ODDFELLOWSHIP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22114, 18 November 1933, Page 18

ODDFELLOWSHIP

PAST GRAND MASTER HONOURED A notable record of devotion to the friendly society movement was appropriately acknowledged on Monday evening, when Leith Lodge, No. 4,1.0.0. F., honoured its secretary, Bro. D. M. Miller, P.G.M., upon the completion of 50 years' continuous service to that iodge. In an appropriate speech the N.G., Bro. J. Humphreys, welcomed a very large gathering of Oddfellows and friends, who had assembled to do honour to one who had worked assiduously in the interests of the cause he loved so well. Those present stood whilst the guest of honour was escorted to the stage by over 20 members decorated with the 25 years’ veterans’ jewel. In making the presentation of a 50 years’ veteran’s jewel Bro. J. I. G. Somerville, grand master of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, referred to the wonderful accomplishments of Bro. Miller, not only in the Leith Lodge, but in the South Otago District Lodge, the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, of which he is a past grand master, and for many years past a grand trustee, and the Grand Lodge of_ Australasia, of which he was a past district deputy grand sire. His services to the Order had also extended to the encampment and female branches, having been one of the first members of Ruth Eebekah Lodge, which largely owed its existence to his efforts. He conveyed to the recipient the best of good wishes, and hoped that he would be Jon<r spared to wear the jewel, and that Leith Lodge and Grand Lodge would have the benefit of his services for many years to come. Bro. L. Deans Ritchie, past grand sire, paid an eloquent tribute to the virtues! of his colleague, who, he stated, had presided at two sessions of Grand Lodge, one of which was perhaps the most momentous ever held in this jurisdiction, when consolidation of the funds of the Order had been carried against consider able opposition. Bro, Miller’s chairmanship on that occasion evoked the admiration of all who attended the session. His conduct on that occasion was a sample of the upright, honest, and impartial manner in which he had carried out his duties, and exemplified the integrity he had displayed throughout his 50 years of service to the Order. He ventured to say that Bro. D. M. Miller was the greatest living Oddfellow in New Zealand, and, saying so, he wished to draw the attention of those present to the fact that a large contributing factor to the good work he had accomplished was being possessed of a life partner (a veteran of the female branch of the Order) who, by her own sacrifices, had made it possible for him to give so much time to the Order of which he was such an honoured member. Grand Warden Bro, ,H. J. Clark and Grand Secretary Bro. R. E. Sligo also, paid tributes to the life-long accomplishments of Bro. Miller, his sterling worth, and loyal service. ■ ' , „ ~ ‘ Other speakers. Sis. Baker, L.D.D.G.M., and Bro. A. C. Beveridge, D.D.G.M., extended congratulations, and voiced the high esteem in which he was held throughout the Order. Several letters of apology were read by Bro. H. H. Johnson, P.D.D.G.M., from members all over New Zealand who were unable to be present, best wishes, hearty congratulations, and eulogistic references to his work, loyal service, and high ideals. Upon rising to respond, Bro. Miller Was greeted with prolonged applause. He feelingly thanked one and all for the great honour that had been bestowed upon him that evening. Throughout the years of his association with the Order, he had always endeavoured to do his best An whatever sphere his activities took him. Whatever success he had attained was in a large measure due to the wonderful help that had been afforded by Mrs Miller, who had proved a pillar of strength in the work he had undertaken. Without her assistance he could not have filled the many roles which it had been his privilege to occupy. With the passing of time he had viewed with pleasure the dissemination of Friendly Society ideals throughout the country, and the movement had grown stronger every day. It would grow still stronger in the onward march for the uplift of humanity. He considered that the eulogistic remarks passed by the various speakers as to his own accomplishments had been exaggerated, ! but he hoped'that the future would enable him to continue his activities in the interests of the Order.

During the evening vocal items were contributed by the following:—Miss Noni Davidson, Mr Brosnan. and Mr A. Highet, while a musical monologue was rendered by Miss Nell Warren. A, dance duo by the Misses Anthony and the National Reel hy Misses R. Warren, P. Atkinson, D. Allen, and M. M'Millan concluded the programme.

The accompanists for the musical items were Mrs J.- T. Leech and Mrs Rowe, while Piper Angus M'Millan and Bro. Edmonson supplied the dance music. Supper was served by the Social Committee, after which the remainder of the evening was spent in dancing, Bro. H. Jones, P.G., making a very efficient M.C.