ASHBURTON NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 63, 16 March 1931, Page 4

ASHBURTON NEWS.

M.U. LODGES WELCOME GRAND MASTER OF N.Z

Representatives of every Manchester Unity Lodge in the Ashburton district gathered at Ashburton on Saturday evening to welcome the Grand Master of the New Zealand branch, Bro H. M. S. Quigley, on the occasion of his official visit. The Grand Master was accompanied by Deputy-Grand Master Bro T. J. Archbold, Immediate Past Grand Master Bro F. Pritchard, Past Master Bro F. W. Watt, Immediate Past Grand Master 6f North Canterbury Bro H. M. Gourley and representatives of the Kaiapoi, Sister Pierce, Kaikoura, Prebbleton and Leithfield Lodges. Officers of the Ashburton district were also present. Past Grand Bro C. M. Innes presided, and on behalf of the district extended a welcome to the Grand Master and visitors. In reply the Grand Master emphasised the part that friendly societies could take in the elucidation of the problems confronting the country. He spoke of the question of rehabilitation of lodges affected by the Hawke’s Bay earthquake disaster and referred to the value of the friendly society movement generally and the place occupied by the Manchester Unity in that movement. In conclusion he paid a tribute to the work of Bros Watt and Pritchard as Grand Masters. Bros Archbold, Pritchard and Watt also addressed the brethrens. P.G. Bro W. K. Watters gave the sentiment of visiting district officers, Bro Gourley responding. Bro J. H. Stevens expressed the sentiment of the Ashburton district officers, to which D.D.G.M. Bro H. G. Gunn responded. Bro W. J. Miller (N.G. of the Ashburton Lodge) gave the sentiment of the visiting officers and members. The visitors were afterwards entertained to supper. Personal. Past District Deputy-Grand Master Bro G. F. Fowke, secretary of Hakatere Lodge, No. 68, 1.0.0. F., Ashburton, left on Saturday for Auckland, to represent Canterbury Central at the Grand Lodge sessions, which will begin tomorrow.