FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23027, 3 May 1938, Page 18

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

ACTIVITIES OF HODGES ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS SOCIAL GATHERINGS The Loyal Morrinsville Lodge, M.P., 1.0.0. F. celebrated its thirtieth anniversary with a largely attended gathering in the Civic Theatre. Over •300 members and friends were in attendance, the following lodges being well represented:—Loyal Kereone, Tauwhare, Te Puninga, Cambridge, Matamata and Mount Albert. The official visitors included the District Grand Master, Bro. F. McKay (Mount Albert), District Deputy G.M., Bro. F. Bates (Te Aroha), two members of the district management committee, Bros. R. T. Scott, P.D.G.M. (Morrinsville), and E. T. Stanley, P.G. (Matamata). Three official hostesses, Sisters C. Davis, E. Davies and R. T. Scott, welcomed the visitors and introduced them to the local members. During tho evening songs were given by Sister A. Ferguson T . and members of the Loyal Morrinsvillo Lodge gave several sketches. Framed Past Grands' emblems were presented to Sister A. Ferguson and Bro. R. Gamble (Morrinsville), Bro. L.' Gilbert and P. Grady (Te Puninga), and Bro. J. Reeco (Tauwhare). An address was given by the . financial secretary of the lodge, Bro. R. T. Scott, who stated that since the lodge was instituted in 1908 no fewer than 637 members had been initiated, the roll number now standing at 318. The lodge was responsible for opening branches at Kereone in 1926, and also Te Puninga and Tauwhare. Loyal Kfereone was an independent lodge and was making good progress, while Tauwhare was expected to become independent next month. A large cake, Surmounted by 30 candles, adorned the supper tablev The candles were lit by the N.G. Bro. T. Mackie and Sister E. Thompson, V.G., and were, extinguished by D.G.M. Bro. McKay. The cake was cut by Sister McKay and distributed to all present.

Court Star of Helensville, A.0.F., had a good attendance at its card evening, when opportunity was taken to farewell Bro. and Sister Farrell, who are leaving the district. Bro. Brough spoke of the esteem in which the members held Bro. and Sister Farrell and of the good work thev had done for the court. He asked the guests to accept a small gift and wished them every success and happiness in their new home.

The . Loyal Kaitaia Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., had all seats occupied at its meeting, the N.G., Bro. A. Thompson, being thu presiding officer. Four new benefit and four honorary members were initiated. A committee was set up to arrange the annual dance at Takahue. A. pleasant social hour was spent. A gift competition was won by Sister Alma Stewart. A plav,' reading was given by. Sisters Powell, Gray, Bagley, Begley, and Sumich, and Bros. Watts and Powell. Slipper was served by Sisters Gray, Marovah and Main.

The Pride of Te Puke Lodge, TT.A.O.D., had a large attendance at its meeting in the Parish Hall. Members were present from Edgecombe and Rotorua Lodges, also many friends. The apportunity was taken .to farewell Bro. and Sister Sworn, who are leaving the district , and " who have taken a prominent part in friendly society affairs in Te Puke. Dancing occupied a good deal of the evening, music being supplied by Bro. G. M. "Webber. Extras were played by Sister Niel and Bro.Thompson, of Edgecombe. The Monte Carlo waltz winners were Mrs. Goodwin and Mr. J. Hicks, while Mrs. Harris and Mr. Niel won the statno waltz. Supper was was served by the social committee. Past District President Bro. T. Cheeth&m referred to the valuable work done by the guests of honour and said they would be greatly missed in Te Puke. He asked them to accept a number of gifts from the lodge members. Past Chief Ranger Bro. Dofrman, A.0.F., spoke of the capable manner in which Bro. Sworn had filled the position of president of the Bay of Plenty United Friendly Societies' conference. The District President, Bro. J. Mullins (Edgecumbe), referred to the work done by Bro. Sworn as secretary of the Pride of Te .Puke. Bro. Atkinson, J.P.A., of Rotoirua, endorsed the remarks of the other upeakers.

The Youthful Enterprise Juvenile Temple elected officers for the new term as follows:—Chief Templar, Bro. W. Lange; Vice Templar, Sister Joyce Willey; secretary, Sister D. Grant; treasurer, Sister E. Chambers; finance secretary. Sister B. Vidak; chaplain, Bro. T. Chambers; marshal, Sister N. Hewitt; deputy marshal, Sister J. Hardwicke; assistant secretary, Sister F. Vidak; guard. Bro. A. Hardwicke; sentinel, Sister R. Vidak; registrar, Bro. F. Hardwicke. At the close of the meeting games *were played.

The Star of Newmarket Lodge, 1J.A.0.D., had a large attendance at the last meeting, over which the Arch Druid, Bro. Thwaites, presided. Official visits' were received from the district presidents, No. 6 and 23 districts, also the officers and members of the Light of Manukau and Grey Lynn Lodges. A review of the Government's health insurance proposals was given by P.G.P. Bro. W. Gregory. The lodge went into harmony, a fine programme of items being contributed bj' tho members and visitors.

Gordon Tent, 1.0. R., celebrated its 53rd anniversary with a social and dance in the Foresters' Hall, Onehunga. There were about 150 present, including representatives from other tents in the district and many friends. The District Chief Ruler, Bro. R. Wilson, and District Treasurer, Bro. A. Beer, represented the district officers. Songs were sung by Sisters Sibbins and Marshall, and Sister M. Vazev gave elocutionary items. They had to respond to a number of encores. Sister Beer acted as accompanist. The items were interspersed with games and competitions. Bro. R. Wilson, D.C.R., congratulated the tent upon its continued progress and wished the members every future success. Bro. J. Campling; Levite, acted as M.C. Supper was served bv the lady members. Dancing was indulged in to the music of a firstclass band.

Mountain Spa Lodge, No. 109, 1.0.0. F., had a successful meeting in the Masonic Hall, To Aroha, the N.G.. Bro. Williamson, presiding over a pood attendance. Five proposals for membership were received. Word was received that the D.D.G.M. would visit officially next lodge night to instill "the new officers. It was decided to eel©brate the llf)th anniversary of the founding of the order by holding a combined church parade with the Arohanui Rebekah Lodge. Some members applied for transfers to the new lodge at Matamata nnd these were granted. Cards Were played and supper was served.

The biennial installation of officers of the Opotiki T.0.0.F. Lodge took place in the Lyric Hall. The installing officers were from Taneatua and Whakatane lodges. Bro. J. Butler, D.D.G.M., of Taneatua, was in charge of the ceremony. The officers installed •were: —Bro. G. Munro, N.G.; Bro. W. Hallam, V.G.; Bro. J. Shaw, warden; Bro. W. Rodgers, chaplain: Bro. C. Wylde, conductor; Bro. J. Elliott, secretary; Bro. A. Talbot. R.S.N.G. Bro. C. Wylde was admitted to membership of the Opotiki Lodge.