MANCHESTER UNITY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19259, 25 August 1924, Page 8

MANCHESTER UNITY.

Tho meeting of the Loyal Prince of Wales Lodge, Port Chalmers,, held on Tuesday, was well attended, P.V.G. Bro. Black presiding. Two new members were initiated and five were proposed. A progressive euchre evening was held under the direction of P.P.G.M. Bro. J. 11. Crawford who provided the prizes. Bro. C. Materhy won the first prize and Per. Sec. Bro. Johnston the minor honour. It was decided to entertain the local Foresters' Lodge at next meeting. An attendance of over HO greeted N.G. Bro. A. W. Halton at the meeting of the Loyal Milton Lodge on Monday, August 11. Three new members were initiated. Invitations were received and accepted from the Loyal Dalton and Kaitangata Lodges to attend their annual ' celebrations. A large amount *of routine business was dealt with.

The monthly meeting of the Loyal Tapanui Lodge was very well attended, N.G. Bro. .1. L. Say presiding. The half-yearly balance sheet was read, and showed that the total value of the lodge funds stood at £10,563, the increase during the half-year being a record. Interest earned was £302, and £l4l was paid out in sick pay, £4O in funeral claims, and £24 in maternity bonuses. It was notified that the half-yearly district mooting was to be hold in Tapanui on September 24, and a committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements. The annum ball was also to be held on September 24. A letter of condolence was ordered to be sent to the widow of the late Bro. David Fleming, of Crookston.

The Hand and Heart meeting was marked by a good attendance. Two new members were initiated. An invitation was received from the Court Woodlands Pride Foresters to attend a social function. It was noted with regret that an old member in the person of Bro. A. E. Jones had passed away in the North Island. This brother bscn on the lodge sick fund for 2S years. It was gratifying to feel that the lodge had been of so much assistance to a worthy brother in time of need. The nest of the meeting was spent in an enjoyable dance in company with lady fnonck, some 40 couples taking part. N.G. Bro. E. Ileycs presided over a large attendance at the Loyal Cromwell Lodge. The half-yearly balance sheet was presented, and showed a substantial increase in funds. All the funds were found to be in a satisfactory position, and votes of appreciation were passed to the secretary and trustees. ~ rr- Picture Hall Committee reported a satisfactory half-year, the programmes submitted weekly being popular, and good attendances being the rule. One new member was initiated and four more per proposed. It was reported that all arrangements had been made for the annual ball, to be held on September 27.

The meeting of the Loyal Dunedin Lodge was the occasion of an official visit from all lodges, there being over 100 present, also the District Executive. Bro. L. Burke was formally received as the order’s official pia.nist, and heartily welcomed. A lengthy musical programme was entered on,. Songs wene contributed by Bro. Burke; Bros. Henderson and Kraft rendered a duet in good style. Instrumental items were contributed by Bros. Clarke, Leslie, and Scott. The programme was one of the best of such occasions, and favourable comment was made at the support given by the performers. P.G. Bro. Scoones in a neat speech, congratulated all concerned on the success of the evening. The visitors’ toast was responded to by Loyal Centenary, Valley, Caversham, Albion, Hand and Heart, Knkanui, and Naseby Lodges. The District Executive, in responding, commended the lodge for the high standard of entertainment provided. In celebrating its diamond jubilee the Loyal Dalton Lodge (Balclutha) held a series of functions, each of which proved most successful. The first effort was a ball on Wednesday. August 13. This was attended by over 150 couples, the hall being tastefully decorated. His Worship the Mayor (Mr S. V. White), together with D.P.G.M. Bro. A. Wylie and P.P.G.M. Bro. J. A. Hobson attended. During the evening an Oddfellows’ parade was held, “and the visitors were given a special toast and reception. Responses and congratulations were given by Sister Hadler (Queen of Otago), brethren from Milton and Loyal Alexandra, and P.P.G.M. Bro. J. A. Bobson, on behalf of the District Executive. On Thursday, August 19, a jubilee lodge meeting, followed by a banquet, was held. The meeting was largely attended by members and visitors.