DRUIDISM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18802, 3 March 1923, Page 15

DRUIDISM.

The fortnightly meeting of Linden Lodge was held on February 13. The lodge commenced at 7.30 p.m. to enable the officers to carry out tho social part of the evening later. A.D. Bro. Beveridge presided over a good attendance of members, and D.P, Bro, Baird paid an official visit, and was cordially received, also brothers from Pride of Mornington. Tho usual business having been transacted, the lodge adjourned to entertain their lady friends at a social evening which took the form of a progressive euchre party. All enjoyed a most pleasant evening, and Mrs Dull and Bro. Watt (Pride of Mornington) proved to bo the winners, and’Mrs Simpson and Bro. Jelly (Pride of Mornington) won. tho booby prizes. After supper, dancing was indulged in prior to tbe close of the meeting. The North End Druids assembled in the hall, Albany street, to attend a summoned meeting for the purpose of electing a secretary in place of P.D.P. Bro. Crawford, who has retired after * some 25 years. In the absence of the A.D., from whom an apology was received, P.D.P. Bro. Freeman presided over a fair attendance. Correspondence; Bards reported state of sick breturen, and payment passed. The election of secretary took place by ballot, and resulted in Bro. A. Wateon, P.A., being unanimously returned. The scrutineers were P.D.P.'s Bros. M’Niven and Reid, and D.P. Bro. Baird, assisted by P.D.P. Bro. Reid, installed the new secretary into his office. A committee of the executive officers of the lodge was appointed to take into consideration the matter of recognising tho services of tho late secretary and to present a report for tbe next meeting. P.D.P. Bro. M‘mven and A.D. Bro. Faulda Rvanhoe) were welcome visitors, and each replied to the toast. The fortnightly meeting of tho Otago Lodge was held in the Oddfellows' Hall in Rattray street, A.D. Bro. Avery proeidingKoutine business was transacted, and tfie Bards' report on tho sick and the sick pay passed for payment. The usual toasts were given and responded to by P.D.P.' Bro. Reid (Lily of the \ alley) and P.D.P. Bro. Broolue (Jlvanhoe). P.A, Bro. Ruston gave a brief account on Druidism in and around Timaru.

The meeting of Enterprise Lodge was well attended, and was presided over by A.D, Bro. J. E. Robertson. One candidate was proposed, and sick pay was passed for payment, Considerable discussion took place on the sick fund. The discussion on Grand Lodge order paper was hold over till quarter night. Business being over early tho lodge members hud a pleasant game of cards. .

Pride of Mornington opened their meeting at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, and tho business was despatched in a very short time in order to entertain lady friends. The inclemency of the weather, unfortunately, prevented a larger gathering, but tho party that sat down at the tables to play cards numbered very nearly 30. During the evening they had a visitor from Ivy of Linwood (Christchurch), who joined in tho festivity and contributed an item towards the musical programme, Rupper gras served after a very enjoyable game of euchre. Bros. M'Farlane (of Linden Lodge), Bros. Napier, Jelly, and Jones, and Air R. Tracey, contributed songs. The monthly meeting of the Royal Arch Chapter was held in the Waratah Tea Rooms, RA.D. Bro. Watson presiding over a fair attendance. Apologies were received from R..V.A. Bro. Thompson, P.A. Bro. Quam, and P.D.P. Bro. Walker, the latter two being on tho sick list. Two brethren from the Royal Oak and Otago Lodges presented their certificates for the A.D. and P.A. Degrees. Correspondence from the Grand Secretary (Queensland) and season’s greetings from N.G.A. Bro. Hall (Now Orleans), and West Harbour Lodge were received. After routine business had been transacted, a round table conference took place in reference to tho general efficiency •competition.

The quarterly meeting o’f Royal Oak Lodge was held on February 19, A.D. Bro. Rackley presiding over a good attendance of members. The correspondence being dealt with and the sick pay passed for payment, tho Grand Lodge order paper was discussed, and tho delegates received their instructions. One candidate was initiated into the mysteries of Druidism. P.D.P. Bro. Brockie (Ivanhoo Lodge) and Bro. Whitty (Lily of the Valley) responded to the toast of the visitors. Tho lodge was closed at 10.30 p.m. by A.D. Bro. Rackley.