ODDFELLOWSHIP

Timaru Herald, Volume CVIII, Issue 16820, 27 May 1919, Page 2

ODDFELLOWSHIP

GERALDINE CELEBRATES CENTENARY. The Geraldine Oddfellows celebrated the entenary of their Order by a social gathering, for which the Oddfellows' Hall was tastefully decorated with flags and streamers, and the stage was arranged for cards, etc. Bro. G. H. Patrick in welcoming those present expressed regret that Bro. O. J. Talbot, M.P., was unable to be present owing to his having to be in Wellington. Mr Patrick said that during the war they had abandoned social gatherings, but he hoped now the war was over that they would frequently meet socially. Their lodge was a fairly strong one for a small town, and they had sent some thirty of their members . to' the Front. As showing that they had a good class of members he said that not one had been rejected by the medical examiners. He was sorry to say that seven or eight of their brethren had made the supreme sacrifice, but while they mourned their loss they were proud of the part they had taken in the great war. Many of their soldier members had now returned. They were all proud of these men and on behalf of the Lodge lie had pleasure in welcoming home Bro. J. Johnson, who had been away over four and a half years, and during that time had had, hard things to face. He then welcomed' Bro. T. Clarke, D.D G.M., and Sister Clarke, P.G., and Sister Collety, secretary SunshinoKebekah Lodge, Timaru, and askod Bro. Clarke to address the gathering. _ Bro. Clarke gave some interesting information regarding the Order, which was established at Baltimore a hundred years ago. In addition to tho Lodgos m America with a total membership" of °^ e - r , t 7 ro and -a. quarter millions, and which had paid by way of relief in 1017 % SUm - ° f £1,301,978; there wore in ■New Zealand one Grand Lodge and, 92 sub-lodges with ever 7000 members. Ho was proud to be a member of the Order and urged all young men to join. Membership was as good as an insurance, and it ensured a good deal of knowledge. A member waa always learning something and improving himself. He thanked them for their welcome.

During the evening Bro. Knibb sang a couple of songs, Mr E. White accompanying, and supper was served by Bro. Hae and ladies, Mr G. Bryant being the caterer. The floor was in splendid order for dancing and the music supplied by Mr Wentworth was excellent, while Bro -U. Woods, assisted by Mr W. Lewis' was an efficient M.C. Dancing was £Pt Up ft f^ irly late hour > Miss bcott and Mr G. Ford playing extras, ilie social was voted a very successful