MANCHESTER UNITY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22398, 20 October 1934, Page 18

MANCHESTER UNITY

The Loyal Albion Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., which was established on October 20, 1864, celebrated its seventieth anniversary on Thursday evening, when a smoke social was held. There was a large and representative attendance of members, including many visitors. N.G. Bro. L. A. Joseph presided, and extended a welcome to all, particularly mentioning the large muster of older members of the Order. A cordial welcome was also extended to Dr Cotterell, the lodge medical officer. The N.G. was supported by the members of the district executive. The toast of the Otago District was honoured and, in response, P.D.G.M. Bro. J. D. Cameron stated that this was the fourth lodge in the district to celebrate its seventieth anniversary this year, indicating the solid manner in which these lodges had been founded. P.P.G.M. Bro R. S. Jack also spoke, congratulating the lodge on its progress through the years. Bro. Calvert proposed the toast of the lodge medical officer, who, he said, occupied a very important position in friendly societies. They were well served by their medical officer, who was held in high esteem by members. In acknowledging the toast. Dr Cotterell said he was pleased to haya the opportunity of meeting so many members, and paid tribute to the wonderful work done by the lodge in visiting arid attending to sick brethren, the officers in particular giving wonderful service. The toast of "The Loyal Albion Lodge” was ably dealt with by P.C.S. Bro. J. A. Hopcraft, who read a list of the first members. Of these one was present who joined during the first 10 years of its existence —P.G. Bro. J. Carrington. Of the next decade seven remained, including P.G.’s Bros. A. J, and S; Smith, who were also present. The lodge had dona its noble share in the work of the district and had. supplied many district officers. One of the outstanding figures in its early history was the late Bro. HI S. Fish, who was remembered by the older members. They had had remarkably few changes in their trustees and secretaries, whose work had been of a high standard. Bro. Hopcraft stated that 118 members of the lodge had served in the Great War. N.G, Bro. Joseph in responding said that the lodge had for some time been controlled by younger officers who were fortunate in having the counsel and advice of a splendid body of past officers. P.S. Bro. A. G. Monk quoted figures showing the progress of the lodge since its foundation. In 1874 the lodge had a sick and funeral fund of £436, with a membership of 80; in 1894 the figures were £9337 and 418, while the last balance sheet showed a sick fund of £29,400, management fund £lllO, and the membership 450. For the 10-year period ending _1934, no less than £6588 had been disbursed in sick pay. Some of their officers had lengthy periods of service. The senior trustee, P.G. Bro. A. J. Smith, having been appointed in 1893, while Treasurer S. Smith had held that office since 1907. The toast of the pioneer members was proposed by Bro, P. W. Stabb, who spoke appreciatively of the old members who had given great service and laid foundations of their now prosperous lodge. He _ asked the younger brethren to carry on in the same spirit. Elderly brethren responding were P.G.’e Bros. J. Carrington (62 years' membership), A. J. Smith (56), S. Smith (52), and W. Greenfield. Many interesting incidents in the early history of the lodge were related by these brethren. The toast of visiting brethren was proposed by P.P.G.M. Bro. E. Longworth. who thanked the members of sister lodges for their support, representatives of the visiting lodges acknowledging the toast. During the evening P.G. Bro. G. Kennedy was called-upon tq accept .a presentation from the lodge in recognition of his good work in organising and directing the social activities of the lodge, Bro. Stabb stating that during Kis 37 years as chief steward Bro. Kennedy had given invaluable service. Bro. Kennedy acknowledged the presentation and thanked members for the kindly sentiments expressed. An attractive programme of vocal and instrumental items was rendered’ during the evening, the follbwxng contributing:—Bros. Benton, ; Finnic (songs), Bro. Henderson (marimba solos), Bro. Huntley (topical sketches!. Messrs Robb and Curreri (clarinet duet), and. Bro. Joyce (pianist). _ Appreciated selections were also contributed by an orchestra of six. A very enjoyable function concluded with the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne.” The Loyal Caversham Lodge met on Wednesday evening when N.G. Bro. J. Adam presided, over a good attendance of members and visiting brethren. After preliminary business had been dealt with the members of the various juvenile lodges in the city were admitted and were the guests of the lodge. Competitions were staged and a short but enjoyable programme was contributed by several members. Of outstanding merit was a dance duo by the Misses Anthony. Following the programme the boys were entertained at supper and prizes were presented to Bros. Henry and Short, winners of the competition events. Before retiring, representatives of the visiting lodges returned thanks for the hospitality extended by the senior lodge, P.G. Bro. A. J. Miller, president of the council, also speaking. On the ordinary meeting being resumed the report of the delegates who attended the half-yearly district meeting was received, several matters being discussed. A vote of thanks was accorded the delegates for their services. In response to an appeal from the Picnic Committee a grant was made towards the juvenile prize fund. The meeting closed with the usual formalities, visitors from the Loyal Albion Lodge responding to the visitors’ toast.