ODDFELLOWS’ MEMORIAL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11006, 15 September 1921, Page 3

ODDFELLOWS’ MEMORIAL

ROLL OF HONOUR UNVEILED. AN EXCELLENtTwaR RECORD. A memorial roll of honour recording the names of eighty members of the Loyal Britannia Lodge of the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows who participated in the Great War was unveiled at Hie Oddfellows’ Hall last evening by Major-General Sir E. W. Chaytor, O.C. New Zealand Defence Forces. Bro. H. E. Steffensen, Grand Master of the Wellington district, presided 1 , and there were also present representatives from all lodges in the Wellington district, and also from various lodges throughout the Dominion. The Mayor (Mr R. A. Wright, M.P.) was present by special invitation. The memorial is a handsome rimu panel,' the names being picked out m gold letters. The flag used in the ceremony was one of those presc—tod to the new St. Paul’s military chapel by Rear-Admiral Thnraby, and was flown on H.M.S. Queen when she covered the landing of the New Zealand troops on Gallipoli Peninsula. Bro. Steffensen, .in a brief speech, referred to the sacrifices made by the members of the order during the war. and to the part played by the local lodge, not only in sending 80 of its 500 members to the front, 11 of wham were killed, but also in affording assistance to their dependents in their absence. - Bro. Kershaw, corresponding secretary of the New Zealand branch of the order, mentioned that one-fourth of the members throughout the world had served during the war, and that no less a sum than two million pounds of t the funds f _ the society haa been utilised for various war purposes. Of 3000 members who went away with the New Zealand forces 500 paid the supreme sacrifice. The lodge had paid out during the war £20,000 in sick Eay, and in keeping members’ contriutions up to date while they were away. General Chaytor, in a stirring speech, spoke of the value of war memorials in reminding the future generations of past struggles. There was a great tendency after a war t»-regard~ib- merely • from the historical point of view, and the rising generation frequently failed to realise what the cast battles had cost the country in lives. . As the general unveiled the memorial all present stood motionless, while “jN. butt played the “Dead March ” The Mayor, and Mr W. Hardham, V.O. who represented the Wellington -R.8.A., also spoke a few words. Appropriate songs were rendered bv Madame Mueller, Mrs Goldsmith, and Mr Johnson. The proceedings terminated 'with the singing of the National Anthem.