Friendly Society Jottings

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20331, 14 June 1934, Page 7

Friendly Society Jottings

LODGE CALENDAR. M.U..X.0.0.F. — Thurs., June 14—Riccarton, Papanui (Belfast Branch), Kaiapoi and j Papanui Juveniles. Sat., June 16—District officers' visit to Leeston Lodge. Mon.. June 18—Addington, Leeston, Benevolent. Tues., June 19—Kaiapoi Past Grands No. 1. Wed., June 20—Perseverance. Thurs., . June 21—Papanui, Sister Pearce and Volunteer Juveniles. H.A.C.B.S. Mon., June IS—St Matthew’s, St Mary’s. X.0.0.T Mon., June 18—Ever Onward. Wed., June 20—Lily of Sydenham. Thurs, June 21—Sumner Pride. X.0.0.X*. Thurs., June 14—Star of Opawa. Mon., June 18—Waimate, Washington, Edith Cavell, Waihi. Tues., June 19—Star of Sydenham, Golden Link social and dance, Waitea. ■Wed., June 20—Star of Rakaia. A.Q.I* Mon., June IS—Star of Canterbury, Papanui, Ashburton, Pride of Rangiora. Tues., June 19—Thistle of the Forest, Star of Belfast. X.O.R.— Fri., June 15—Provincial Council. Sat., June 16—Pliilipson (election of officers) and Whakaroa Juveniles, Timaru. Mon.. June IS—Star of Woolston (anniversary dance). Tues., June 19—Enterprise. Wed., June 20—Riccarton. Thurs., June 21—Hope of Richmond, Philipson (visits from Ark of j Refuge, Star of New Brighton and Hope of Addington Tents). U.A.O.D. Mon., June 18—Pioneer. Mistletoe, Acorn. Star of Ashburton, Bud of Hope. Tues., June 19—Hope of St Albans. Anchor. Timaru, Trafalgar, Olive Branch. Wed.. June 20—Oak of Sydenham. Ellesmere, Richmond. A.O.P. Centenary Celebrations. The banquet in the Winter Garden last Thursday marked the conclusion of the Centenary celebrations of the Canterbury United District. Full reports have been published in our columns of all the functions, which owe their successes to the energy and organisation of the executive officers. Particular mention must be made of the untiring efforts and zeal of the district secretary (Brother O. Jacobsen). His interesting summary of the history of Forestery in Canterbury, given at the banquet, was most refreshing to the memory of many of the veterans of the Order who were present. Reference was made in the toast of the “ Newspapers of Christ- ; church ” to the excellent publicity given in regard to friendly society work jp the columns of the Christchurch ** Sra:*.” The Founder of Forestry in New Zealand.—The present generation of Foresters have often heard the history of their Order, but. only in a casual way has any reference been made to the man who made history in New Zealand. In the columns of the Christchurch “ Star ” on Saturday. October 30, 1 926, the following report appeared:—“The founder of Forestry in New Zealand, Richard Woodford, with his wife and family, arrived by the Randolph on December 16. 1850, and on January 1, 1852, he opened the. Court Star of Canterbury of the Ancient Order of Foresters, which va*= the first in New Zealand. The remony took place in the old Golden Fleece Hotel. ... Tn 1886. at the age of seventy-eight, he died, and was buried at Kaiapoi on April 24. A beautiful pedestal of white marble was erected over his grave.” Court Woodford (Kaiapoi) perpetuates his memory and special attention has been given recently to the renovation of the pedestal that marks his resting place. Court Star of Canterbury, A.O.F.— Chief Ranger Brother G. W. Calvert presided. Brother C. W. F. Higgott, P.C.R., and Brother F. J. Weakley. P.C.R., reported on business transacted at the quarterly meeting of the United Friendly Socieites’ Dispensary Committee. After the close of business, members entertained their wives, lady friends and members of Court Queen of Canterbury. Music for the dancing was supplied by Brother W. Rodgers, and Brother S. H. Ashby was M.C. Miss Betty Drury danced a Highland fling and sword dance. M.U., X.0.0.X*. Official Handbook.—Quite up to the standard of previous issues is the recently published ••Handbook’’ of the North Canterbury District. A bio-

I graphical sketch of the District Grand Master (Brother F. Cole) is . included, ! and ranks him among men most worthy i of the position he occupies by virtue of his service to the order. Statistical information relative to the membership, funds, etc., qualifies the claims of the society as the " largest, richest and foremost friendly society in the world.” The total membership in the world at the end of 1932 was 2,004,404, with a total capital of £25,877,085, and the receipts for 1932 were £2,995,213. The increase of capital over the 1931 figures was £533,158. The New Zealand membership for the same period was 34.241. the total capital £1,652,492, showing an increase over the previous year of £46,664. The North Canterbury District’s accumulated capital (total funds) represents £ll 8,225, and the membership 2 875, and sick pay was distributed to the extent of £4141. The benefits of membership, hospital bed scheme, scale of contributions and the appeal for support to the U.F.S. Dispensary precede a most interesting list of programmes, of lodges, designed to meet the intellectual and social requirements of members. Each year sees the introduction of more attractive items at lodge meetings, and recently a programme of “ silent movies ” was given in a lodge room. X.0.0.X*. Golden Link (Rebekah) Lodge.—On Tuesday, June 19, the lodge will celebrate its twenty-sixth anniversary by a social and dance in the Rolleston Street Hall. The usual meeting will conclude early to enable the members to participate in the social, during which Sister Mrs Were, who has been a member for twenty-five years, will cut the two-tier birthday cake. Invitations have been issued to the principal officers of sister lodges, and a large number of visitors have expressed their intention of attending. X.O.R. Philipson Tent.—The Chief Ruler, Brother K. M’lntosh, presided, and reminded members that collectors were required for the forthcoming Y.M.C.A. and Y.W.C.A. street appeal An invitation was received from Woolston Tent to attend its anniversary social on June 18. Brother Martin reported on the Juvenile Tent, and also announced that the next meeting would be attended by Ark of Refuge, Star of New Brighton and Addington Tents. A sixpenny dance followed the meeting, at which over sixty members and friends enjoyed the music supplied bv Brothers W. Bayliss and F. A. Judkins. Supper was served by sisters of the Tent. Riccarton Juvenile Tent.—There was an attendance of thirty-three juveniles and. five adults. C.R. Brother D. Robinson, who presided, welcomed Brother and Sister Dwight from the Linwood Tent. Four new members were initiated. The Linwood Tent challenged Riccarton to a basketball game on Saturday, June 16. After the meeting a social hour was spent. Sunshine Tent.—Brother A. Harris presided over a fair attendance. An invitation was received from Whakaora Tent to be present at their meeting on June 16. After the business, games were indulged in. Star of New Brighton Tent. —Brother T. Tindall presided and welcomed the Provincial C.R., Brother T. Nuttall. Invitations were received from Philipson Tent to attend their meeting on June 21, and from Woolston and Riccarton to attend tlieir respective dances. A motion of sympathy was extended to Brother Jones in his illness. Brother Nuttall then installed the following officers: P.C.R., Brother S. Tindall; C.R., Brother A. J. Cockle; D.R.. Brother A. E. Cockle; Levite. Sister I. Gott; Guardian. Sister B. Woodyatt; stewards, Brothers C. Spedding. B. Rice; secretary. Sister I. Hull; supporter. C.R. Sister H. Cockle. The installations of treasurer. Brother F. Woodward, and Superintendent Juvenile Tent, Brother A. Bonnington, were held over until next meeting. It was decided to invite the C.E. Men’s Club to the next mcetU.A.0.13. Mistletoe Lodge.—The Arch Druid, Brother F. Thompson, presided over the half-yearly meeting, and the report of the quarterly meeting of the U.F.S. Dispensary was given by Brother G. S. E. Donaldson. The auditors (Brothers W. .L. Thomas and F. Hughes) reported on the balance-sheet for the half-year, and congratulated the lodge on its strong financial position. The installation of officers was conducted by District President Brother W. Keen in a most efficient manner. A lecturette by a representative of Kodak, Ltd., will be given in the lodge room on July 2, and it was decided to invite members of city lodges to be present. Visitors were accorded a welcome, and responses were given by P.G.P. Brother C. Ives and Brother Fox (Moturoa Lodge, New Plymouth).