ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XLV, Issue 21, 5 November 1923, Page 2

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

LOYAL ABBOTSFORD LODGE’S JUBILEE. THE PROGRESS OF HALF A CENTURY. On the Bth of October Royal Abbotsford Lodge of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows completed its fifty years of active service, and the importance of the occasion was fittingly celebrated at a complimentary dinner held in the Municipal Concert Hall on Friday evening, when about 130 members and their lady friends and a large number of guests were entertained at a sumptuous repast tabled by Mrs Ness. Representatives were present from most of the otliei lodges of Hawke’s Bay, whilst Messrs Quigley (Dannevirke) and Bryce (Waipukurau) represented the Disriet Officers. After full justice had been done to the good things provided the remainder of the evening was devoted to toasts, interspersed with songs and instrumental selections.

Mr Quigley, District Grand Master, in proposing the toast “Abbotsford Lodge,” coupled with the name of Mr A. E. -Tull, spoke enthusiastically of the good work which the Manchester Unity had done and was still doing in the world, and of the great influence which Abbotsford Lodge had had on the Waipawa district. He was pleased to know that some of the earliest members of the lodge were present, and it must lie particularly gratifying to them to see the splendid results which had crowned their early efforts. Mr Jull gave 25 years of service to the lodge as secretary. When he took office the funds stood at £4165, and when lie retired in 1919 they amounted to £13,800. Members of Abbotsford could justly boast of their wealth, and he hoped that this prosperous era would long continue. The Manchester Unity was one of the strongest benefit societies in the world. When the call to duty came in 1914 its members responded nobly, and the lodges kept its absent members good on the hooks. In conclusion Mr Quigley urged the younger members of Abbotsford to take a keou interest in the lodge work, and suggested that consideration be given to the advisableness of admitting lady members.

In reply to the toast Mr Jull related some interesting incidents in connection with the early days of Abbotsford. The first secretary was Mr H. J. Baker, who earned the respect and esteem of the whole district. Nine members were initiated the first niglit, including Mr M. Collett, lii the early days the lodge filled a very important place in the social life of the community. Members used to attend lodge far better then than they do now. Any brother living within a radius of five miles who missed a lodge meeting was fined kalf-a-crown, and it was collected, too. The anniversary was an event to he looked forward to. It included a procession, sports, dinner and a ball. Members did not mind paying for their fun in those days, either. Receiving wages four times less than in the present day, they would contribute a guinea to the cost of the day’s festivities. There was no two shilling touch, and ladies a basket. In conclusion Mr Jull urged that the benefits to be derived from membership of a friendly society should be strongly impressed on the young people. Mr li. M. Rathbone, proposing the toast “The Old Members of Abbotsford, ’ said three of the original mem-

hers were present that, evening—Messrs M. Collett, C. H. Arrow, and W. Ellingham—whilst two others, Messrs D. Gollan and, G. Rose, resided in the district. Mr Collett was the first N.G. of the lodge, he having been an Oddfellow for five years before he came to Waipawa. He was also instrumental in opening lodges at Waipukurau, Forangahau, Tikokino, Kaikora North and Takapau. Mr Arrow now resided at Pahiatua and Mr Ellingham at Takapau, and both had come to Waipawa specially to attend the lodge’s jubilee celebration. If the presentday members only showed half the interest in their lodge that their elders did the financial position, strong as it was now, would be very considerably

improved. Replying to the toast Mr Collett gave some interesting remineseences of the early days. Then, he said, they thought nothing of walking home from Waipukurau and Otane after lodge meetings. Nowadays everyone must have a car. He urged the younger members to carry on the good work.

Mr C. H. Arrow, pointing: to the benefits of friendly society membership, said he had brought up a big family, but had never had to pay for a doctor. His advice to all young people was to join up. Mr H. C. Collett, in proposing the toast “Manchester Unity, Hawke’s Bay District,” stressed the point that the Oddfellows constituted one of the largest and wealthiest societies in the world. It was started over a century ago by a few men who met together for the purpose of alleviating suffering. No society had looked after its members during the war as had the Manchester Unity, and it cost the society in sick pay alone £lB,350. The speaker read apologies from Messrs W. G. Martin, H. Bull, and J. B. Fielder for their inability to he present.

In reply Mr Quigley said the combined funds of the Hawke's Bay lodges totalled £70,00(1, and the membership was 1700. He thought the time had arrived to consider a scheme for the amalgamation of the various friendly society interests with a view to effecting economy in administrations and securing greater benefits. Mr Bryce also spoke in reply to the toast. Mr L. Pratley proposed “Kindred Societies, ” which was responded to by Messrs Holt (Druids) and Harker (Hibernians). “Our Medical Officers” was proposed by Mr F. Peters. In the course of her reply Dr. Maddison threw out a suggestion that a wealthy lodge like the Oddfellows might consider the formation of a lodge for the delicate —those who could not get a clean doctor’s certificate. Dr. South said his 10 years’ connection with the lodge had been pleasant in every respect, and so far as he knew there had been no complaints on either side. “Visiting Lodges” was proposed by Mr Critehley and responded to by representatives of Napier, Tavistock, Hastings and Meanee. Mr Lewi's proposed “The Ladies,” and Mr Milburn replied. Vocal and instrumental items were given during the evening by Messrs Blackie, Woods, Gallagher and Logan. A very happy gathering broke up at about 11 o’clock with (lie singing of the National Anthem and “Auld Lang Syne.”