FIFTY YEARS’ PROGRESS

Southland Times, Issue 20496, 26 May 1928, Page 8

FIFTY YEARS’ PROGRESS

1.0.0. F. JUBILEE. Close on 50 years ago—to be precise, in December, 1878—Bro. McGaw of Dunedin, who was at that time Grand Master of the Independent Order of Oddfellows of New Zealand, came down to Invercargill and opened the Pioneer of Southland Lodge No. 27. The names of the officers who were installed at that time will be of interest now. Bro. F. Butler was the first Noble Grand; Bro. J. Medley Vice-Grand, and Bro. J. Dickson secretary. From the opening of the lodge till the present day it is claimed that the 1.0.0. F. in Southland has had an onward march of progress. The Rebekah branch was instituted about 25 years later and apparently has also flourished. A juvenile lodge (Minerva) has also been in existence for several years. One of the higher phases of OddfeUowship—the encampment branch—is also to be found locally, in the White Flower Encampment, a name founded on the ideal, “the white flower of a blameless life.” With so many Oddfellows it is not surprising that their forthcoming jubilee will be a time of great activity amongst their ranks. Earlier days will be remembered; honours attained by Invercargill brethren will be recalled and functions on an unusually large scale will be held in this town. No fewer than seven committees have been set up in connection with this jubilee celebration. Bro. T. Crawley, Past District Deputy Grand Sire of Australasia, one of the early members of Pioneer Lodge, has been appointed organizer in-chief and chairman of several committees. Functions -will extend over six days. Opening with a Sunday Church parade to be held in the First Church when the Rev. Robinson will give an appropriate sermon dealing with the tenets of the -“Friendship, Love and Truth.” The Rev. Thompson, a brother of the Order from Kennington, will assist at this service. The Rebekah sisters from all parts of the district and the members of the juvenile branch will be entertained by the Pioneer Lodge on the Monday. The following evening there will be a reunion of Oddfellows on a scale such as never before has been held in this town. A grand banquet, one of the main features of the week’s celebrations, will be held on the Wednesday. It is anticipated that brothers of exalted rank in the Order will be present, coming from various parts of the jurisdiction. An artistic souvenir toast programme is in course of preparation. Later in the week a public installation of the officers of Pioneer Lodge will be held. D D.G.M. Bro. McGorlick will be the installing master. It is years since the public of Invercargill have had the opportunity of witnessing this ceremony, which under ordinary circumstances is performed behind locked and guarded doors. A conversazione will conclude the jubilee celebrations. To this the members will invite their wives or lady friends. It has been decided to hold the jubilee in October and halls have been booked for various functions. Enthusiasm is not wanting amongst the local members of the 1.0.0. F. and their celebrations will probably fittingly mark the institution of the Order in our town.