FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14539, 17 October 1917, Page 4 (Supplement)

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

DRUIDISM IN NELSON.

(From "The Colonist," Oct. 12th.)

The twenty-fifth anniversary of the Maitai Lodge, No. 16, y.A.0.D., was celebrated on Wednesday evening by a social reunion of members, held at the Masonic Social Hall, Coliingwood street, when there was a very large gathering. A.I). Bro. C. Haggit1; occupied the chair. The large attendance was evidence of the interest taken in Druidism in Nelson, and : showed that the Order still maintaiiis the reputation for progress which it has always held. The Grand Lodge of Ndrtli islaiidy New Zealand, was represented by V.G.P: Bro. F. Flannagan, of Wellington/who was welcomed in true Druidic fashion. In thanking the Lodge for his reception, he delivered a very able and interesting address on matters or vital interest to the Order.., The Naumai Lodge, Motueka, was represented by P.D.P. Bro. Budden, and other members.

Congratulatory messages were received from the Takaka and Mistletoe (Blenheim) Lodges. P.D. Bro. L. M. Estcourt represented the sister lodges in the" district. ..Advantage "was taken of the opportunity to make a presentation from Maitai. Lodge, to P.S. ,Bro. W. I<\ Thomson, who lias been the secretary of the lodge since its inception, and has thus completed twenty-five years of continuous office. The gift took the form o): a- very handsome grandfather's clock, bearing a silver plate, suitably inscribed. The text of the accompanying address was as follows:— iCOn this the twenty-fifth anniversary of our Lodge, your fellow past and present officers and members feel that they cannot let the opportunity pass -without expressing the high esteem in which you are held by us all, and wisii -to place on recom our appreciation of your valued services as secretary duiing 20 years of continuous office." From the inception of the.Maitai Lodge . you have watched its growth, and, been ever oil the alert to guard its interests, being always ready and willing to render all the assistance in your power to any member who required it. Your kindly nature and courteous manner has endeared you to us all, and in recognition of those qualities and your valued sendees we would ask you, on behalf of past- and present officers and members of the Maitai Lodge, No. 15, to accept the accompanying gift as a slight token of the esteem in* which"' you are held. We trust that botfi you and Mrs Thomson will enjoy good health and prosperity, and live lon^ to hear the tick oi: the grandfather's t'jock.—On behalf of past and present officers and members, yours faithfully Chas. Haggit-t, Arch Druid; Percy F. Burn. Vice-Arch; X H. Thomson, Treasurer- K. J. Chappeli, Minute •Secretary. ' . V.G.P. Bro. F. Flannagan, in mak--ing the presentation, eulogised the "ood work performed-"by Bro. Thomson. He said it -was very gratifying to the brand Lodge to know of such services •so well rendered during so long a term of office, and in the name of the Grand Lodge he thanked him for' so ably carrying out his duties. P.S. Bro. W. F. Thomson, on rising to reply, was received witli loud and prolonged applause. He tendered his heartfelt thanks for the kind expressions conveyed in the address' and for the handsome gift, which would always remind him of his association with the Lodge. He briefly outlined the early history of the Maitai Lodge, which started with a membership "of 35 in October 1892, and has increased in strength till at the present time its accumulated funds stand at over £6000 and during that time the sum of £3500 has been paid in sick benefits. Br O Ihomson resumed his scat amidst tumultuous applause. Thy toast list for the evening was as f$ OWT': — '"I"'10 King and the Druids": Grand Lodge' Officers," proposed by i -b. J.*ro. \V. .I. 'Lliom-son, coupled with ffifi? aJ?° °J V:-, 1*- BTO.'*'- Fltnnasan; Ihb Guest or the Evening," proposed oy A.D. Bro. C. Haggitt l,f Jro. ? A- G- Betts ' untl Bl'o- A l'alconbn<lgo.