ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12502, 1 April 1909, Page 2

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

o PRESENTATION TO A VETERAN BROTHER. At the regular meeting of the Loyal Nelson Lodge of Oddfellows held last evening, a presentation was made to P.P.G.M. Bro. Alfred Amos, in recognition of his long ahd valuable ser- ' vices to that Lodge and the order generally. ' ' V ' ' Bro. Amos joined the Nelson Lodge in the year 1857, so that he has been for fifty-two years continuously a .member of the Lodge. He very quickly, gained office, and has filled every office in his Lodge, including that of Per. Sec;, while it was only six years after his admission to the Order that he attained the highest rank possible in the District, that of Prov. Grand Master. ■■ Ho took an active part in the formation of the- Wakatu Juvenile Lodge, and during the twenty-seven years of its existence has acted as treasurer of that Lodge. - He is also a. District trustee, and a member of the Widows and. Orphans' Committee. The District Officers paid an official visit to tho "Nelson Lodge on the occasion -Prov. G.M. Bro. P. Higgins, Dep. P" .G.M. Bro. W. H. Prebble, and Prov. Ci Sec. Bro. A. G. Shrimpton being present, while Prov. Treas. Bro. J. P. Cooke sent, an apology, indisposition, preventing his attendance. Prov. G.M. Higgins made the presentation on behalf of the Nelson Lodge; the same consisting of a handsomely upholstered armchair, with inscription on silver plate, and a silver teapot for Mrs Amos. Bro. Higgins briefly reviewed Bro. Amos' career as an Oddfellow, and emphasised the value of his work as a mainstay of the juvenile lodge. In wellchosen words he conveyed to Bro. - Amos the feelings of appreciation with which, the members of- his Lodge viewed his work, and ho was glad to eeo that the members -had done something to show this appreciation during the brother's lifetime— too often it was the case that it was only when a brother had _passed away that expression .was given to the feelings of esteem with which a brother was regarded by his fellow members. He hoped that Bro. AmOs and his wife had many years of life bef ore them ; that those years might be accompanied by happiness and prosperity; and that the presents made that evening would serve to remind them of the . esteem in which they were held by the Nelson Oddfellows. P.P.G.M. Bro. W. Besley, who for : 37 years had been associated with Bro. Amos in connection with the Nel-son-Lodge, spoke in terms of appreciation of the sterling and. continuous work which- the guest of the evening had rendered the order in the Nelson f District, especially referring to his assistance with the juvenile lodge and the value of his services as a delegate to the District meetings for a long course of years. He also referred to the assistance Mrs Amos had rendered at the juvenile lodge anniversary celebrations. Bro. ; James Armstrong (treasurer), whose; membership dates back 38 years, "spoke of the ready assistance forthcoming from Bro. Amos towards the younger, members, and commented upon the fair and: open-minded way in which: he ap'proachedall-questions. especially those, of a controversial nature. •■'... .. . * .Bro. A. N.Batchelor' Past Grand Master of Now , Zealand, added his : word of appreciation' of the character ;of Bro. Amos, and his active industry :in the cause of Oddfellowship,, and on 'behalf of the Loyal .-Lodge tendered congratulations. P.P.G.M. Bro. W.-Moyes; on behalf. of the Trustees of the District, ("spoke of the faithful service ' Bro. ;Amos had rendered in that capacity. P.P.G.M: Bro. A. Day, as an old Wakatu Lodge boy, added his testimony as to the services rendered in connection . with juvenile: Oddfellowship. -•":■''. Bro. W.H. Robertson,' as a member of the Hall Committee, also expressed appreciation of the work done by Bro. Amos. Bro. Amos, on rising to express his thanks, received an ovation. He said that he could not: see' that he had done anything out of the way,' his heart had been in the work and time had passed away very quickly, so-that it seemed to him that he had riot done anything worthy of the handsome presents that- had been given his wife and himself. # but.: he was impressed by the. sincerity. of the various speakers, and he was deeply grateful for what had been said and the expressions of esteem. One of the mottos of the Order was "Friendship, Love, and Truth;" and it seemed to him that the spirit of that motto was actuating the brethren in the presentations— he accepted them ■in that spirit, and valued them more than he could say.' In conclusion Bro. Amos urged the younger members of ! the present lodge to take a more active interest in the juvenile lodge in the way of making it more attractive to the members. ■ Bro.. Amos was ".then accorded the honors of the Order. Subsequently the brethren partook of refreshments, and the toast, "Bro. -Amos and-.Mrs Amos.'" was pro Dosed oy Dep. P.G.- Bro. ; Prebble and enthusiastically received. Bro. Amos •hiaving to" leave immediately after the presentation, Bro.' Bealey responded ih his stead.