FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18625, 5 August 1922, Page 12

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

1.0.0. F. The Oddfellows who attended last Tuesday’s meeting of Pioneer Lodge, No. L, I. will long remember the occasion, unique as it was in the history (now a few days short of 60 years) of the first established lodge of the 1.0.0. F. in this dominion. N.G. Bro. J. W. Duncan presided over a good number of members and visitors- One candidate was proposed. An invitation to a special presentation evening at the Linden Lodge was received and accepted. Two maternity claims were paid, and other routine business handled. Tne arrangements for the celebration of the diamond jubilee of the lodge on next regular meeting night were outlined and approved. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand, 1.0.0.1., paid an official visit. G.M. Bro. C. lialbot, P.G.M. Bro D M Miller as G. Warden, G. Treasurer Bro. L. D. Ritchie, G, Secretary Bro. William Reid, G. Chaplain Bro. W. Kipley, P.G.O.G.M. Bro. W. Smith as G. Marshal, P.D.D.G.M. Bro. D. Swinton as G. Guard, supported by P.D.D.G.M.’a Bros. J. Pattison, W. Kilpatrick,, T. Rosevear, and 6. Trustees Bro. J.: M’Peak, were introduced by D.D.G.M. Bro. J. Skinner end welcomed by the N.G. of Pioneer Lodge, who asked the G.M. to accept charge. P.G.M. Bro. A. H, Valentine entered later, and proffered apology for absence of P.D.D.G.M. Bio. H. H. Johnson* A special session of Grand Lodge was held, the Grand Lodge degree being' conferred upon 16 P.G.’s by P.G.M. Bro. D. Miller. The installation of Grand Secre-tary-elect, Bro. Fredk. Wilkinson, followed, and was carried oqt by the G.M. and officers in a capable and impressive manner, the veteran P.G. Sire (and now P.G. Secretary) Bro. William Reid, investing his successor with .he official regalia. G.M. Bro. Talbot briefly addressed the lodge, emphasising the deep regret that all felt at the necessity for accepting the resignation of Bro. William Reid, whoeej|»luable services had been given to the I.CTO.r. for 46 years «e Grand Secretary, and whose many excellencies were too well known by all to need extolling by him. He\ trusted that Bro. William Reid would long be spared to enjoy his well-earned rest. He .•ongratulateJ the newly-installed Grand Secretary, and welcomed him with best wishes. , . P.G.M. Bro. D. M. Miller, as the oldest Gland Lodge officer present, expressed his regret nt the retirement of Bro. Reid, with whom he had been associated for so long a time. I He extended a hearty welcome to Bro. Wilkinson, and trusted that the good progress made by the 1.0.0. F. in the last 60 years would be well maintained in the future. , . , P.G. Sire Bro. William Reid spoke in eulogy of Bro. Wilkinson. They had been daily together in Grand Lodge office for over eight years, and he (Bro. Reid) was sure that the order was to be congratulated upon securing the sendees of the one most fitted to carry out the necessary duties, as he was fully qualified and had by ms previous work well earned the position. It was a matter of supreme satisfaction to himself to see Bro. Wilkinson installed as his successor. D.D.G.M. Bro. J. Skinner felt it incumbent upon himself to offer congratulations and assurances of hearty co-operation by the members of lodges in the South Otago district. Bro. F. Wilkinson briefly replied, thanking Grand Lodge officers for their congratulations and for the pleasing things that had been said oi him. In taking up office after Bro. William Reid he felt some diffidence, but if he was as well supported all round as he had been that night and recently by the goodwill and friendship shown, it augured well for his own future success. The meeting was then adjourned to entertain Rsbekah sisters and other visitors. A pleasant hour was spent in progressive euchre, some 80 or so at the tables. Prizes distributed and supper in full sway, tie G.M. (Bro. Talbot) presented a silver P.G. s jewel to the retiring Past Grand, Bro. G. •S. Currie, and in a few words indicated the manner in which that brother , had performed the duties appertaining to his various offices.

TEMPLARS’ QUARTERLY MELTING. The Hope of Dunedin Lodge of Template held its first meeting of the new quarter on Wednesday evening, in the lodge room, Dowling street. There was a good attendanoe. The Grand Chief Templar (Bro. Dalton) was present, and occupied a scat on the platform, being heartily welcomed by the C.T., Bro. South, on behalf of the lodge. Two candidates were initiated. The officers reports for the past quarter, which showed that satisfactory progress had been made, were read, and after some discussion were adopted. The syllabus for the quarter was also submitted, and neld ovey till newt meeting. Among some of the items proposed are two “at homes,” a “hard-up” social, and "mock court.” Next meeting is to be “sing, recite, or pay threepence.” An excellent address was given by Bro. Dalton, G.C.T., on the good of the order, during which he oomgraulated the lodge on the fine meeting, and stated that he had received a letter from Bro. G. H. Higbie, G.C.T., of the New York Grand Lodge. He hadl sent a reply to be in time for their grand lodge session, and also a New Zealand flag, as requested, to be grouped with the flags of all nations at that session. The election of officers created some competition, there being three candidates for the position of Chief Templar. The vote resulted in tie re-election of tie present 'occupant. All'the other officers were reelected, and they were installed by the Grand Chief Templar, and returned! thanks for thd confidence and honours conferred upon them. Votes of thanks wore passed to the retiring officers, the G.C.T., and installing marshals. PROTESTANT ALLIANCE F.S. The fortnightly greeting of Triumph Lodge, No. 9, P.A.F.S. of A., was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, King Edward street, Kensington, on Thursday evening. W.M. Bro. C. B. Dingwall presided, and there was a good attendance of members and visitors. The Visiting Sick Committee reported that all sick members were progressing favourably, and sick pay to the amount of £3 18s was passed for payment. The Social Committee reported that arrangements were well in hand for the card tournament to be held on Aligust 10. The visitors from sister lodges wore accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The fortnightly meeting of the Valley True Blue Lodge, No. 11, P.A.F.S. of A., was held in the Oddfellows' Hell, Albany street, on Tuesday evening. W.M, Bro. G. S. Gcddes presided!; ono candidate was initiated and one proposed. A presentation of a Past Master’s collar was made to Bro. J. Sutherland for services rendered to his lodge. The Visiting Sick Committee reported that three members had been declared off the sick fund during the past fortnight- Sick pay to the amount of £l2 was passed for payment. The auditors’ report and secretary’s balance sheet' for June quarter were read, and showed the funds of the lodge to be very satisfactory. The fortnightly meeting of Loyal Excelsior Lodge, No. 41, P.A.F.S. of A., w’as held in the hall, Green Island, on July 19. W.M. Bro, Ralston presided, with a full roll of officers and a fair attendance of members. The Visiting Sick Committee reported on sick brothers; sick allowance to the amount of £lO 10s was passed for payment; also two maternity allowances.