ODDFELLOWSHIP

Southland Times, Issue 17607, 23 March 1914, Page 7

ODDFELLOWSHIP

AIA XCM FSTKI: 1 *N 1T V. A social gathering under the auspices of the Loyal St. George Lodge, f.0.0.1-'.. ALL’.. was held in the U.F.S. Hall on Friday evening. f’Oth inst.. for the double purpose of extending a welcome home to P.P.G.AI. Pro. AV. B. Seandrett and of saying good-bye to P.G. Bro. John Kindlay. who has recently been promoted from the charge of the X.Z. Government Life Insurance Department to Auckland. The X.G, of the Lodge. Bro. A. .1. Dyer, piesided over the company, which numbered between Hi and fill, and included His Worship the Mayor, .1. A. Hatiau. At. IV. and visitors from Loyal Hearts of Oak and Shamrock. Hose, and Thistle Lodge. After the usual loyal toast to the King and M.U.. Bro. Seandrett proposed the health of Bro. Findlay, and presented him. on behalf of the Lodge, with a P.G.'s jewel suitably inscribed, in recognition of his long and valuable services as trustee of tin- Lodge. The toast and presentation were gracefully acknowledged hv Bio. Findlay, who said that nearly thirty years hud elapsed since he joined the Order. He was glad to say there was not a single pound outstanding for interest, so that his successor could start with a clean sheet. P.G. Bro. Goldie proposed the prosperity of Invercargill, coupled with the names of His Worship the Mayor and past Mayors of Invercargill. Response was made by the Mayor, Bro. John Kingsland, sent., and Bros. Scandrett. llanan. and John Stead all speaking in glowing terms of the prospects and position of our town, Bro. Hanan referring incidentally to the energy anil ability which had led to Bro. Findlay's well-deserved promotion. Bro. Stead proposed the Parliament of New Zealand, to which Bro. Hanan replied in a spirited speech, in which he contrasted the vastly improved conditions now obtaining industrially and otherwise with those prevailing twenty years ago. Bro. John Kingsland submitted the health of P.P.G.AI. Bro. Seandrett whom they were all glad to welcome home again and who well deserved his title of the Grand Old Man of Invercargill—a man who had taken a worthy part in every section of our social, business and civic life. Bro. Seandrett replied and gave an interesting sketch of his experience of Odd fell ow sh i p at Home, particularly of his visit to a social gathering held in London at which one thousand Oddfellows were present. He was struck by the ability displayed by their leading officers, but noticed with regret that unlike lodges in Australasia many of them held their meetings in public houses. P.P.G.M. Bro. A. Todd gave the toast of visiting officers, sisters and brothers which was acknowledged by N.G. Bro. H. C. Brampton, of Shamrock, Rose and Thistle I. edge and P.G. Sister McKenzie and P.P GM. Bro. Henry, of Loyal Mataura Falls Lodge. P.P.G.M. Bro. Henry proposed the toast to district officers, which was rc-

plied to by P.P.G.M/s Bro. Findlay and Bclmonds. Bro. Findlay some interesting particulars of the early days of Oddfellowship. K.G. Bro. Frampton proposes! the toast to Loyal St. George Lodge and thanked them for their loyal hospitality in entertaining them so well. Prov. C.S. Bro. F. K. Borne proposed the toast to the press which was duly acknowledged by Bro. Hanan. During the evening songs and recitations were given by Bros. Veitcli. Carney, Dalgams. Kdmonds and Borne. The singing of Auld Lang Syne concluded a very enjoyable evening, many interesting reminiscences of the eari> days of the order in Invercargill being given by the "Boys of the Old Brigade”