ORANGE GRAND LODGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2808, 8 January 1908, Page 89

ORANGE GRAND LODGE.

The delegates of the Loyal Orange Institution from various parts of the South Island arrived at Invercargill on Christmas Day. They were met at the train by the brethren of the local lodges, and entertained at afternoon tea. The Mayor ■ (Mr W. B. Scandrett) afterwards received and welcomed the visitors at the Town Hall. Two pleasant hours were • *° en spent in driving round the srght3 of the town. In the evening a banquet , was held, during- which the usual loyal 1 toasts and speeches were given and responded" to. The forty-first annfual session of the Orange Grand Lodfce of N.Z.M.I. opened m the Protestant Hall on Thursday- at 9 a.m. The lodge was opened by the R.W.G.M. Bro. G. W. Parsons, assisted by G.C. Bros. .Little, and- Wilson. About 60 delegates were . present and P.P.G.M.. Bros. Revefl, Carrick, and Nelson occupied < seats on tire dais. A large number of telegrams, containing greetings from private lodges and the North Island Grand Lodge. The G.M., >n a lengthy address to the meeting, commented favourably on the progress made during the last 12 months Iby * he order throughout the island. The G.S. presented his report and balance sheet, which showed the Grand Lodge to be in a sound financial position and a steady increase in membership. It was resolved to place on record the appreciation of tihe G.S.s work during the past .three years, and to present him with a jewel.

Being the last meeting of this lodtre before amalgamation with the North Island Grand Lodge, to form one Grand Lodge for New Zealand, the draft of the new rules and by-laws was submitted for consideration, and with few exceptions, adopted, the whole to be confirmed at the amalgamation meeting in Wellington at Easter, 1908. The election of officers then took place, and they were duly installed in their respective ohaiis.

A hearty vote .of .thanks was passed to the Mayor of Invercargill for his reception at the^Hown Hall, and to the brethren of the local lodges fpr the excellent manner 1 in which they entertained the officers and ! delegates. ! The session was brought to a. close a£ ; 1J.30 p.m. with the singing of the National" Anthem. Ballet girls have jiust gained a footing in trades tlnionism in -Paris. ■ A retired dancer, ah elderly lady, has been appointed 1 ■. seeretaryi - . - - ■