UNITED ANCIENT ORDER OF DRUIDS.

Colonist, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8246, 13 May 1895, Page 2 (Supplement)

UNITED ANCIENT ORDER OF DRUIDS.

OPENING OF NEW LODGE AT TAKAKA. On Friday, April 27th District President 8.0 S JiokeU, PTA Bro Fairey, P.S Bro W T Thomson, Bro T Brown, Bro C Gibson, Bro Jamieson, Bro Askew, and Bro Dr. Roberts, members of the Maitai Lodge, No. 3UI, embarked on the ss. Lady Barkly en route to Takaka for the purpjse of opening tbe new branch. After a fine ron across, Waitapu was reaohed at nine on Baturday morning. At the wharf the visitors were met by a deputation of Takikaites, who waited with conveyances, and were driven up to the townsnip. After lrncb, the brethren were invited to take a drive up to Pain's Ford bridge, and thus a d lightful afternoon was spent. , At balf-past six in tbe evf nine the intending candidates assembled in Tyree's Hall, and chose the gen-lenrn to aot as their first Arch Druid and Secretary. The accessary contributions having been paid up, and the required number passed the Doct r, the District P.esident called on his brethren to assist him in the initiation ceremony. Bro Thomson delivered the Arch Druids charge ; Bro Gibson the Vice- Arch ; Bro Fairey the Past Arch, and Bro T Brown the Secretary's; Bro Jamieson acted as Guardian ; Broa Roberta and Askew the Bards. The onuroh organ was kindly lent for the oooasion, so the ceremony was full choral and effective. The initiation over, and the newly-elected members being heartily greeted, tbe election of officers waß prooeeded with, nearly all the offices being well oontested; however, the ollowing were elected:— Arch Druid, J J Langridge ; Vice- Arch, James Reilly ; Arch Barda, Percy Fabißn and T Scott ; ViceBards, T Goodwin and W Johnston ; Outside Guardian, Jos Moore ; inside Guardian, H Beey; Secretary, Chas H Jones; Minute Seoretary, H Beardmore ; treasurer, R T Sadd. The election of Trustees was left over till next meeting. The installation immediately followed, the District President being the installing offioer. The admonition to each offioer was clear and ceoisive, and the intoning well done. The big night's work oonoluded, and an interchange of greetings with the newly-installed numbers of the Takaka Lodge, ended one of the most satisfactory undertakings by the members of the Maitai Lodge. A capital supper was laid out under the supervision of Bro H Flowerday, at whioh Bro Langridge occupied the chair. Iho edibles having been done fall justice to, the glasses were obarged, and Buooe^s toDraidism was heartily drunk. The Chairman then urged all to interest themeelves in tbe obtaining of members, and harmoniously work together for tbe good of tbe Order, Bupplementing bis remarka with special referenoe to the aotive manner in which Bro C Gibson, with the later assistance of W Johnston, had set about t> form tbe new branch, and requested those assembled to show their appreciation by acclamation. Bro Gibson replied, saying that the consummation that evening was most gratifying, and greater than he bad even anticipated, and thanked all for their help in tbe formation. So terminated one of the hapi-ießt efforts of Druidism. Praise ia due to Bro W T Thomson and Bio Dr Roberts for their assiduous attention to their respective duties during the day. Most all the Takaka brotnerhood assembled on the wharf on Sunday morning to bid the visitors adieu. As the Barkly steamed away, many hearty expressions for future welfare were extended, and reciprocal ringing cheers tokened tne parting. The Maitii membsrs are profose in their expressions of the kindness extended to them on tha Barkly. Each and all assisted to make the trip enjoyable. Ie is anticipated opening a branch at Ocllingwood veiy thortly. Thirty were enrolled at Takaka, and there is every likelihood cf the number being greatly augmented within a short period.