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Otago Witness, Issue 2736, 22 August 1906, Page 16

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OPEXIXC OF LOYAL MIDDLEMARCH LODGE. The executive of the Otago District, assisted by a number of visiting brethren from the city and suburban lodges, journeyed to Miodlemarch on the 144h to open, a branch of the erder there. Great enthusiasm prevailed, and 36 candidates were initiated. Pro. G.M. Bro. R. S. Black acted as N.G., Prov. D.G.M. Bro. ' D. S. ilunro V.G., P. P. G.M. BVo. W. E. \ C. Reid G.M., Prov. C.S. Bro. J. A. ! Hopcraft Elec. Sec, P.P.G.M. Bro. J. ' Robin Warden. The officers were supported by P.P.G.M. Bro. F. Calvert 1 (Albion). P.G.s Bro. W. Blackie, Bro. W. 1 A. Turnbull. KG. Bro. R. Smeaton. G.M. ' 1 Bro. J. Aitken. Warden Bro. D. Barclay I (Mosgiel). P.G. Bro. W. J. Foote (Caver- 1 sham). P.G. Bro. C. J. Wood (Dalton), ! P.G. Bro. T. J. Francis (Xaseby). After ■ the lodge had been declared opened the < following 1 officers were elected and in- I 1 stalled with the" usual formalities: — G-M-, ] Bio. W. J. Foote; N.G.. Bro. A- Kirby ; 1 V.G., Bro. William Thomson ; Else. Sac, 1 Bro. Hubert B-. Marston; Warden, Bro. 1 R. Robertson ; Guardian, Bxo. Henry ] Seddon; Per. Sec., Bro. W. J. Foote; ' s Treasurer. Bro. W. Thomson ; trustees — ] Bros. George Fisher, David Grant, George < Robertson ; R.S. to N.G., Bro. James . | Macdonald: L.S. to N.G., Bro. Albect Robertaon , R.S. to V.G., Bro. James L M'Kinnon, L.S. to V.G., Bro. William I Painter; lodge medical ofiicer, Dr Martin. 1 Congratulatory telegrams were received from Lor»l Albion, Mount Wendon, j Prince of Wales; and Kaitangata Lodges-, and P.P.G.M. Bro. A. Cable. The foU ' lowing brethren responded to the toast of " The Visitors ' : -P.G. Bro. J. A. Brown, j (Vdllei), P.G. Bro. A. R Lawiy (Ca\ei-

sham), P.G. Bro. C. J. Wood (Dalton). P.P.G.M. Bro. F. Calvert (Albion), N.dl Bro. R. Smeaton (Mosgiel). Bro. West (Dun* edin). P.G. -Bro. T. J. Francis (N«seby), P.P.G.M. Bro. Robin (Hand and Heart), Bro. Ross (Scotland), and the district officers. The ledge was then declared' closed. The new lodge will meet every • four weeks- from August 14. The brethren were afterwards enter. . tamed at a banquet, splendidly catered for by Messrs Webb and Williams. P.G. Bro. A. Kirby occupied the chair, and « lengthy toast list woe heartily responded? to. "The King;" "The Otago Districts Executive*" proposed by I*:G. B*o. T. J. • Francis; " Agricultural And Pkttorak Interests," proposed by P.G. Bros Oai&. ! responded to by Bros. Blackie and Seddoaj, 1 i "Parliament," proposed by P.G. Bra C. J. Wood, responded to by Mr W, P. Mason; " Middlomarah Lodge 7'; "Medical? Officer," responded to by Dr Martin;. "The Ladies," "The Press," and "Our Hosts." The speeches were short and? to the point, and interspersed were wongir, recitations, instrumental selection by tn» following:— P.P. G.M.s Bro. W. E- Ci Reid, Bro. F. Calvert, Bro. BriggSi. Prov, G.M. Bro. R. S. Black, Prov. C.S. Bro. J. A. Hopcraft, Bros. J. A. Brown, Broadley. Armstrong, Seddon, Thomson, i and Mr W. D. Mason. Mr W. H. CoJlett ably officiated at the piano, and a gathering which went with a vim. throughout was terminated by singing " Auld lang syne" It is worthy of special mention that the Moßgiet Lodge (which 'waa the eporttor for this the thirtieth lodge in the district}turned out 20 strong, who were complimented by the- Prov. G.M. for their assistance. It is safe to predict a happy future for the Loyal Middleraarch Lodge, as ther - members are imbued with., a sense of dirty to their lodge and the order into wnicb they have been initiated, and ere long they will doubtless reach the century in numbers. The visitors were indebted to Mr J. M. Gillies for many kindnesses I extended to them during their short stay*