I.O.O.F.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22398, 20 October 1934, Page 10

1.0.0. F.

Bro. H. Wootton, N.G., presided over the meeting of Leith Lodge on Monday night, when there was a large attendance of members and visitors. Two candidates were proposed for membership. The lodge closed at an early hour to welcome Rebekah members and friends to a social evening. The committee arranged an excellent function. A dance was held in the lower hall and card games were played upstairs, the hall being tastefully decorated for the occasion. The N.G., in welcoming members, sisters, and friends, expressed the hope that all were enjoying themselves, and then called upon Past Grand Sire Bro. L. Deans Ritchie to make the presentation of a veteran’s jewel to a worthy, brother of Leith Lodge. Bro. Ritchie said it was a great pride and honour to him to make the presentation. In all movements, hoc said, some must ever be more prominent than others, but the brother whom they proposed to honour had been outstanding in his service not only to his own lodge but to all branches of the Order. He was one of those brothers who provided the motive power which propelled the Order forward to the fuller and more practical sphere of its aims and accomplishments. It was therefore with the greatest of pleasure that he would call upon Bro. R. S. Kirkham, C.P., P.D.D.G.M., to accept the jewel and, with it, the thanks of all members of the Order and their wishes that he be long spared to wear it. The grand secretary (Bro. R. E. Sligo) said he felt privileged to be present on such an occasion, and in complimenting Bro. Kirkham made reference to bis sterling : worth as a true and loyal Oddfellow. He hoped the district would long have his services. , . Sis. E. Squire,' L.D.D.G.M., on behalf of the Kebekah sisters, warmly praised Bro. Kirkham for the invaluable services he had rendered to the Rebekah lodges in the district. Bro. R, K. Hendry, D.D.G.M., said that in his own lodge, in the district and degree lodgc ; and in the Phoenix Encampment, Bro. Kirkham had ever been ready with his support and assistance, and it was but fitting that he should be so honoured. On rising to reply Bro. Kirkham was warmly applauded, and all present joined in singing "For He's a Jolly Good helfow.” Bro. Kirkham said he was completely taken by surprise. What he bad done had been for the good of the Order and because he loved the work for the pleasant associations and friendships his 28 years of service had given him. He could only thank one and ail for the magnificent token of esteem with which they had presented him. Members then returned to the lower hall, where dancing was carried on till a late hour. During the evening songs were contributed by Bros. Murray and Braithwaite; guitar items, Bro. Tyrie; piano-accordion solo, Mr T. Heaney; and songs, Mr L. Dunbar and Mr J. Wilkie. Linden Lodge celebrated its fiftyninth jubilee on Wednesday night, Bro. Macdonald, P.G., being acting N.G. After business had been disposed of a concert was held, followed by a dance. Various brothers from Pioneer. Leith, Unity, St. Kilda, and Maori Hill Lodges were present, with sisters from Linda, Ruth, and Miriam Rebekah Lodges, and the D.D.G.M. and L.D.D.G.M. A very pleasant evening was spent The South Otago District Lodge met on Thursday night, Bro R. R. Hendry, D.D.G.M.. presiding. The rules of the Kelson Efficiency Shield competition were received and adopted with minor amendments. and it was decided to commence the competition as early as possible. Degree Master Bro. E. Dunn and bis assistants elevated two brothers to the first degree. On behalf of the district, Bro. Hendry presented the Bowls’ Shield to Phoenix Encampment and the Cards Shield to Linden, congratulating the members upon their performance. The Handbook Committee presented the balance sheet, which showed a credit balance. Bro. A. H. Valentine. P.G.M.. and his co-members on the committee, Bros. A. C. Beveridge, P.D.D.G.M., and Bro. R, S. Kirkham, C.P., were warmly thanked for the success which had attended their efforts in this connection.