ODD FELLOWSHIP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22504, 23 February 1935, Page 16

ODD FELLOWSHIP

INDEPENDANT ORDER On the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of Linda Rebekah Lodge, No. L there was a lafge attendance of members and visiting brothers and sister & -^-y* (Sir Reeves) occupied the chair. Sis. Reeves, in welcoming the visitors, said that opportunity was being taken .to honour three sisters of the lodge, and she called upon Bro. R. E. Sligo (grand secretary) to present Sisters E. Wardrop, L. Wilkinson, and M. Gilchrist with Rebekah veterans’' jewels. The grand secretary said that it would probably be of interest to recount something of the history ot the Rebekah veterans’ jewel._ It was adopted by the session of Sovereign Grand Lodge in 1891 and was awarded for 15 years or more of active service. up to June 20, 1934,21,281 Rebekah veterans jewels had been sold, through the Sovereign Grawd Lodge. A number of Rebekah veteran jewels had been presented in this district, said the speaker, the holders in the South Otago district being Sisters M. Miller (11), J. Runciman (12), M. Kemnitz (13), E. Barr (19), E. M'Arthur (37), F. M‘lvor (50), M. Kilpatrick (64), M. Berry (80), E. Wardrop (89), L. Wilkinson (90), and M. Gilchrist (91). Nearly 100 veterans jewels had been presented in this jun&diction since the institution of the first Rebekah Lodge (Linda, No. 1). Continuing his remarks the grand. secretary said that the jewel was worn in lieui of regalia in any Rebekah Lodge or assembly. In congratulating the sisters upon the work they had done Bro. Sligo said that theirs was a record of service of which they could be justly proud, for their work had been done not only in their own lodge, but also in the other lodges in the district. They had by their devotion to the movement worthily earned the coveted honour of the’veteran’s jewel, and in presenting the jewels to them he wished them long life and happiness and hoped they would long be spared to. continue their good work. The grand treasurer, Bro. L. Deans Ritchie, also spoke in glowing terms of the services rendered by the sisters, and said that there was one who would have rejoiced to have been present with them to see these sisters honoured—the late Bro. P. Wilkinson. Bro. Ritchie complimented the sisters upon their record of service and hoped they would be long spared to wear their jewels. _ . . The L.D.D.G.M., Sis. E. Squire, spoke on behalf of the sisters of the South Otago District, and conveyed birthday greetings to the lodge and congratulations to the sisters who were being honoured that night. The D.D.G.M., Bro. R. R. Hendry, also spoke on behalf of the brothers of the South Otago District, and said they were pleased to be present that night to do honour to the three sisters. A very enjoyable evening was brought to a close with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Rose of Oamaru Rebekah Lodge, No. 470, celebrated its fourth anniversary recently, when there was a large attendance of members and visitors. P.N.G. Sis. Tait, acting N.G., extended a welcome to two visiting sisters from Dunedin, Sisters M. Glover and M'Lean. A vote of thanks was passed to Bro. Joiner, of Enfield Lodge, for his kindness in presenting the lodge with a birthday cake. The ceremony of cutting the cake, was carried out by Sis. Tait, Sisters Bradley, Guill, Anderson, and Steffansen (four charter members) lighting the candles and Sisteis M'Phaill and OHiver extinguishing them. After supper a dance was held to music supplied by Sis. Sherwin. Birthday greetings and congratulations were offered by Sis. M. Glover (Miriam), Bro. Bradley (Waireka), and Bro. Wilson (Hope of Maheno). Bro. H. Wootton, N.G., presided over a meeting of Leith Lodge, when the syllabus item was a Shakespeare evening. Bros. D. M. Miller and D. S. Stewart entertained members with various readings from Shakespeare’s words and gave interesting details of hi s life. They were accorded a hearty vote of thanks for the entertainment provided. The first nomination of officers was taken. The secretary (Bro. D. M. Miller) presented the half-yearly statement of accounts, which showed the lodge to be in a very sound financial position. The membership continued to grow steadily. At Maori Hill Lodge Bro. Robinson presided. Members and visitors were entertained by P.G. Bro. F. W. Joseph, who gave> an account of a holiday in Stewart Island. Members greatly enjoyed Bro. Joseph’s description of the scenic wonders and animal and bird life of the island, and accorded him a vote of thanks for his interesting address. The syllabus item on Wednesday night

at Linden Lodge was euchre and-a dance. There was a large attendance of members and visiting brothers and sisters. The music was supplied by Bro. N. Edmousen and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne ” brought an enjoyable evening to a. close.