ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11197, 20 August 1898, Page 3

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

_. _. <a>- ■ FORMATION OPA REBEKAH LODGE. A meeting was held iv the Oddfellows' Hall, South Dunedin, last evening, for tbe purpose of forming a braueh of the Daughters of Rebekab, 1.0.0. F., ,in that district. There was a good .attendance. N.G. Bro. Brooks presided, and amongst; those present were officers of the Grand Lodge, Unity Lodge, Linden Lodge, Lincoln Lodge (Victoria), aDd the Linda and Ruth Rabekah Lodges. Apologies vote received from Bro. Alexander and Bro. Reid. ■ • / Dr Emily H. Siedeberg sent an apology owing to unother engagement, but stated that she would be very pleased to become an honorary member of the lodge. ' - , P.N.G. Sis. Statbam delivered a short address on the practical side of Oddfellowship. She stated that this was a'practical ago. It wns one in which many women had Co earn (heir own liviug and the living of their families. The time had gone by, long ago, when the only aim and object of a woman's existence was to get married. There were other avenues of life now opened to her; and Oddfellowship afforded her the aid —both practical, social, and religious aid to render her mission in life successful. Sister Statham then detailed the work of Oddfellowship, and gave instances of the good work thad accomplished. 61. Bro. Higgius stated that the Kebekah branch was a comparatively new branch in New Zealand, but wherever branches were established—there were four in tbe colony, two in Dunedin, one in Auckland, and one in Wellington—they had proved an unqualified success. In America the lodges had been worked on a much larger scule. According to tbe last returns there were gomething like 300 lodges, which contributed relief at the rate of £72,000 per annum. If a Rc.bekah lodge were established in South Dunedin he folly expected ib would be the best in N«w Zealand.—(Applause.) D.D.G.M. Bro. P&ttison and Bro. Crichton also spoke. On the motion of the Secretary (Bro. Hiuton), seconded by PG. Bro. Crutchfield (Victoria), it was reBolved to establish a Rebekah lodge in South Dunedin. Names were then taken, and over 30 signpd the usual petition tn the Grand Lodjjß. On the motion of Bro. An*'«"" ■ w«« iV<.i<lc(l tci rail tlie 10 -iv.e MT'am l.nri.,, NY. 5, Daughters |]f Ke'oekab, and tj »:...-.m was ut>»uiia«UßlT elected aa tha first Noble Grand.

Sister Statbam acknowledged the honour conferred upon her with a few appropriate remarks. Dr Siedeberg was apptiuted surgeoD, and it wm decided that the lodge be instituted on September 6. The evening's proceedings were pleasingly diversified by several musical contributions. ______