Oddfellowship.

Southern Cross, Volume 18, Issue 10, 18 June 1910, Page 9

Oddfellowship.

Bro. H. Todd's Julbiiee

i Despite counter attractions, a numerous company assembled in \ ictoria Hall on Yvednesday night, in i response to the invitation of P.P. j G.M. Bro. A. Todd, who adopted this means of marking his 'completion oi half-a-centui'y of membership in the Manchester Unity Oddfellows. In addition to members of his own lodge (the St. George) there were present representatives of the Shamrock, Rose and Thistle Podge, the Hearts of Oak. the Bluff, Winton, and other lodges, and these an'd the other visitors thoroughly enjoyed the programme arranged by the host of the evening. The chair was occupied hy Bro. A. Ball. Grand Master of the Southland 1 District, and there were also on the stage P.P.G.M's. Bros. M. Mail- and T. Findlav, and W. B. Scandrett, I.P.P.G.M. Bro. J. Henry, anil flic following prominent officials of kindred societies :• —Bros. T. Crawley (A.C. Oddfellows), AY. Stead (Rechabites). R. Policy (Foresters), and .J. McDermott and .J. King (Druids). The programme began with a selection on the pipes by Messrs Wilson and R. F. Walker, who also did good service at the opening of the second part. Then followed songs by Mrs YV. Karsman. Mrs R. MeCreath. Miss Shea, and Miss PI. Karsman. and Messrs 0. Coaling, .1. Murray, Prentice. and YV. YVilson, Mr P. R. God ward's banjo solo was encored —his usual fate, and so was Mr .T. Watt's recitation —he is quite at home in pawky Scotch humour. Miss B. Millar danced the Sheauntreus. and a jig with skill and grace to the piping of Mr Wilson. iMr Pc Petit gave a well-played flute solo. The part songs by the wellknown Karsman family were the features of the evening—the more they heard (lie keener grew the appetite of the listeners. Miss P. Karsman gave proof of the versatility or the l'a.mily in a recitation. The accompaniments were played by Miss Cooper.

In opening- the second part of the programme the chairman remarked that a man was all the better for having a hobby, provided it was a worthy one. In the ease, of Bro. Todd it took the form of lie!pingothers. H a brother member had bad luck or met with misfortune it was then that Archie Todd shone. It sometimes happened that a member let. his contributions get overdue, and then 'Archie shone again, making it his business to see that the forgetful one became "good on the books"—and if report spoke true, Archie extended his kindly ministrations to members of kindred societies as well as his own. In closing 'he chairman advised all young men to join a friendly society—he did not care what one—their aims were identical, and the benefits practically the same. As for the young ladies, when a certain momentous question was put they should withhold their answer until assured that the youngman belonged to a friendly society.— (Laughter).

P.P.G.M. Bro. Thus. Findlay referred to the invaluable ■work Bro. Todd had rendered in the interests of friendly society work, and said the

"Southern Cross" had given an excellent history of his career as an Oddfellow. lie had no intention of making a long speech, and in handing Bro. Todd a purse of sovereigns, subscribed by the various lodges of the Manchester Unity in the Southland District, he hoped the recipient would long live to continue his noble work. 'At the call of Mr Earsraan, "For He's a .lolly 'Good Fellow" was enthusiastically taken up by all present. Bro. Geo. McDermott then stepped forward, and on behalf ot the Drib ids' Fodge. presented Bro. Todd with a handsome pipe and case as a slight token of the esteem in which he was held by the Druids. Bro. McDermott briefly referred to the good work done by Mr Todd in the Dispensary Committee.

Bro. Todd feelingly replied to both presentations.

The chairman moved a hearty vote of thanks to the performers, especially mentioning Miss Cooper, who had presided so ably at the piano. "Auld ."Lang Syne" and the National Anthem closed the meeting.