FORESTERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21646, 17 May 1932, Page 9

FORESTERS

The usual fortnightly meeting of Court Pride of the Leith was held on Wednesday last, when, despite the wet evening, there was a splendid attendance of members, including a large number of the older members. The meeting was presided over by C.R. Bro, A. F. Grant. One member was accepted by transfer. Invitations were accepted from Courts King Edward's Pride, Woodland's Pride, Marion and Queen of Green Island. 'Members also agreed to Visit the juvenile branch, Court Pride of the Valley, at its next meeting. It was resolved to forward good wishes and appreciation of the work for the Order now being done by a past officer in Wellington. The C.R. gave a special welcome to the older members, which was responded to by Bro. M. G. Thomson, with over 50 years' membership, and by P.C.R. Bro. A. Restieaux, both of whom emphasised the warmth of the welcome they always received from the young members. The toast of " The Visitors ” was responded to by P.C.R. Bro. W. Himmel on behalf of Court JSnterprise. Four candidates -were proposed for next_ meeting. After the close of the meeting a progressive euchre tournament was held, and was won by Bro. M. Allan (46 years’ membership) and the lesser prize was won by Bro. T. H. Mitchell.

C.RI, Sis. L. Borland, presided over the last meeting of Court Saint Andrews, when there was a very large attendance of members. Invitations were accepted from Courts King Edward’s Pride, Woodland’s Pride, Queen of ■Green Island, and Pride of Dunedin. Three new members were admitted and two nominations ■ were received for next meeting. As P.C.R. Bro. R. Jefferson had resigned the office of, secretary, opportunity was taken to pay due respect to him for his long period of service to the court. The following district officers and courts were present to honour the veteran brother. Bro. H. C. Williamson, D.C.R.; Bro. J. H. Reynolds, 1.P.D.C.R.; Bro. J. Hope, U.T.; Bro. J. K. Macfie, district secretary; and D.W., Bro. H. L. Thomson, and Courts Pride of the Leith, Excelsior, Little John, King Edward’s Pride, Pride of Green Island, Pride of Gore, Woodland’s Pride, and Queen of Green Island. The chairs were then occupied by the following P.C.R.’s:— C. Bro. J. J. E. Pitts: S.C.R., Bro. W. Wright; S.W., Bro. R. Leyland; J.W., Bro. D. Swann; 5.8., Bro. R. M'Levie; and J. 8., Bro. L. W. Stewart. P.C.R. Bro. T. Pitts extended a welcome to the District Executive and P.D.C.R. Bro 1 . W. Wright greeted the visitors. Bro. Pitts spolce on the long and faithful services. rendered by Bro, Jefferson, who had joined the court on October G, 1878, and had been the secretary for 31 years, treasurer for three years, as well as secretary for the juvenile, branch. He had also passed through all the chairs, and had proved himself a true Forester, and the thanks of the court were due to Bro. Jefferson for his many services in the interests of the Order. He called on D. Bro. Williamson to make a presentation to the late secretary, and the D.C.R. extended to Bro. Jefferson the appreciation of the district for his valuable services. The D.C.R. then called on the district secretary, Bro. J. K. Macfie, to hand over the presentation on behalf of the court. The D.S. referred to the long period of service and the good work done by Bro. Jefferson, who; had seen his court rising through many troubles and trials' to’ its present proud position. The recipient had been an ideal secretary, and his record of service should be an incentive to the young members to increase their interest ’in the Order.' The D.S. then handed to Bro. Jefferson a neat pocket wallet, suitably inscribed and well filled, and expressed the hope that in the eventide of his days the' receipient would have many happy years of retirement. Representatives of all the courts present spoke in high and sincere terms of Bro. Jefferson and his work for the Order. Bro. Jefferson, in returning thanks, was deeply moved, and was greeted with musical honours. He gayo an interesting address on his experiences as secretary, and thanked the court and the various speakers for their kind remarks and appreciation of his services. A very successful meeting closed with supper. The monthly meeting of Court Southern Star, Bluff, was held on May 5. A special train from Invercargill conveyed a large number of visiting members, and many more arrived by motor transport. There were close on 200 members of the Order present, and C.R. Bro. E. H. Bigwood delegated the task of welcoming the visitors to P.C.R Bro. G. V. Edge. All the courts in Southland, with one exception were represented, and a rousing welcome was accorded the district secretary, Bro. J. K. Macfie, who had travelled from Dunedin to attend the meeting. The chief officers of the visiting courts responded to the welcome. At the request of the D.S., P.D.C.R. Bro. A. W. Jones presented the valuable James Macfie Memorial Scholarship Prize to Master Russel Roderiquc, the winner for the Southland district, and in so doing. Bro, Jones staled the objects of the prize and referred to the long years of service rendered by the last district secretary. Bro. J. K. Macfie acknowledged the eulogistic references to his late father, and outlined the conditions decided upon for the scholar-

ship competition for the current year. P.C.R. Bro. T. Roderique suitably responded on behalf of 'his son. A telegrani of congratulations was read from D.C.R. Bro. H. C. Williamson and heartily received. The handsome James Memorial Shield, which was won by the most southerly court in the ; world, for gaining the highest ratio of increase in its members last year, adorned the hall for the first time, and was much admired by all present. The annual initiation competition, open to all Southland courts, was then proceeded with in the following order: —Courts Queen of the South, Star of the South, Southern, Pride of Gore, and'Southern Star, P.D.C.R. Bro. A. W. Jones acted as judge, and announced that the winning team was from Court Pride of Gore. The district secretary presented the shield to P.C.R. Sis. Richards, the C.R. of Court Pride of Gore, and congratulated that court on its fine win. Bro. J. K, Macfie also gave an address at length on the work of the United Otago District and various matters affecting its welfare, and was heartily applauded_ at the conclusion of his address. A bountiful oyster supper was served, and dancing concluded a very interesting and enjoyable meeting at a late hour. Court Little John’s last meeting was well attended, and was presided over by C.R. Bro. Helm. Invitations were accepted from Courts King Edward's Pride, Queen of Green Island, and from Court Southern (Invercargill) for its twentyfirst birthday on the 19th instant. The following members were appointed to represent the court at the meeting to do honour to Bro. R. Jefferson, of Court Saint Andrews:—P.D.C.R.’s Bros. R. C. Wilson, A. Sinclair, P.C.R.’s Bros. A. Gibson, W. Reynolds, and Goodlet. P.D.C.R. Bro. R. C Wilson was deputed to represent the court at the twenty-first anniversary of Court Southern. Congratulations wfire extended to Court Woodland’s Pride on winning the efficiency shield. P.D.C.R. Bro. Reynolds reported on attending the last meeting of Court Pride of the Leith An interesting programme of readings, songs, and elocutionary items was rendered by members, and the meeting closed with supper, provided by the Social Committee. There was a large attendance of members at the last meeting of Court King Edward’s Pride, the C.R., Bro. W. Curry, being in the chair. Invitations were accepted by Courts Robin Hood, Excelsior, Woodland's Pride, Queen of Green Island, Pride of Dunedin and Enterprise, Four members were appointed to represent the court at the “500 ” tournament arranged by Court Saint Andrews. Official visits were received from Courts Pride of the Leith, Saint Andrews, Little John, Robin Hood, Excelsior, Pride of Green Island, Woodland’s Pride, and Queen of Green Island. Nine new members were admitted, and six candidates proposed for next meeting. The cribbnge and euchre shields won by them were pre‘ sented to Courts Pride of Green Island and Pride of Dunedin. After the meet-' ing closed 100 Foresters took part in the old-time dance. The fortnightly meeting of Court Pride of Gore was well attended, and C.R. Sis. Porter was in the chair. One member was reported on the sick list. Invitations were accepted from Courts Southern Star, Southern and Star of Hcriot. It was decided to attend the function arranged by Court Southern Star, at Bluff, and a team to (take part in the Initiation Competition. One new member was admitted, and it was decided to hold a games and competition evening for next meeting. After the meeting closed a social hour was much enjoyed, and Mrs E. A. Ferguson supplied the music for the dance, which terminated at midnight with the oinging of “Auld Lang Syne.”