DRUIDISM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19136, 2 April 1924, Page 5

DRUIDISM.

Court Pride of Morning-ton had a good attendance of members at its last meeting. The visitors present were Sister Wilson, of Canterbury, and D.P. Bro. Wilson. Business was disposed of and on the lodge being adjourned, M.C. Bro, Oliver conducted C.R. Bro. Jackson and several members of the Court Excelsior A.0.E., and introduced them to the brethren assembled. A.D. Bro. Watt extended a cordial welcome to the visitors, to which C.K. Bro. Jackson replied. The tables were then prepared for cards, and a pleasant evening was spent. After supper the visitors retired, being the victors by on© game. Mistletoe Lodge met in i'.A. Hall, Green Island, on Tuesday, when A.D. Bro. W. Harvey had the pleasure of welcoming a number of distinguished visitors. As a mark of honour the visitors were invited to occupy the officers' chairs, Bro. Thompson,, P.D. No. 1, took the Arch Druid’s chair, Bro. Wilson, D.P., No. 2, the V.A., the Past District Presidents taking the right and left of the A.D. and V.A. respectively. The lodge stood in silence for a few moments out of respect to the late P.G.P. Bro, G. W. Crawford, who bad been for many years secretary of the Lily of the Valley Lodge. Invitations from the Royal Arch Chapter and Enterprise Lodge were accepted. P.A. Bro. D. Reid gave a very full report of the Grand Lodge meeting, and received a hearty vote of thanks for his services. One candidate was initiated into the mysteries of Druidism, and three more proposed. The visitors included representatives from Enterprise and Pride of Mornington. D.P.’s Broe. Thomp-

son and Wilson and six P.D.P.’s. Bros. Thompson and Wilson replied to the toast of the D.P.’s an<J Broe. Knox and M’Beath replied on behalf of the P.D.P.’s. The West Harbour Lodge held its meeting on Monday night, there being a fair attendance of members. Sister Wilson, ot uie Queen of the Oak, Canterbury, paid a visit, and was given a very cordial welcome) to which she very ably responded. Concerning the appeal for the widow of the P.D.P. Bro. T. Baird, the lodges were responding very wall, and it was hoped to be able to render her valuable assistance. An enjoyable evening was spent at cards. Eenterprise Lodge was well attended, and presided over by P.A. Bro. A. Welsh. Sick pay was passed for payment, and it was resolved to hold the installation, of D.P. _*ro. Workman on the next lodge night. ■*. .A. Bro. A. Workman, an old and valued member of the lodge, was the recipient of a PA. collar for cervices rendered to the lodge. Bro. Goodman and his pupils} gave an exhibition df boxing, which was greatly appreciated.

I van hoe Lodge held its usual fortnightly meeting on Wednesday evening, when A. D. Bro. Earley was greeted with a good attendance of members and visitors. A large amount of correspondence was dealt with. Invitations -.-were received from Linden and Enterprise Lodges to attend the installation of the D.P. for Nos. 1 and 2 districts, which were accepted. One candidate was initiated into the fnystcriea of Druidimn. The Grand Lodge delegates gave a report of the Grand Lodge meeting. The usual loyal toasts were duly honoured, V.A. Bro. Campbell (Lily of the Valley) responding on behalf of the visitors, Ivanhoe Ledge has had a very successful month, having initiated six' new

members. Visits have been oaid bv G.P. Bro. Francis, of Canterbury, G.P. Bro F, C. Barham, G.V.P. Bro. Churchill, G.G Bro. Oliver, P.G.P. Bro. Hopkins, T.G.P'. Bro, Bryant, P.D.P. Bro. and R. Riordan, Invercargill, P.A. Bro. M’lntosh, Alexandra, and P.A. Bro. Walker, Linden; all visitors were received with musical honours. G.Jr. Bro. Francis gave the members a very e m? thy Druidism in Canterbury. The Otago Lodge met on Monday evening, A-D. Bro. J. Ledger wood presiding. A large 1 attendance of members and A fair muster of visitors greeted him. The Bard's report on sick brethren was satisfactory, as in most cases a marked improvement was noted. P-G.P. Bro. E, J. Bryant made feeling reference to the loss of P.G.P. Bro. G. W. Crawford, and the Secretary was instructed to convey the sympathy of the lodge to his bereaved family, that sympathy being expressed by the members standing in silence. P.A. Bros. M’Crone and Jones reported on the progress made with the picnic arrangements and the present position of the general efficiency competition negotiations. One candidate presented himself, and in the prescribed manner 'was duiy initiated in the rites and mysteries of the Order. As Bro. Eager had been allotted the task of entertaining the members and visitors, he presented a musical inte-pretation of the Druidic opening, closing, and initiatory rites, a novelty which was greatly appreciated by his audience. This unusual form of entertainment was interpreted by a quartet party consisting of Bro. E. Hamilton Eagar, D. Napier, C, Moore, and W. Alexander.

The officers and members of the Lily of the Valley Lodge ( assembled at their lodge room 'ln silence owing to the untimely death of their late Secretary, P.G.P. Bro. Crawford, who was for 33 years a faithful officer of the lodge. A.D. Bro. Little presided over a good attendance, including an official visit from Ivanhoe Lodge and several from Otago. The lodge was called to order, and stood in silence, when a momoriam submitted by P.G.G. Bro. Reid was read by the Secre-

tary and adopted, a copy being ordered u. bo, went to the family of the late brother. Mourning was ordered to extend for six weeks out of respect. The usual business was resumed and carried out with promptitude, when the lodge adjourned for the purpose of entertaining sister lodges, R.A.D. Bro. Thompson and officers of the Uoyal Arch Chapter, accompanied by Sister Wilson, Canterbury district, journeyed to Mosgiel to pay an official visit to the Good Intent Lodge, who desired them to carry out their business and grant degrees to local past officers. Sister Wilson was formally introduced, and received a very hearty welcome. After routine business had been transacted, two candidates sought admission, and were duly received, an impressive ceremony being carried out. A nunrber of apologies were duly received, and the loyal toasts were honoured. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Royal Arch Chapter officers for the trouble they had taken in coming to the township. The lodge officers and visitors retired, and the chapter was called to business, when five applications •for degress were sought and, having been found in order.

were granted. The chapter was then closed, and the ordinary lodge work was resumed. Bro. Joyoe, A.D., presided over the last meeting of Linden Lodge. Three candidates who sought admission were initialed into the mysteries of Druidism. The officers performed the ceremony in a very able manner, and P.G.P. Bro. E. Sunderland officiated at the piano, and the whole ceremony was a credit to all concerned. When the correspondence came up for discussion, an appeal from West Harbour Lodge was very favourably received, and also a letter from dho Grand Secretary concerning juvenile lodges. The officers of this lodge are to be congratulated on winning the iVessley banner, and it is hoped that this will give the young members the impetus to keep up the standard of efficiency that is held at present. P.G.P. Bro. Sunderland reported on Grand Lodge business, and he received a very hearty vote of thanks for his very able report.