Friendly Society Jottings

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20278, 12 April 1934, Page 13

Friendly Society Jottings

LODGE CALENDAR. M.U., 1.0.0. P.— Thurs., April 12—Papanui, .Sister • Pearce and Volunteer Juveniles, j Mon.. April 16—Malvern, City of j Christchurch, Progress. Tues., April 17—Coleridge, Phillips- j town, Heart of Oak. Wed., April IS—Jubilee, Volunteer. Thurs.. Anril 19—Riccarton, i-’ann- ! nui (Belfast Branch), Kaiapoi and Papa nui Juveniles. 2Z.A.C.8.5. Mon., April 16—St Patrick's. Tues.. April 17—Sacred Heart. 1.0.0. T.— Mon., April 16—Ever Onward. Wed., April 18—Lily of Sydenham. Thurs., April 19—Sumner Pride. Z.0.0.P. Mon.. April 16—Rakaia. Star of Rangiora, Star of St Albans, Victoria, Te Tawera. Tues., April 17—Alexandrovna, Star of Linwood, Lily of Sydenham. Wed.. April 18—Ridgely, Hakatere, Star of Canterbury. Thurs., April 19—Star of Opavva. A.O.F Mon., April 16—Star of Canterbury. ! Papanui, Ashburton, Pride of j Rangiora. Tues.. April 17—Thistle of the Forest, j Star of Belfast. X.O.R.— Thurs.. April 12—Philipson, P.C.R.’s I night. Fri., April 13—Juvenile Executive (Sister Martins). AprH 1 I —Opawa and Tawera ! Mon.. April 16—Pride of Christchurch, ; Star of Riccarton Juveniles (entertain Philipson). Tues., April 17—Pride of Linwood ancl Sunshine Juveniles, Star of New I Brighton. Wed.. xVpril IS—Ark of Refuge. Thurs.. April 19—Hassall Memorial, Hope of Richmond. U.A.O.D Mon., April 16—Star of Anglesea, Ivy of Linwood (ritual competitions and V-A. charge), Perseverance, Star of Ashburton, Lily of Tcmuka. Tues., April 17—Ethelbert. Wed., April IS—Old Oak, Queen of the Oak. XJ.F.S. Dispensary. The monthly meeting of the Board of Management will be held this evening in the Dispensary Board room at 7.30. One or two matters of importance are on the agenda paper, and a good attendance is expected. X.O.’&.T. New Zealand Good Templars’ Guide.— The quarterly edition has just been circulated, and contains the programmes of the various temples in the Dominion, together with the names of the officers of the several districts. In the rates of contributions of members the last valuation shows a surplus of £7OOO, and the accumulated surpluses have enabled the society to give members a special concession when reaching the age of fifty-five years. The celebration of the diamond jubilee at Easter affords the Grand Chief Templar, in his quarterly letter, an opportunity of referring to the origin of the order. In 1850 there was in existence in America an organisation known as “ The Knights of Jericho,” which subsequently became the Order of Good Templars, having for their motto, ” Friendship, Hope and Charity.” In August. 1852, a. conference of the three lodges then in existence iesulted in the formation of a Grand Lodge under the name of the- “ Independent Order of Good Templars,” which changed the motto to “ Faith, Hope and Charity,” which’stands to-day. In 1869 the order was instituted in England, and later in Scotland. In an article contributed by the Grand Secretary, Brother G.. Brice, it is stated that tlie first lodge in New Zealand was instituted at Invercargill on September 9, 18 72, by -Rev Brother B. J. Westbrook© and Sister Mrs Westbrooke, under the name of Southern Cross Lodge No. 3. Tn September 29, 1874, the first Grand Lodge was instituted in New Zealand, in the Foresters’ Hall, Christchurch. In March, 1576, there were two Grand Lodges, which were united at a later date in one Grand Lodge with a membership of 4500 (North) and cf»00 (South). Temples were rapidly established, and in 1878 there was a membership of over 15,000 adult members. There are at present 6179 lodges with an adult membership of 271,206, and 3350 juvenile temples with a membership of 227,178. Sixty Grand Lodges are now on the roll. The Late Sister Mrs Sweney.—Special reference is made in ” The New Zealand Good Templars’ Guide ” to the service rendered to the Order by the late Sister Mrs Sweney. She was a daughter of the late Brother J. A. Efford, P.G.C.T., and one of the pioneer members of Grand Lodge. She was a regular attender at Grand Lodge sessions, and a most active member of the Hope of Christchurch Lodge. 1.0. R. Philipson Juvenile Tent.—Sister G. Fisher presided and an invitation to visit the Star of Riccarton Juvenile Tent on Monday, April 16, was accepted. It was decided to invite the Whakaora Juvenile Tent on April 28. Owing to the hall being otherwise engaged, the next meeting will be held on April 28 instead of April 21. Brother A. Martin gave a report on the recent conference in Wellington, and matters concerning the juveniles. It was reported that Star of Riccarton Juvenile Tent had won the Rash Shield for most new members in twelve months, Sunshine Tent, New Brighton, being second and Pride of Linwood Tent being third. Philipson Tent Anniversary Social.— The twenty-third anniversary of the Tent will be celebrated on Thursday, April 26, and will take the form of a social and dance. This annual function has been a big attraction each year, and has maintained its position in popularity through the efforts of the- social committee to provide an attractive dance programme and social items. Each year the attendance has taxed the capacity of Jellicoe Hall, but the response to invitations this time has necessitated the engagement of a larger hall. Brother W. Bayllss, who has on previous occasions proved an efficient M.C., will preside in that capacity, and with the assistance of Lovell’s orchestra there will be a big attraction for members and their friends in the new St John Ambulance Hall in Peterborough Street next Thursday. TJ.A.O.D. Complimentary social to Grand President Brother L. B. Freeman. —One of the most enjoyable and successful gatherings held under the auspices of the Hope of St. Albans Lodge took place on Tuesday evening in the lodge room. A large attendance of members of the city lodges was presided over by Brother G. B. Galbraith, Arch Druid. The Arch Druid, in opening the meeting, stated that its purpose was to honour the appointment of one of its members (Brother L. B. Freeman) to the high office of Grand President. Other speakers complimented Brother Freeman on his attainment of the highest honour the Order could bestow upon him. Loud applause greeted Brother Freeman on rising to respond, and in the course of his remarks he explained the principles of the Friendly Society movement, and stressed the need for unity. ” Self-help was the rock upon which we must build our aspirations, for no state of society is founded on selfishness,” he said. ” The next step from competition is towards co-operation, and until there is a universal basis like that of the Friendly Societies, there will be no brotherhood—the ideal state that man lias been seeking down the ages.” Past Grand Presidents Brothers E. Harris and J. Jowsey spoke on the aims of the society, and an excellent programme of musical and elocutionary items was given by visitors. Mistletoe Lodge.—Arch Druid Brother] F. Thompson presided, and the report ■

tin the Grand Lodge session was received from the delegates. The competition for the Schumacher buttons was held, seven brothers competing and giving an excellent rendering of the V.A. charge. The result was: V.A.B. Brother Foster 1, V.A. Brother Turton 2. A welcome was extended to P.D.P. Brother Robinson, of the Pioneer Lodge. U.U.J.0.0.F. The District Officers and Committee of Management recently elected held their first meeting under the presidency of D.G.M. Brother F. Cole. In welcoming old and new members the chairman referred specially to Brother Teale (Loyal Coleridge Lodge). The editor of the ” Official Handbook ” presented his report, and arrangements were made for publication at an early date. D.D.G.M. Brother A. Gow was appointed publicity officer for the year, and lodges are requested to nominate members willing to act (if elected) on the ritual and instruction committee. It was decided to ask Loyal Past Grands’ Lodge No. 1 to forward the names of six members willing to act as judges (if elected) for the efficiency competition. The D.G.M. reported having received a hearty welcome on the occasion of his visit to the Ashburton district annual conference. That authority is vested in those alone who have proved their fitness by service is exemplified by the elevation of Brother F. Cole to the high office of District Grand Master of the North Canterbury District, M.U., 1.0.0. F. His record of. service does not confine itself to friendly society work, but lias been spreac? over many other forms of usefulness to the community. He is a native of Christchurch, and was educated at Hare wood School. After relinquishing farming he commenced in business as a carrier in 1894, and retired three years ago. His friendly societv career commenced in August, 18SS. 'when he was initiated into Loyal Coleridge Lodge. After four months’ membership he was elected permanent secretary, which position he retired from two years later on leaving the district. Tn 1895 he joined* Loyal Volunteer Lodge by clearance, and received his P.G. certificate in 1 898. On the establishment of the Loyal Past Grands Lodge No. 1 in 1912 he was elected to

office, which he has hep' continuously to date. As a delegate from the Loyal Perseverance Lodge to the Conference in 1927, he was elected to the Committee of Management; in 1933 elected District Deputy Grand Master; and in 1934 attained the honour of District Grand Master. His interest in DruicJlsm for many years was the means of gaining his Past Arch Diploma as a member of Pioneer No. 1, U.A.O.D. He has given ) a considerable amount of service to school committee interests, and was for nineteen years a member' of St Albans School Committee, three years of which he was chairman and twelve years as secretary. He is a past president of the School Committees’ Association and St Albans Burgesses' Association, besides being a past president and life member of the Christchurch Master Carriers* Association. His services to the Canterbury Band of Hope Union as past president and life member are well remembered by members of that organisation. Truly, D.G.M. Brother F. Cole has proved his fitness for the highest office by service. Presentation to Brother H. E. Morgan.—Fifty years of continuous service as secretary of the Loyal Papanui Lodge is the proud record of Brother H. E. Morgan. Congratulations were extended t.o him at the recent District conference, and over 150 members of the Order in the District assembled at the lodge room on Tuesday evening to do honour ~P , m - The Grand Master of the New Zealand branch (Brother T. J. Archbold) was present, also D.G.M. Brother F. D.D.G.M. Brother A. Gow and Brother J. Merriman, P.D.G.M. Brother J - Mvdholland. in proposing the toast of ” The Guest of the Evening,” eulogised the work of Brother Morgan as a true Oddfellow, a friend and a brother. His services to the lodge have shown great resists during the 50 years of office, as the membership had grown from 12 to 300, and the funds, which were in debit at the time Brother Morgan took office, had accumulated to over £6OOO. A presentation of a framed photograph was made by Brother Frank Sisson (one of the oldest members), who referred to Brother Morgan’s ability and honesty. The toasts of • District Officers ” and ” Kindred Societies ” were honoured, and an excellent entertainment was provided bv wellknown artists. Mr G. C. Russell was the accompanist and Brother 11. Stockdale, N.G., presided. 1.0 O.F. Star of Opawa.—The N.G., Brother S. Young, presided, and correspondence was received from the N.C.D. and D. Lodge and the North Canterbury Rebekah District Lodge. The D.D.G.M.. Brother J. Archer, and installing officers were in attendance and installed the following officers for the coming term:—N.G . Brother O. Thompson: V.G., Brother Goodfellow; Warden, Brother Burney; Conductor, Brother Cooke; Chaplain, Brother Gibbons; R.S.S., Brother Huband; L.S.S., Brother M’Kenzie; R.S.N.G., Brother Sandford; L.S.N.G., Brother R. Wright; 1.G., Brother Batchelor; 0.G.. Brother Hvde; R.S.V.G Brother M’Laren; L.S.V.G., Brother Stewart; F.S., Brother Perkins; Treasurer, Brother Parks; R.S.. Brother Spence. A welcome was accorded visiting brothers from Te Tawera Junior Lodge. Supper was served at the conclusion of the lodge business. Ridgely Lodge.—Brother R. Chapman presided, and an application to be placed on the medical list was received from Dr D. E. Orchard. BVother L. Blerman was thanked for his report hs judge on the floor work of the recent competition. The D.D.G.M., Brother J. Archer, and staff were in attendance. The following officers were installed into their respective chairs:—P.J.G., Brother R. Chapman; N.G., Brother K. J. Cross: V.G., Brother O. King; Financial Secretary, Brother W. Greenslade; Treasurer, Brother L. P. White; Recording Secretary, Brother R. Fraser; Warden, Brother W. Marriott; Conductor. Brother R. MVlvor; Chaplain, Brother E. Chamberlain: R.S.S.. Brother W. F. Maurice; L.S.S., Brother R. J. Bimler; R.S.V.G.. Brother A. G. Neave; L.S.V.G., Brother H. C. Biggs: R.S.N.G., Brother G. E. Scarlett: L.S.N.G., Brother V. M’Connell; I. Brother T. Anderson: 0.G., Brother C. R. Jessiman. Brother Marriott reminded members of the cricket match at the Showgrounds on Sunday. A vote of thanks to the D.D.G.M. and staff and visitors was carried by acclamation. Brother Archer responded on behalf of the team, and Brother Bennett, of the Unity Lodge, conveyed fraternal greetings. The D.D.G.M. presented P.G. Brother G. E. Scarlett with a P.G. certificate.