I.O.O.F.

Southland Times, Issue 21853, 2 November 1932, Page 9

I.O.O.F.

STAR OF WAIKIWI LODGE No. 95. 21st ANNIVERSARY. Birthday greetings were the order of the evening at the Waikiwi Public Hall on Thursday, October 27, when the 21st anniversary of Star of Waikiwi Lodge was celebrated. Following a short lodge meeting in the small room the brethren and visitors adjourned to the large hall, where a lengthy programme was disposed of. The stage was artistically decorated with shields and cups won by the lodge, with a draped photograph of the late Bro. E. H. Whitmore, P.D.D.G.M., in a prominent position. After the loyal toast, the chairman, N.G. Bro. W. C. Ereckson, who presided over an attendance of 125 members, briefly outlined the history of the lodge. He related how 21 years ago that worthy member the late Bro. E. H. Whitmore (then District Deputy Grand Master) had so ably carried out the institution and laid the foundation stone of this branch of the order. Bro. Ereckson also referred to the first initiation and said how pleased he was to see some of those pioneer members at the 21st birthday of their lodge. On behalf of the social committee he thanked all the brethren for their attendance on such an auspicious occasion. Bro. David McQueen, P.D.D.G.M., in proposing the toast of the Grand Lodge, mentioned how the order had grown and prospered, the total membership throughout the world now exceeding 2,750,000. He made reference to several Grand Lodge officers, particularly referring to the keen interest and ability of the present District Deputy Grand Master, Bro. Peter Fraser. In replying to the toast Bro. P. Fraser, D.D.G.M., recalled the _ night when the late Bro. E. H. Whitmore performed the opening ceremony. The name of Bro. Whitmore would always be Cherished and stand as a living monument in Oddfellowship. Bro. Fraser mentioned how the older members helped to keep the lodge together and how easy it was for youth to practise their grand principles and. learn true fellowship so that the spirit of fraternity would always prevail. At this stage the N.G. asked the gathering to be upstanding in honour of departed brethren. Bro. Gavin Dixon then played the lament “Flowers of the Forest.” Bro. A. Helm, P.G.P.C.P., proposed the toast of the foundation and initiatory members of the Star of Waikiwi Lodge, remarking that 21 years ago as Noble Grand of the Loyal Pioneer of Southland Lodge he had the honour of conducting the first meeting. He mentioned some of the old stalwart members, such as P.G. Bro. J. P. Myers and Bro. John McClinchey. Some 40 members of the order had attended that first evening to witness him and his officers initiate 25 candidates. He was pleased to be able to say that some of those pioneer members were still doing yeoman service for the lodge, and as an example to the younger members he would in particular refer them to the honourable and stalwart District Deputy Grand Master, Bro. P. Fraser, who was one of those foundation members. Past Grand Bro. J. P. Myers, the first Noble Grand, and Past Grand Bro. G. H. Millar, one of the original candidates, in replying related how their connection with and work for the lodge had always given them the greatest pleasure. At the request of the Noble Grand, the Past District Deputy Grand Sire, Past Grand Master Bro. T. Crawley, proceeded to cut the birthday cake. In the course of his remarks Bro. Crawley said that it was one of his proudest moments in 54 years’ active membership in the order, and he trusted that the Star of Waikiwi Lodge would continue to prosper as it had done in the past 21 years. At the conclusion of his remarks the brethren showed their appreciation by singing “For he’s a jolly good fellow.” The toast of the Star ot Waikiwi Lodge, No. 95, and the presentation of the initiatory competition shield was in the hands of Bro. N. McGorlick, P.D.D.G.M., who in the course of his remarks pointed out that to a visiting brother on any occasion the fraternal and social spirit prevailing in the Waikiwi Lodge was one of the outstanding features. He then presented, on behalf of the Southland District Lodge, the competition shield and congratulated Star of Waikiwi on their well merited victory.

Bro. H. Campbell, who accepted the shield on behalf of the lodge, suitably thanked Bro. McGorlick for his remarks and voiced his appreciation of the assistance he received from the members in the recent competition. Bro. A. McKay, G.L.R., proposed the toast of the younger members and presented the Past Grand’s Cup on behalf of the District Lodge. In referring to the younger members he said that Waikiwi was indeed fortunate in that respect, and he could offer them no better advice than to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors. The winner of the cup, Bro. E. M. Fraser, P.G., thanked Bro. McKay for his remarks, especially as the latter was a fellow competitor. He remarked that in the younger members of the lodge there were many who would succeed in climbing the ladder of Oddfellowship. The toast list was concluded with that of “The Visitors” proposed by Bro. J. McNeilage, P.C.P., who heartily thanked the visitors for their attendance on such a memorable occasion. The replies were in the hands of C.P. Bro. C. Witting (White Flow'er Encampment), N.G. Bro. T. Wilson (Loyal Pioneer of Southland Lodge), N.G. Bro. S. Barrett (Aroha Lodge), N.G. Bro. T. Bulling (Star of Bluff Lodge), P.G. Bro. T. Lyall (Kennington Lodge) and P.G. Bro. J. Munro (Marama Lodge). During the evening the following brethren contributed to an enjoyable programme:—P.G. Bros. J. Munro, T. McFarlane, P. Baldwin, T. Fraser and Bros. G. Dixon, W. Peterson, J. Reidy, W. Mayhew, W. Connors, R. Wallace and J. Aspray. Mr A. Wilson proved an efficient accompanist.