GIVIS RECEPTION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10850, 16 March 1921, Page 4

GIVIS RECEPTION

ODDFELLOWS WELCOMED RECOGNITION OF “A GREAT SOCIAL ORDER.” A PROGRESSIVE BODY. A civic reception was accorded by the Mayor (Mr .1. P. Luke, M.P.j yeterday to the delegates to the annual coiiicu-mc oi the Independent Order of Oddfellows, which opened in Wellington yesterday. There was an attendance ol over fifty people. Air Robert Robb. Grand Alaster of the Order in New Zealand, occupied a seat beside the Mayor, who presided. THE MAYOR’S REMARKS. Mr Luke said it- was a pleasure to extend to the representatives of the Grand Lodge on behalf of the citizens a very hearty welcome. They were grateful that the conference was being held in this city. It was interesting to trace the history of the organisation down through history. Oddfellowship was one of the most ancient phases of social advancement in the world; it was claimed, for it, in fact, that it was th'e next ancient organisation in existence, and that it dated as far hack as Adam. (Laughter.) He was proud to welcome the delegates to Wellington, and he congratulated Mr Robb on holding the distinguished position of Grand Master in & society which stood tor the promotion, of common good. Air Luke went on to refer to the growth of the Order, and made particular mention of the progress it had made in New Zealand. There was plenty of room in New Zealand for the existence of the spirit of companionship and comradeship, and the society was a valuable institution not only in its social activities, but also in the relief it afforded the Government in the matter of provident funds. Apart from the subject of finances the Order afforded valuable assistance, in a general way to those in need. He hoped the delegates would enjoy their stay in Wellington. Councillor C.' J. B. Norwood joined with the Alayor in welcoming the delegates. He hoped the society would achieve its end in developing better citizens and better fellowship in th# community. DELEGATES RETURN THANKS. In reply, Mr Robb expressed thanks for the cordiality of the reception and the kind references to the good Order and its work. They had to thank the Government for the assistance it had afforded the society during the war. Friendly societies were an asset to the country, and it was gratifying that the Government had given them such support in encouraging young men to exercise thrift and provide for their old age. Bro. C. J. Talbot, deputy grandmaster (Canterbury), said he did not concur in the idea voiced by the Mayor that the inception of the society dated back to the first man, but there were interesting indications in history that it had existed at the tune of the Israelites’ captivity. Bro- L. D. Ritchie, grand treasurer (Dunedin), said the society had as its objects t-lie well-being, not ‘only of the country, but of the Empire and the whole 'world. Their ideal was that some day the brotherhood .of man would prevail, and that they would afford assistance to those upon whom life fell with a heavy hand. The reception closed with, the National Anthem and cheers for the Mayor.