ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14257, 4 July 1908, Page 7

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Loyal Oavorsham Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.P., held its first mooting- in the New Hall on Wednesday evening, 120 brethren (including a large number of visitors) wore present. N.G. Bro. \Y. H. Head presided, and, after formally opening tho lodge, addressed the Provincial Grand Mailer, and, in a few well chosen remarks, requested that he should conduct tho dedication ceremony. P.G.M. Bro. J. H. Crawford then took the chair, supported by Prov. Treasurer Bio. .1. If. F. flanvel. The P.G.M. delivered an appropriate address, in which he congratulated tho Caversham brethren on the zeal they had displayed in obtaining such a commodious meeting place, which they wore about to dedicate tothoso cardinal virtues which ought, to adorn and elevate humanity—namely,' friendship, love, and truth. He then called upon Bro. 0. Bragg to read a few TOrecs of Scriptures (2nd Chronicled,, vii, 18-22) at the conclusion of which U.M. Bro. W. G. Colo read the 122 nd Pealm. •Una ritual eyiglwlising the principle?

enunciated in the P.U.M.'s address wus performed by tho following brethren:— P.G, Bro. W. Bevnn in the name of Friendsliip, advanced with a bowl of water, and, sprinkling tho floor, gave a suitabio address. P.G. Bro. A. R. Lawry then came forward in tho name of Love, strewing tho floor with fragrant flowers, and reciting an appropriate passage. Last came tho sower, in the person of P.O. Bro. H. U. Renfree, who, from a bowl, scattered wheat, upon the floor, and the name of Truth dedicated the hall to the practice of that ennobling virtue. Tho I'.G.M then called upon Prov. Treasurer, Bro. HamoJ, to conclude the ceremony. Bro. Hamel spoko at considerable length. He eulogised tho Caversham Lodge in opening their new hall with a symbolic ritual illustrative of the higher principles of Oddfellowship, concluding a powerful And impressive address by appealing to all present to value those great principles symbolised that evening, and which had taught, the pioneer Oddfellows of old not to think of themselves, but of others.

Tho following representatives of visiting lodges then addressed tho meeting: — P.P.G.M. Bro. A, Cable (Port Chalmers), P.P.G.M. Bro. 0. Gore (Loyal Albion), P.P.G.M, Bro. James Broadfoot (Loyal Hand and Heart), G.M. Bro. C. R. Richardson (Loyal Dur.edin), and G.M. Bro. \Y. Palmer (Loyal Valley). P.G.M. Bro. J. H. Crawford then addressed N.G. Bro. Head, of tho Loyal Oavershatn Lodge, stating that he had much pleasure in handing over the hall to continue, the work which they had so well carried out during the last 26 years. Tho ceremony concluded by singing the doxology. Thus concluded tho first lodge dedication ceremony in New Zealand. Tho iiret presentation made in the new hall came from P.G, Bro. A, R. Lawry (hon. secretary of tho Hall Committee), in tho shai>e of a handsome N.G. pedestal. Bro.i Lawry said he hoped tho lodge would value the gift, and hoped it would bo useful as well as ornamental. ' Bro. Lawry received l a special ovation, and was accorded a hearty (vote of thanks, the same to appear on the minutes. P.P.G.M. Bro. James Broadfoot and the Prov. Treasurer promised to presont to the lodge a suitable noble grand's chair, while other offers were spoken of. The Loyal Valley Lodge- forwarded £3 5s to the new hall fund. N.G. Bro. \V. H. Head was reappointed on the Book Committee,, while Bro, J. List's offer to act as outsido guardian was accepted. Per. Sec. Bro. .11. B. Renfree introduced to the meeting P.G. Bro, W. Briggs (one of the founders of the lodge), who had returned' after 20 years' absence. Bro. Briggs suitably responded. One candidate was proposed.

The meeting then indulged in a little harmony and light refreshments. The second toast was responded to by V.G. Bro. Lyon (Hand and Heart), N.G. Bro. West (Dunedin), N.G. Bro. M'Neil (Albion). N.G. Bro. J. Timlin (Valley), and Bro. Sim pun back); a most successful meeting terminating by all singing a closing ode printed and presented to the lodge by G.M, •Bio. W. G. Cole.