VETERAN ODDFELLOW.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19802, 29 May 1926, Page 18

VETERAN ODDFELLOW.

MR PATTISON HONOURED. One of the largest and most representative gatherings of Oddfellows held in Dunedin for many years took place in the 1.0.0. F. Hall, Roslyn, on Wednesday evening, when Bro. James Pattison, P.G., P.D.D.G.M., of the Linden Lodge, was entertained on the occasion of his 50th anniversary as a member of the order. Bro. W. Smith, P.D.D.6.M., presided in the absence of the N.G. (Bro. A. W. Torrance). Numerous congratulatory messages were received from lodges and members in different parts of the Dominion. Bro. F. Wilkinson (grand secretary), the South Otago District Lodge, and all the resident past D.D.G.M’s. in the order of office from 1907 attended officially as a compliment to the guest of the evening. The Rebekah branch, which was also strongly represented, included a large party from Portobello. The Chairman, in asking Bro. Pattison to accept from the Linden Lodge a beautifully engrossed testimonial outlining the that gentleman’s long and honourable record of service, expressed pleasure at the splendid attendance. Bro. Pattison. whose career he briefly traced, had, he said, been one of the lodge’s hardest workers, and one with whom it was an honour to have been associated. He ranked as the senior D.D.G.M., and had ably filled the most important offices in the district. He ref err ’ to the part Bro. Pattison had taken in instituting the Rebekah in New Zealand. He had seen the opportunity, and with persistent energy in the face of considerable opposition had successfully established Linda Lodge, No. I—the parent lodge of some 50 Rebekah lodges now working in the Dominion. Bro. F. Wilkinson, on behalf of the grand lodge executive, Bro. M. K. Clover (South Otago District Lodge and past D.D.G.M's.), Sister M. Barr (Rebekah district lodges), Sister J. Runciman. P.G.M., Bro. D. M. Miller, and Bro. Baker (of Highgate Juvenile Lodge), also extended their congratulations. Bro. Pattison, in expressing his thanks for the honour shown him. said he felt proud in the accomplishment of 50 years' service as an Odd'ollow. He referred to the toll of the years in removing many of his associates and said he appreciated the kindly reference that had been made to Mrs Pattison. He thanked the brethren of his lodge for the present they had made him, and assured them that it would be regarded as a treasure. Ho was proud of tn- part he had taken in the founding of Linda Lodge, and be would never forget the kindness that had been manifested towards him. Me said ,1 o looked on the Rebekah sisters as his daughters.— (Laughter). An excellent concert programme and dancing were enjoyed during the evening. ,