FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19066, 11 January 1924, Page 12

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

LONG AND SUCCESSFUL CAREER

Tire good work that could be accomplished by friendly societies was recognised at an early stage of the young settlement, and little time was lost in bringing them into existence, a long and flourishing career being the result. The first friendly society in the Clutha district was the Loyal Dalton Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., which was established about 60 years ago. When &r George Grey visited the Clutha district early in 1867 the members of that lodge were conspicuous amongst the assembly which met him. An address of welcome was presented to His Excellency • on behalf of the lodge, the signatories being Hugh Bowen, P.G.M., Peter Mason, G.M., Wm. J. Cope, N.G., John M‘Ewan, P.V.G., and John Low, V.G. There is now a flourishing lodge of the American order in Balclutha as well. The Masonic order has also had a very long career in the district, its existence there dating back at least to the “sixties.” On the occasion of Sir George Grey’s visit, in 1867, the Masonic Lodge accorded him a fitting welcome and presented an address to him. The address was signed by R. Smith, R.W.M., Robert Latta. S.W., J. Gibson-Smith, J.W., IV. Christie, treasurer, and J. M‘Neil, S.D. To-day successful branches of the Oddfellows and Masonic orders are in existence at Clinton, Owaka, Kaitangata and Mikon. In Die last-named place there is also a Foresters’ Lodge, while at Port Molvneux there is a lodge belonging to the M.U.1.0.0.F.