MANCHESTER UNITY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19905, 27 September 1926, Page 2

MANCHESTER UNITY.

There is reason for gratification at tho outcome of a special visit made by members of the executive to tho Loyal Vincent Lodge. This lodge mot at Omakau spasmodically, and its membership had run down. An earnest attempt is being mndo to revive the membership and interest, and, judging by the progress already made, tho chances are that tho gramophone prize will in the near future bo located at Ophir. On Friday, September 17, a dance was held at Ophir, On the Saturday a record meeting took place in the Ophir Hall. There was a fine gathering of visitors, including over 20 from Cromwell, 12 from Nasoby, and representatives of United Brothers’, Valley, Cavorsham, Palmerston, Albion, and Hand and Heart and other lodges. N.G. Gallagher presided, and 11 candidates wore initiated, tho ceremony being conducted by Prove. G.M. Bro. Clark, D.P.G.M. Bro Stabb, and Prov. Treasurer Bro. A. Sligo. P.P.G.M. Bro. A. M. Wylie, and Bro. B. H. Rosevenre. During (ho evening Per. Sec. Bro. Newman, of Nasoby Lodge, was presented with the modal for introducing 50 members to the order. The whole proceedings were such as to give cause for belief that Loyal Vincent will in a short be one of the live corners of the Otago district. Hand and Heart Lodge meeting was well attended. One candidate was initiated. The election of delegates to the district meeting resulted in favour of the N.G., V.G., G.M., E. Sec.. P.G. Bros. F. Austin, Poyntz, and P.P.G.M. Bros. Hafnol and Roseveare. The evening was spent in a general discussion on the work of Oddfellowship, and many interesting points were raised. Tho district business paper was reviewed. An official visit was paid to Loyal Outram Lodge by several of. the city lodges, the Centenary Lodge topping the tally with 20 members. Prov. G.M. Bro. G. Olark and D.P.G.M. Bro. P. Stabb were also in attendance, and were warmly welcomed. The warmth of the welcome extended by tho Outram brethren, together with their hospitality, made the visit most enjoyable.. Loyal Centenary Lodge evening was in the hands of Bro, M’Allon, who successfully controlled a euchre party. P.G. Bro. Swale proved the winner of tno prize. It was decided to hold a social and dance in the Forbury School Hall on next lodge night. The lodge was shown to be progressing favourably. Delegates were appointed to the district meeting. The meetings of Loyal Roxburgh Lodge have been regular and interesting, and many profitable evenings have been spent in the transcation of business and in discussions. Several new members have been initiated. It is a matter of regret with this lodge that Bro. T. Andrews, one of the oldest members, and now 84 years of age, is still confined to his bed. P.G. Bro. T. Michelle and Per. Sec. Bro. J. H. Waigth were appointed delegates to the district meeting at Dunedin. The brethren were very pleased to hear that Bro. J. Rainham, in whose case they take a great interest, was well on tho road to recovery. It is always interesting to hear from country lodges, and the news that the meetings of Loyal Middlemarch are being well attended is pleasing. On a recent occasion sis new members were initiated, with tho aid of the officers and P.G. Bro. Messent as conductor. The balance sheet recently presented showed the financial position to bo satisfactory. This lodge is looking forward to an early visit from Loyal Palmerston and city lodges. Loyal Queen of Otago continues to experience a fair amount of sickness, but pleasure was expressed that Sister Gilmour was very much improved. It was decided to hold an open night social on October 14. Sisters Hadley and Clements were appointed as delegates to the district meeting, and it. will be their duty to play a leading part in tho proposal to admit, female lodges to participate in (he district shield competition.