ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18581, 30 May 1930, Page 7

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

LOYAL TIMARU LODGE. . HALF YEARLY MEETING. The half-yearly meeting of the Loyal Timaru Lodge of Oddfellows was held last Wednesday night, when Bro. George Dobier, N.G. presided over 66 members, 80 per cent, of whom were members under 35 years of age. Welcomes were extended to Prov. G.M. Bro. William Dempsey, who, with other District Officers, paid an* official visit, to Bro. Hy. Gourley. District Grand Master of North Canterbury, and to contingents from Temuka and Morven Lodges. Eight new members, including two ladies, were initiated, Bro. Peter Hanlin acting as conductor, and P.G. Bro. Geo. Hayward giving the charge. Two more were proposed for next meeting, which is to be a first degree night. The sick report was very satisfactory, four members having declared on the funds and five off. leaving fifteen receiving sick benefits. Reports from the two juvenile lodges show steady progress. The superintendent announced that the chaperon sisters had decided to celebrate the anniversary of the Girls’ Lodge similarly to last year'.s function. The trustees in the estate of the late P.P.G.M. Bro. James Rothwell. forwarded the deceased’s district jewel, with a request that it be disposed of in some way in keeping with Oddfellowship. It was resolved to have the jewel inserted in deceased’s enlarged photo, which hangs in the lodge room. Correspondence was received from the District relative to various levies payable. These showed that the Lodge this year required according to the Registrar’s figures, to pay £287 7s 7d towards the Consolidated Funeral Benefit Fund. The election of officers for the ensuing term excited keen contests, results of which were as follows: — Noble Grand. Sister Ivy Harris; V.G., Bro. Peter Hanlin; 1.P.N.G.. Bro. Geo. Dobier; E.S.. Bro. Thos. Webb; Warden Bro. Ernest Lane; Guardian, Bro. Jeff Box; Senior Conductor, Bro. Robt. Murray; Junior Conductor, Sister Myrtle Kelly; Sick Visitor, P.P.G.M., Bro. Geo. Hilton; Pianiste, Sister Rita Berry; Supporters P.P.G.M., Bro. Jas. Martin. P.G., Bro. Eric McConachy, Bros. Wm. Sapwell, George Drew, Hy. Coates and Frank Cumming. These were fittingly installed by the installing officer, P.G. Bro. Chas. Fryer, D.G.M. Bro. Hy. Gourley giving the installation address. P.P.G.M. Bro. Alex Goodall, director of ceremonies, announced that this was the first time in the history of the Manchester Unity in South Canterbury that a lady member had been raised to the highest office a lodge could confer on her. To mark this unique occasion, Bro. Goodall on behalf of several enthusiasts, presented Sister Harris with a beautiful robe, the dressing being carried out by Sister Minnie Webb. Sister Harris then knelt while P.P.G.M. Bro. Richard Earl, a venerable figure in South Canterbury Oddfellowship, placed on her head a handsome tiara as a symbol of authority, and pronounced the official blessing. P.G. Bro. Chas. Fryer, whose term of office has been completed, was presented with a Past Grand’s Jewel. Sister Ivy Harris, Noble Grand, in making the presentation, referred to Bro. Fryer’s untiring efforts to promote Oddfellowship, and the many acts of self-denial he had exercised for the benefit of members. Accounts amounting to £462 3s Id were passed for payment, including rhedical services at the rate of £BOI per annum. Receipts for the evening amounted to £549 4s.