MANCHESTER UNITY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23107, 5 February 1937, Page 11

MANCHESTER UNITY

On Thursday evening the Loyal-Dun-edin Lodge held a social function to do honour to Bro. J. W. Smeaton, who recently relinquished the office of permanent secretary. The N.G., Bro. A. A. M’Dougall, presided, and welcomed a large attendance of members and visiting brethren, including P.G.M. Bro. E. J. W. Hey, and members of the District Executive. The function took the form of a smoke social, and an enjoyable evening was spent. A number of apologies for non-attendance were read by the chairman, who called on Senior Trustee P.G. Bro. J. Knox to make a presentation of a gold watch to the guest of the evening. Making the presentation, Bro. Knox said that Bro. Smeaton was appointed permanent secretary in 1920, and during his 16 years of office he had given outstanding services. Members regretted losing his services in that capacity. Bros. W. Ibbotson, A. Sligo, J. Hopcraft, A. Esquilant, J. Wilson, W. Alexander, and P. Stabb also spoke, paying tributes to the good qualities of the retiring secretary. The gold watch bears the following inscription: “ Loyal Dunedin Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F. Presented fo Permanent Secretary James W. Smeaton in recognition of valuable services. January, 1937.” On rising to respond, Bro. Smeaton, who was warmly received, expressed sincere thanks for the handsome px-esent and the kindly sentiments expressed. During his 16 years as secretary he had made many friends, and had found pleasure in his associations with members. Bro. Smeaton proceeded to recall many brethren well known i» the lodge’s history, not a few of whom he was pleased to see present that evening. He was convinced that in choosing Bro. A. Esquilant as his successor members had made a wise choice. A number of other toasts were honoured, including that of “ The Otago District,” this being proposed by P.P.G.M. Bro. W. Ibbotson, who passed through the district chairs in 1887, close on 50 years ago. P.G.M. Bro. Hey and the district officers acknowledged this toast. The toast of “ The Vlsitoi's ” was proposed by P.G. Bro. W. Trewern, representatives of visiting lodges responding. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Messi’s G. Patterson, Duncan, C. Hawes, and Parnell, who contributed acceptable vocal and instrumental items, the evening concluding with “Auld Lang Syne.”