musician; Bro. Sutton, Preceptor. After the installation Boles and Sister Tailby P.L.D.D.G.M. s, addressed the meeting and greetings were received from several ledges. Sister A. Raynor was presented with her Past Noble Grand collar, and bouquets were presented to a number of the visitors. Sister White, to/whom the lodge owes a great deal for her generosity in the past, presented a eushiou and received the thanks of the members. Supper brought a pleasant evening to a close.

The Loval Waiuku Lodge, Manchester Unity, 1.0.0. F., celebrated its 9th anniversary with a successful fathering, over which the Noble Grand, Bro. W. J. Walters, presided. Among the visitors were representatives from Loyal Pukekohe, Pokeno, Tuakau, Whakatane, Hamilton, Avon, Good Intent and Franklin Past Grand Lodges. The conductors, Bros. E. Atger and R. Copas, P.G.'s, escorted the district officers. Director Bro. J. Allan, P.D.G.M., Bro. F. Hard, P.D.G.M., Bro W. Gubb, P.D.G.M., and group officer Bro. C. Ryder, P.G. They were welcomed by the N.G. and with other visitors accorded the honours of the order. Congratulatory speeches were given bv the guests. Bro. Allan stated that the order in the Auckland district was making excellent progress, four ijew lodges having been opened this year, giving now a total of 74 lodges and over 9000 members. The group officer, Bro. C. A. Ryder, P-G., announced that the winner of thel937 ritual competition for No. 8 Group was Loyal Pokeno Lodge, with Loyal Waiuku* a close second. Cards and dancing were indulged in with an interval for supper. The birthday cake bore nine candles, which Bro. J. Allan lit. Bro. W. Gubb, who nine years ago, while District Grand Master, instituted the lodge, cut the cake.

The Youthful Enterprise Juvenile Temple, 1.0. G.T., was presided over by the chief Templar., Sister Jean Hardwick. The routine business was conducted aud arrangements made for a visit to Fernought Temple at Ponsonby. After the lodge closed, games and items occupied the remaining time.

The Light of Manukau Lodge of Druids held the usual fortnightly meeting at their lodge room, Onehunga. The Arch Druid presided over a large attendance, including visitors from Devonport and Star of Newmarket Lodges. Past Secretary Bro. H. Pollock, chairman of the Hospital Association, paid an official visit and addressed the meeting on the subject of the proposed new agreement with the Auckland Hospital Board. A lengthy discussion followed this address. Final arrangements were made for the lodge's anniversary celebration, which is to take place on the next lodge night. P.D.P. Bro. A. Mat-Kay was accorded a welcome back to the lodge after a short absence lor holidays, and a welcome was extended to the visitors. After the meeting was closed a pleasant evening was enjoyed in harmony, and several games of bowls were played.

Thirty-seven years ot active work were celebrated by the Te Aroha Manchester Unity Oddfellows (Hot Springs Lodge), when a well attended anniversary social and dance took place in the Parish Hall. Some 250 members and friends were in attendance, including visitors from Taumarunui. Waihi, Karangahake, Waikino, Paeroa, Morrinsville, Te Awamutu and Waitoa. Mrs. Glover's orchestra supplied the music for the dancing and a number of interesting and amusing items were given by local and visiting artists. Two plays were well received. An amusing sketch was produced by Miss W. Espiner, those taking part being Miss Bertelsen, Miss Atkins and Mr. Gearey. Sister J. Ryan was M.C. for the dancing and played several "extras." Sister Petersen had charge of the supper arrangements, assisted by a capable committee. The large birthday cake, surmounted by 37 candles, was cut and distributed. Bro. C. Bowie, the lodge secretary, traced the history of the lodge from its inception until the present time. From a membership of 18 it had now reached a total of 284, including 42 sisters, and 637 had been initiated, many having transferred to other parts. The sum of £3500 in sick pay had been distributed. It was mentioned that Bro. W. F. Bates had personally initiated 120 members and Bro. 0. Bowie 70. Two of the members who joined in 1901 were still on the books, Bros. W. Atkins and W. T. Rowe, the latter being treasurer. The group officer, Bro. R. T. Scott, P.D.G.M., congratulated the lodge upon its progress and presented Bro. M. T. Burt with his Past Grand's emblem.