MANCHESTER UNITY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15821, 21 July 1913, Page 10

MANCHESTER UNITY.

Every officer was in his appointed place when N.G. Bro. Mulholland (of the Loyal Mariototo Ledge) declared the meeting open for the transaction of business. The auditor's report and statement of accounts for the half-year were presented, and disclosed the pleasing fact that the lodge was steadily increasing in membership and funds. P.G. Bro. Millar was presented with an emblematical certificate in recognition of many services faithfully rendered to tho lodge and its members. In making tho presentation, N.G. Bro. Mulholland said it was worthy of note that Bro. Millar was one of 17 who joined the lodge the night it was opened, and was the first of that number to pass through every chair. Per. Sec. Bro. M'Lean was successful in winning a trophy presented by P.G. Bro. Finder to tho member introducing 'the most candidates during the last 12 months. In the unavoidable absenco of N.G. Bro. Macdonald, P.G, Bro. Willis (of the Loyal Hand and Heart Lodge) presided over tho meeting of the Loyal Vincent Lodge held at Ophir. There was a splendid muster of members. The Per. Sec. was instructed to forward to Bro. Macdonald and family a letter of condolence and sympathy with them in their recent bereavement.' • P.G. Bro. Young (the -first N.G. of tho lodge), who is .leaving the district, was the object of enthusiastic speeches, several members referring in eulogistic terms to tho untiring zeal and energy ho had at all times displayed in promoting the welfare of tho lodge and members. ■ Bro. Young is a member of the Loyal Roxburgh Lodge. The customary courtesies accorded to visiting members were acknowledged by P.G.'s Bros. Clarke (Dunedin), Willis (Hand and Heart),. Young (Roxburgh), and Bro. M'Kone (Maniototo).

The meeting of the Loyal Hand and Heart Lodge was presided over by N.G. Bra B. Rodger. P.P.G.M. Bro. P. Millier and P.G. Bro. Wm. Taylor were selected to have their photographs placed in the official handbook. Per. Sec. Bro. James Brown was instructed to forward to P.R.G.M. Bro. Geddes a letter from the members of tho lodge congratulating him on attaining the ninety-third anniversary of Id's birthday. A letter of recommendation was granted Bro.. Solomon to enable him to_ visit distant lodges, One candidate was initiated into the order with the customary formalities. Tho toast of "Our Visitors" was responded to by N.G. Bro. Lilley (Albion). The auditor'e report and lodge baianco sheet were p!aced beforo tho members, and favourably commented upon. The total funds amount to £36,828 4s sd. Some idea of the amount of good being done in tho community by friendly societies generally may bo gathered from the fact that the Hand and Heart Lodge has paid during the last three years and a-half no less a e:im than £3882 13s as 6tck benefits and £840 funeral claims.

Tho Loyal Dunedin Lodgo met on Monday night in tho Stuart Street Hall, N.G. Bro W. Trcwcrn presiding, Tho attendaneo of members was good. One candidate was initiated, the ceremonv being carried out by G.M, Bro. C. Arnold and P.G. Bro. H. 0. Johnston. Tho Management Committee was empowered to make arrangements for tho fitting celebration of the jubilee of P.G. Bro. C. D. Wilkins, who next month attains his fiftieth year of membership in tho Dunedin Lodge. A letter of condolence was directed to be forwarded to the relatives of tho lato Bro, Brodrick, for whom the lodge was in mourning. It wa6 resolved to" place the photograph of P.P.G.M. Bro. G. Leslie (late registrar of friendly societies) in tho coming isgtio of tho handbook. The total worth of tho funds was £20,840, nearly all of which was earning a'6hado over 5 per cent. Tho membership showed an inoroaso of 13, and has now reached the 450 mark. Among the visitors was I.P.P.C.M. Bro. A. B. Edmonds, of tho Southland district.

There is every probability that in the near future a new lodge will bo opened at Beaumont. There arc already 12 or 14 names handed in to tho enthusiastic promoter (Bro. Pearson), who clearly sees the possibilities of the district when the railway, is completed to that point.