ASHBURTON.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1360, 22 June 1918, Page 11

ASHBURTON.

AN ODDFELLOW HONOURED. From Our Own Correspondent. A largely-attended complimentary social Avas held in the supper room of the Theatre Royal last evening to celebrate tho election of Bro. F. W. Watt to the position of Grand Master of tho New Zealand Branch of the M.U.T.0.0.F.. Bro. A. J. Bennison, P.G.M., P.E.D., presided, and had associated with him P.P.G.M. Bro. E. Galiagen (Christchurch), director of the New Zealand Branch, P.G. Bro. W. Johnston (Christchurch), P.G.M. Bro. J. Marshall (Rangiora); other brothers were also present from various parts of Canterbury, and the various lodges in the county were represented. A long list of toasts was honoured, and in proposing the toast of the New Zealand Branch, M.U., P.G. Bro. Johnston spoke at some length upon the life of the New Zealand Branch, M.U., since he became a member, and referred to Bro. Watts's sterling qualities as an Oddfellow. He was delighted to be present to do honour to such an Oddfellow as the guest of the evening. Mr Watt in responding to the toast, traversed the life of tho Manchester Unity, which he, like many others, believed to be 109 years old. Mr Watt stated that upon the first stock-taking being taken a large deficit was shown, and it was not until the year 1871 that the Order could show a credit. In 1806 the first Board of Directors had been formed; and m 1871 the first laws were framed. Prior to this there were not existing benefits. When benefits needed for a sick brother, or for funeral. expenses, the hat was passed round. The history of the Manchester Unity showed that it had had a gradual upward tendency, and was now placed upon a sound financial basis.

Bro. Gabagen in speaking to the toast, referred to the Order as a moans of fellowship and brotherhood, and asked all those present to. put their heart and soul into the work, and to assist each other.

During the evening, G. M. Ero.Watt presented jewels of the Order to P.P.G.M. Bro. It, Baker, and P.G. Bio. R. Page. NOTES AND NEWS. A very successful concert was given in the St. Andrew's Hall last night in aid of the Sunday School funds, the Rev. Miller presiding over a large attendance. The programme was carried out entirely by the children, and great credit is due to the teachers for their untiring efforts, which made the concert a pronounced success.

Mr W. Beere, veterinary surgean, met with a trap accident on Thursday afternoon, resulting in his arm being broken above the wrist. At the Oddfellows' gathering last night it was stated that the Manchester United had over 200,000 members on active .service. Out of a membership of 14,000 in New Zealand the order had 2000 serving with the colours, and in the Ashburton district 70 members were on active service.

A party of entertainers who visited Whichmore on Thursday evening to assist in a concert to raise funds to purchase a piano for the school, had a novel experience. The chairman, as usual, announced that the National Anthem would be sung, the pianiste struck a few notes, but soon found that something was wrong with the instrument. Later on the pianiste .endeavoured to play an accompaniment, but was unable to do so. It was finally decided to investigate the inside workings, only to find a bird's nest snugly built inside the piano.