DRUIDISM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14245, 20 June 1908, Page 3

DRUIDISM.

On Juno, 14, 1883, the duly authorised representatives: of the Grand Lodge of Australia U.A.0.D., mot a. Mm bcr of fort Uialmers residents in the Church of England Schoolroom, k response 'to an application, previously signed, requesting that a charter should be granted authoring the formation of a Druids' lodge in the town. The various details of the benelite and workings of tho order having been duly explained, a numbar of names wero enro led, and tho All Nations Lodgo (then numbered 172) came into existence. Since that time the experiences Jiave been mamare varied. Sometimes there was a severe struggle for bare existence, but ultimately a foothold was gained on the ladder, and the lodge lias now, at the end of a quartor of a century, obtained a position which is not least among the lodges 0 f tJ lc Dominion. l!ho membership now numbers IW, the accumulated funds of the branch amounting to £1500. The members are comfortably .housed in a hall of their own, which has practically every convenience that can bo deau-ed in a building of this description; and on Friday, 12th inst., the twcnty-hfth anniversary was duly celebrated ,n tho hall, on which occasion 75 couples wore present, amongst the vision Vorshi p the Ma y° r IM* J. n- P'- F- G s;, Ero - J - H - Crawford, Otago Distract, M.U.; also'the chief 'ranger, Uurt Kobin Hood, A.0.F., aJid the N.fi. ot Loyal Prince of Wales Lodge, M.U. ihe opening of the social was somewhat ot an innovation, when a number of gowned and bearded Druids {preceded bv tho guardian bearing the sword of defence") marched round the hall and, forming in a SGiiu-circe round the Aroh-Druid, sang the Dnud "Welcome Chorus." The effect was enhanced bv the lowering of the gas and the burning of druidb fire. J. he floor was m excellent order for ikncmg, winch was indulged in until nearh 4 a.m., to excellent music supplied bv Messrs Driver ami Coshman. P.A. Bro. a^, and -V D - Bro ' *• C. Smith acted as iU.U s, and proved tlieniselvcs proficient m tJioir duties; and the whole of the arrangements reflected credit on the committee. Of tliose who originally constituted the charter members of tho lodge, only four now rcnmin-P.D.P.'s Bros. J. M. Harland and J. S. Ciibb, P.A. Bro. W. X. Jilackorl., and Bro. W. H. Wilson. On bundav, 14th, the members assembled at ■Sv od S?. 1 ? om at 3 P-" 1 -. and marched to Holy Trinity Chureli, where the vicar (the Rev. C. W. Christian) preaohed a very impressive sermon. Mrs T. BasinBang the solo whilst tlie offertory was taken up, and at the close of the service •pi? m< !|" bera ref -urned to the lodge room, inns tho 25 years of die lodge's existence was.terminated within a few yards of the actual building in which it was commenced. The regular meeting of the lodge was held on Tuesday, 16th inst., when two candidates were initiotod, the oe-remonv being very impressively carried out by A.D. Bio. Smith, assisted by his officers', on which he was complimented by D.P. mi Jacobson . wlw paid an official visit. 1 here was a large gathering of members and their lady frientfe, together with visitors from other lodges, at the last, mooting of the Linden Lodge, the occasion being an open night. A most, enjoyable evening was spent, rfancim, being indulged in to music supplied by Mr .T. Wise. .Horns were rendered by ili.v Harland and Bro. P._Pomeroy, and Bro. J. Gillies contributed a Scotch recitation. 'flie Otago Lodge must be congratulated on tho success of its ©yening entitled "Gjcovrlcts' NisJatx"- Br*..J, JJutlcr (who-

is 0110 of the executive officers of the juveniles) was present. In responding to tho toast of tho evening he made some interesting remarks on tho work of tho boys, and urged the older members to come amongst the juveniles more regularly/ and thus show the young ones that the adult, members are interested in the good work that las been dono by the olive branch. Tho Royal Oak Lodge met. on Monday evening, A.D. Bro. R. Logic being- greeted by a good musta- of members. After routine business the syllabus item was [ gone on. with—namely, competitions for, the best rendering of the A.D. Charge 1 and P.A. Charge. P.A. Bro. Fraer and ' Bro. Hind acted as judges, and after listening lo the various competitors awarded first prize for tho A.D. competition to liro. R. Logic, Bro. A. Easton securing the prize for tho P.A. Charge. 1 The Bay Lodge met on Tuesday | evening, A.D. Bro. P. H. Matthews presiding over a lair attendance of. members. The evening was devoted to a competition, sidos being chc«en by tho Arch Druid and Vice-Arch, and after a keen conte«l victory rested with the Vice-Arch and his merry boys bringing to a close a most enjoyable evening. The Juvenile Druids met on Tuesday evening, when there was a large muster of the boys. P.A. Bro. Stentiford kindly entertained tho boys for an hour with selections on the irrarnophone. Tho receipts were £1 6s 6d. The quarterly meeting of the Lily of the Valley Lodge was held on Wednesday evening, when there was a large attendance of members. Visitors present were— D.P. Bro. Jacobson, P.A. Bro. Robertson (Otago Lodge), Bro. Monson (Ivanhce Lodge). Tho 6ulvcoirmittee reported that everything was in order for the annua! social next Friday, and success is assured.