I.O.O.F.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19500, 8 June 1925, Page 10

1.0.0. F.

Bro. M. K. Glover, the D.D.G.M. of the South Otago District, I. 0.0. F., presided on Tuesday evening over a gathering ot 100 local Oddfellows called to entertain socially the members of _ country lodges visiting the city at Shoxv time. „ The usual loyal toast of The King having been duly honoured, the chairman welcomed visiting brethren from Taihape, Owaka, Clinton, Milton, and Wellington, and also the D.D.G.M. and other district officers of the South-east Otago District, and proposed the toast of the Grand Lodge of Australasia, represented by D.D.G. biro Bro. D. M. Miller, P.G.M., and the Grand Treasurer of that body, Bro. L. D. Ritchie. The former drew some lines of comparison between the Grand Lodge of Australasia with the dome of St. Paul s, a nd alluded to the visit through Europe to the session of the Sovereign Grand Lodge in America of Grand Master Bro. Carl, Glasgow, of the Australasian Grand Body, who was known, to several of his hearehs. No doubt on their return via Auckland something would bo heard from Bro. Glasgow and his colleagues as to the result of their visit. , , , G.T. Bro Ritchie said he had been present at the last session of the Lodge of Australasia, and hoped to be at the next. To him it bad been an inspiration to meet the representatives of other jurisdictions, all gathered for a common object—earnest men, imbued with the spirit inculcated by the teachings of Oddfellowship, and combined to push legislation to further the attainment of their ideals of true fraternity. He appreciated the hospitality of the South Otago District greatly, and would also record pleasure at the assistance given by country members when occasion had arisen in the institution of new lodges. Recently Bro. Murnie, P.D.D. G.M., had given time and efficient service at the opening of the Milton Lodge, while Bro. Somerville, G.L. Kep., had done similarly at Cromwell. The. toast of ‘The Grand Lodge of New Zealand” was proposed by P.D.D.G.M. Bro. Kemnitr, who briefly scanned the progress made in this jurisdiction during the last 30 years. The Grand Lodge Executive must get credit for the untiring energy and ability which had characterised it. not forgetting P.G. Slec. Bro. \V. Reid, whose 'getlial and kindly nature had loft a strong imprint on the order. The work now being done by the present executive, Bro.- F. Wilkinson (G. Steo.), with Bro. L. D. Ritchie (G. Treas.), proved that the younger members were following the footsteps of the revered veterans who did pioneer work for their fellowship. The Grand Sec., Bio. F. Wilkinson, in reply, briefly indicated the recent progress made in the direction of instituting new ledges in various parts of the dominion. Ho was gratified that at the last session every administrative act passed by the executive had during the last two years been confirmed. The increasing number ot now lodges carried with it more labour and more responsibility. P.D.D.G:M. Bro. J. Skinner outlined the legislation of the last session from a representative’s point of view. Finance arrangements had been made whereby the society would have that department on a solid basis, which was very gratifying. Members would probably be asked, through tlieir lodges, to carry a small levy, but he was confident that the brethren were satisfied with the attempt to put matters on a firm basis for the future. P.D.D.G.M. Bro. H. H. Johnson, in proposing the health of the “Visiting Brethren,” said ho was pleased to see that so largo a number had availed themselves of the invitation issued by the South Otago District. He trusted that the reunion would be an annual one, and hoped that the visitors had met with some enjoyment on their-visit. D.D.G.M. Bro. Hickman, P.G. Bro. Morgan (Awaroa), Bro. Christie (Zealandia), Secretary Bro. Narriott (Milton), and P.D.D.G.M. Bro. Murnie thanked the South Otago Lodge for its hospitality and the warm-hearted manner in which they as visitors had been entertained. During the evening songs were rendered by Bros. Paterson (Linden). Paris (Unity), Alack (Leith). E. Morris (Pioneer). White (Linden), and Bros. J. Skinner (Pioneer) and Wise (Linden) gave recitations. Bro. Mark Glover accompanying the vocalists. A very pleasant evening terminated with the singing of “Au!d Lang Syne.’’