AN APPRECIATION.

Waipawa Mail, Volume LXII, Issue 20, 30 October 1933, Page 3

AN APPRECIATION.

OF SERVICES RENDERED. IN THE CAUSE OF ODDFELLOWSHIP. One of the principal items on the programme of the diamond jubilee celebrations of Loyal Abbotsford Lodge on Friday evening was the presentation of a cheque and an easy chair from the Hawke's Bay District to Bro. W. G. Martin, in recognition of long and valued service to the Order, but owing to ill-health he was unable to be present and take part in the function. The presentation was made, however, according to schedule, Bro. H. Bull acting as deputy and undertaking to convey the good wishes of the meeting to Bro. Martin.

In making the presentation Bro. N. J. McKay stated that at the last District meeting it was decided to recognise Bro. Martin’s service by the presentation of a cheque and a memento. Bro. Martin had selected’ an easy chair for the latter, and a suitable inscription on a silver plate was being prepared for it. Bro. Martin was District Secretary for ten years, and only gave up the position as a result of ill-health. He still retained the position of District Treasurer. He was always most conscientious in the carrying out of his duties, and he expected the same sendee from lodge secretaries as he was himself giving.

Eulogistic references to the work done by Bro. Martin in the interests of Oddfellowship were made by Bros. 11. Bull, J. P. Williamson, P. Bollons, W. G. Bryce, and P. George. Bro. Martin joined the Woodville lodge 46 years ago, and was secretary for three years, when he left Woodville to take up a position in a Hastings school. On a vacancy occurring in the Hastings lodge he was appointed secretary, and acted in that caps, city for 11 years, when he removed to Napier. Shortly afterwards Bro. Fennel retired from the position of lodge book examiner, and Bro. Martin was associated with Bro. Bull in the work for over thirty years. On Bro. Fielder retiring from the position of District Secretary by reason of advancing years, some ten years ago, Bio. Martin was appointed to the vacancy, and he held the position until his retirement for health reasons.

In the course of a letter of acknowledgment Bro. Martin says: — “ Practically I have held some official position in the administration of Oddfellowship in Hawke’s Bay for a period extending over forty-six years, and members will realise my sincere regret at having to relinquish a work which I have loved so well,, and have carried on for such a long period. I desire to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for the present you have made me, and also for the kindly consideration which has been invariably extended to me by the members, and to say how much I regret not being N ablc to express them personally.” ‘