FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22268, 22 May 1934, Page 16

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

MANCHESTER UNITY. The Loyal Centenary Lodge met on Monday eyening in the Wesley Hall, South Dunedin, N.G. Bio. Hebbard presiding over a fair muster of members. Visiting brethren 'were welcomed. One new member was initiated and the transfer of one member outward approved. A report of the proceedings at the recent half-yearly meeting of the U.F.S. Dispensary was given by P;G. Bro. J. Boardman, who represented the lodge. The board this year recommended the payment to branches of 5 per cent., as against no dividend last year. The income from the dispensary showed a slight increase over that of the previous year. Mr J. W. Dove was elected president and Mr D. M. Miller vice-pr<#i-dent. The levy was fixed at the rate of 6s per member per annum. A vote of thanks was extended to the delegate' for his report. The Loyal Dunedin Lodge extended an invitation to its anniversary dance on May 31. Following the close of business matters, the first round of the annual card tournament was played. A meeting of the Otago Past Grands' Lodge was held in the District Cham'bers, Stuart street, on Tuesday evening, P.P.G.M. Bro. R. S. Jack presiding over a.good attendance of past officers. The following officers have been appointed for the ensuing term: —W.M., Bro. R. S. Jack; D.M., Bro. J. Swann; warden, Bro. M. Isaac; tyler, Bro. J. Roberts. Eight new members were initiated, A visitor from the. newly formed Past Grands' Lodge in Oamaru (Bro. Hesselyn) was welcomed by the chairman. An apology was received from an old member of the lodge, P.G. Bro. A. Cable, and regret was expressed at his indisposition. With the idea of improving the standard of installations the officers had prepared lecturettes on the addreeess to: newly-installed officers, and after the reading of these members were invited to express opinions on the subjects. All present took part in the discussion, the opinion being expressed that the lectur: ettea should be of benefit to those officers taking part in installations. The matter of conferring degrees at the various lodges was. also discussed. It was resolved to meet monthly during the winter'months.

The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Caversham Lodge was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Forbury Corner, on Wednesday evening, N.G. Bro. J. Stevenson presided, and there waj a good muster of members. Business was of a routine nature, and one new member was initiated. The syllabus was " Ladies' Evening," and later the meeting adjourned to hold a dance. Over 50 couples were present, and all spent a happy evening. Good music was supplied by Veitch's Orchestra, and P.G. Bro. J. Miller capably officiated as M.C. The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Albion Lodge, held on Thursday evening, attracted a fair muster of members, N.G. Bro. C. Varcoe presiding. Correspondence included letters from brethren in various parts of the Dominion and Australia. The secretary of the Loyal Albion Juvenile Lodge wrote extending an invitation to officers and members to attend the half-yearly installation of officers on Wednesday evening, and also asked for the support of adult brethren in the juvenile membership campaign. The lodge representatives on the M.U. Ball Committtee reported that the committee had decided to revert to the annual ball, which had proved so popular a feature of former years. The N.G. reported representing the lodge at the official visit to Waikaka on Saturday last. It was decided to invite the past Grands' Lodsre to conduct a degree meeting nest lodge night. ■ The Loyal Tuapeka Pioneer Lodge held its fortnightly meeting in the Town Hall at Lawrence on Tuesday evening, when, despite unfavourable weather conditions, there was a good attendance of members. A letter from the Lijyal Queen of Otago Lodge conveyed congratulations to the lodge on winning the Initiation Shield for the southern area. Nominations for offices were opened, the half-yearly election and installation to be held on June 12. A number of brethren were declared on the sicktfunds. For 60 years the lodge has met in the Town Hall, but will shortly have to vacate this hall as it is to be demolished to make way for a new Town Hall. Mention was made of the good relations which had always existed between the council and the lodge. Following the closing of the locige a friendly card match was played. DRUIDISM. At the last meeting of the Royal Arch Chapter No. 1, 1.P.R.A.D., Bro. Rundle presided over a good attendance of officers and members. Secretary Bro. E. Reeves reported on the presentation of the Beazley Banner to the Lily of the Valley Lodge, and a decision was arrived at with regard to the reconditioning of the banner. The R.V.A. reported on several visits paid officially by the chapter officers and expressed gratification at the number which accompanied him. After dispensing with the routine business, the chapter conducted a Past Arch charge competition. There were a good number of entrants and R.I.P.A. Bro. Rundle and R.A. Treasurer Bro. Young, who acted as judges, declared P.D.P. Bro. G. Wilson the winner of the trophy and expressed pleasure at the high standard attained by all the competitors. The secretary was instructed to write to all lodges notifying them that the Ross Stewart Shield Competition would be held on June 23 in the Ivanhoe Lodge Room P.D.P. Bro. Bezett. P.D.P. Bro. Faulds, and P.A. Bro. Maslin were elected to act as judges for the competition. A.D. Bro. Vernon presided over the last meeting of Ivanhoe Lodge No. 17 on Wednesday last, when he was greeted with a fair attendance of members and visitors. Amongst the correspondence were two letters, one from Otago Lodge to attend its anniversary on June 18, and one from the D.P. asking the lodge to appoint two delegates for the Druids' annual ball. Treasurer Bro. Wilson and P.A. Bro. Anderson were elected delegates. The bards reported fully on their visit to the sick members, and sick pay was passed for payment. The secretary was instructed to write a letter of sympathy to a brother in his recent bereavement and also to challenae Pride of Mornington Lodge for the Cribbage Shield. Later a dance was held and supper was handed round.