MANCHESTER UNITY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23953, 31 October 1939, Page 16

MANCHESTER UNITY

The fortnightly meeting of Loyal Palmerston Lodge was presided over by N.G. Bro. Andrews, who was greeted with a good attendance. One new member was initiated and another proposed for membership. An invitation was received from Loyal Star ot the North Lodge, Oamaru, to attend an anniversary function on November 6. This was accepted, and a number of members signified their intention of being in attendance. Sick pay amounting to £lB was passed for payment.

The last meeting of Loyal Valley was the best for a , considerable period. An invitation had been Issued to sister lodges, wives, and lady friends of members, some 100 accepting. The music for dancing was supplied by P.G. Bro. C. Bachop and his band. Community singing was indulged in, and Mr Searle presented vocal items. The function was ably conducted by PPG.M. Bro. J. A. Robson and a band of assistants. P.P.G.M. Bro. A. R. Lawry returned thanks on behalf of the participants. , ~ Loyal Alpion Lodge commenced its seventy-fifth anniversary celebrations on Wednesday evening with an " at home ” to wives and lady friends of members. Proceedings were opened by the Mayor (Bro. Andrew Allen), who was accompanied bv the Mayoress. Bro. Allen congratulated the Albion Lodge on having completed 75 years of useful work to the community. From the foundation of the lodge in 18G4 to June, 1939, the amount of approximately £23,000 had been disbursed among members in sickness benefits, apart altogether from medical attendance and medicine The present membership exceeded 500, and the lodge funds were In an excellent condition. Bro. Allen mentioned that his father had been a member of Loyal Albion, while his grandfather had also been a member of the Manchester Unity. Friendly society work had an uplifting influence upon those actively engaged in its ramifications, he said, and it was an ideal training ground for public life. During the evening community singing was conducted by Dr Noel North and Bro, R. McKenzie, the accompanist being Mrs Cameron. Enjoyable Items were also rendered by Mrs Ballings)!, Misses Ina Pearson, Lexle Mathieson, Master Walker, and Messrs Larkins. McKinlay, and Bro.. Finnic. Mrs Walmsley being the accompanist. On Thursday evening “ old timers’ night" was held, at which two new members were initiated. Officers in charge were: N.G. Bro. George Goughian, V.G. Bro. E. Longworth. G.M. Bro C. Kennedy. E.S. Bro. S. Smith. Warden Bro. J. McNeil, and Guardian Bro. Sanders, supported by other members of long standing. A pleasing feature of the gathering was the presentation to two faithful members of tokens of appreciation Bro. S. Smith, who has held the office of treasurer for 32 years, was the recipient of a fireside chair, while Per. Sec. Bro. Arthur Monk received a handsome smokers’ stand, both presentations being made by P.P.G.M. Bro. P. W. Stabb.