FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21207, 12 December 1930, Page 11

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

MANCHESTER UNITY. . The Loyal Albion Lodge met in the M.U. Hall, Stuart street, on Thursday evening, when N.Q. Bro. A. Landrebe occupied the chair. The attendance of members was large, a special effort having been made to entertain the older brethren, including a number who had for some time poet been laid aside through illhealth. The response to the invitations issued by the officers of the lodge was very gratifying, nearly 100 members being present. Among these were many old pioneer brethren. Included in the correspondence were letters from several wellknown members, including Bros. J. G. Gillan, John Uren, and W. E. C. Reid, who wrote expressing regret at their inability to be present. Before commencing business, sympathetic reference waa made to the recent bereavement suffered by Bros. E. and W. Longworth, and a motion of sympathy was carried by those assembled. -The initiation of a new member was followed with interest by tho older brethren, and the N.G. then or.tehded a cordia] welcome to the guest*, expressing the wish that they would be present on maty more occasions. P.P.G.M, Bro. P. W, Stabb stated that he was pleased to have the privilege of welcoming so many pioneer brethren who had worked so well for the lodge. The younger members had great admiration, xor the' efforts of those who had laid the foundations of the lodge, and he was «nre the younger members would worthily carry on their good work. He hoped tha,t once a year at least, a special night would be set aside for a function such as thatBro. Stabb then made personal reference to many of the older members present. Pride of place was held by P.G. Bro. J. Carrington, with close on 60 years’ membership to. his credit. P.G. Bro. A. J. Smith (53 years). Treasurer Bro. S. Smith (50 years), and P.G. Bro. W. Davey (50 years).being next. Among the older brethren were Bros. Fleming, Yates, Ferguson, George Jones Harvey, B. Beck, Boyd, Lilley, Scott, Goughian, Lyon, and E. S. Black. The programme for the evening was in the hands of the concert party from the Prince of Wales Lodge, which rendered a number of vocal and instrumental items, which were greatly enjoyed. Songs were contributed by Bros. Martindale and Walkinshaw, whp also sang a pleasing duet. Sea chanties by the chorus party proved popular items. Bro. Holden acted as accompanist, and also played two piano solos. Bro. Lyon, of the Albion Lodge, also contributed two songs. Before the close of the meeting a number of the . older brethren expressed their appreciation of the manner in which they had been entertained. In a humorous speech P.G. Bro. W. Davie, who stated that it wae 60 years since he occupied the N.G.’s chair, related a number of interesting incidents of early days in the lodge. ■ Several of these incidents concerned the late Bro. H. S. Fish, who was one of the outstanding personalities, not only in the Albion Lodge, but also in the political arena. Bio. Davey assured his bearers that although perhaps many of tho older members were not regular attendees, they nevertheless were keenly interested in the doings of the lodge. P.P.G.M. Bro. R. S. Black also spoke, and conveyed to the Prince of Wales members the-lodge’s appreciation of the splendid programme they had provided. The P.D.G.M., Bro. £. Longworth extended an invitation to members to be present at the installation ceremonies of the city and suburban lodges which would commence next week. An interesting and enjoyable function was brought to a close at 11 p.m. As a reunion of old members the evening war voted a complete success, many old friend ships being renewed, and one and all expressed the hope that the function would be an annual one. It is worthy of not* that a number of the older bi'ethren had travelled considerable distances in order to attend this meeting. In this connectiorthc thanks of the lodge are due to several members who placed their cars at the disposal of the lodge, and assisted in conveyj mg members to the function.