FIFTY YEARS AGO.

Waipawa Mail, Volume L, Issue 106, 31 May 1929, Page 1

FIFTY YEARS AGO.

ODDFELLOWSHIP IN WAIPUKURAU. UNIQUE GATHERING. The fiftieth anniversary of Loyal Tavistock Lodge, No. 6342, M.U., was celebrated by a great gathering of members of the Oddfellows’ Order in the Municipal Theatre, Waipukurau, on Wednesday evening. The at-

tendance was estimated at between two and three hundred, every lodge in the territory with the exception of Wairoa being represented. Loyal Abbotsford Lodge took-over a large contingent, about 35 members supporting- N.G. Bro. Kingston and the Deputy Grand Master, Bro. N. J. McKay. In welcoming the visitors N.G .Bro. J. A. Chambers expressed his pleasure at seeing- such a large representation from Waipawa, as the members of Tavistock looked upon Abbotsford as their foster parent. A civic welcome to the visitors was extended by the Mayor, Mr R. McLean, who also congratulated the Tavistock Lodge on the wonderful progress it had made. Addresses stressing the marvellous growth of Oddfellowship throughout the world and the great benefits it had conferred were delivered by Bros. Quigley (N.Z.D.G.M.), Hurdsfield (D.G.M.), W. G. Martin, J. Williamson, and W. A. Chambers. The last-named dealt reminiscently with the early days of Tavistock Lodge, mentioning that Bros. Martin Collett, Robb and Brown assisted at the foundation of the lodge. Supper was served on the stage, followed by a dance which lasted well on to two o’clock, the music being supplied by the Te Tau Orchestra.