RECHABITES ORDER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 205, 2 September 1935, Page 6

RECHABITES ORDER

CENTENARY CELEBRATION. The centenary social and dance of the Wanganui Tent of the Independent Order of Rechabites was held in the Victoria Hall on Thursday evening, when 180 members and friends had a most enjoyable evening. The Past Chief Ruler (Bro. H. Sole), in intro ducing the District Chief Ruler (Bro. Frank Davis, of Wellington), men tioned the activities of the Rechabite Order in Wanganui and the great brotherhood that existed among the members of the various lodges in Wanganui. He then introduced to members the following: Bro. Frank Davis. District Chief Ruler: Bro. F. B. Clarke, District Superintendent of juvenile members; Bro. W. J. Rogers, Mayor of Wanganui; Bro. E. Toomath District Grand Master, 1.0.0. F.; ’Bro. J. Phizacklea, D.D.G.M., Gilchrist Lodge, P.A., F.S.; Bro. C. Pearce, United Friendly Societies’ Dispensary; Bro. W. Hail, United Friendly Societies' Council; Bro. Me Kennan, 1.0.0. F.. M.U.; Bro. IL Loader, A.0.F.; Bro. .1. Norman. Aramoho Druids; Bro. 11. Robb, Hylton Lodge, 1.0.0. F.; Bro. A. Carmody, H.A.C.8.5.; and Bro. Ellis. Pyramid Lodge, 1.0.0. F. The District Chief Ruler (Bio. F. Davis) outlined the history of the Rechabite order, which started in Salford, England, on August 25, 1835, with eleven members. He quoted statistics which showed that at the present time the Rechabites have branches all over the world, and have a membership of over 1,500,000 and funds invested of over £6,500,000 in their adult branches. Their juvenile membership is about 350,000. Bro. Davis gave an interesting resume of his recent visit to the Old Country and of the wonderful reception given to him as a New Zealander, visiting the High Movable Conference in the British Isles. Mention was also made of a wonderful meeting held at Manchester on June 22, 1935, to

celebrate the centenary of the order, over 93,000 Rechabites from all over Great Britain being present. Coining to the activities of the order in New Zealand, the speaker mentioned that the first Tent in the district was opened in Wellington in 1866, the present strength being 46 Tents with 4408 adult members and funds amounting to £137,189. The juvenile section has 41 Juvenile Tents, with a membership of 2200 members (the present superintendent of juveniles being Bro. F. B. Clark, of Wanganui). A very interesting medallion in the possession of one of the Wangauui members was a Past Chief Ruler jewel for 1835. It is questionable if there is another one in existence.

His Worship the Mayor (Bro. AV. J. Rogers), said he was very pleased to be present to assist in the Centenary celebrations of the Rechabite order. Always an admirer of their principles, ho was glad to see so many present that evening, and especially delegates from all other Friendly Societies. The speaker suggested that all young people should become a member of a Friendly Society, and join that brotherhood that existed among Friendly Society memBro. E. Tuoipath, replying on behalf of the U.F.S. Dispensary, U.F.6. Council, and U.F.fcs. Hospital Association, and all tho Friendly Societies of Wanganui, thanked the Rechabite order for inviting them to be present at their Centenary social, remarking on- the wonderful growth of Friendly Socle ties during the last decade, especially the Rechabite order. The speaker referred to the friendly spirit that existed betwen all lodges in Wanganui, and of the esteem the lodges held for tho delegates of the Rechabite order, not only in Wanganui, but also on the Dominion Friendly Societies’ Council. Bro. I-’. B. (’lark, in reply, thanked the speakers and all delegates present. During the evening Bro. F. Davis. D.C.R., presented to Bro. 11. Sole his P.P.L’.R. medallion as a Past Chief Provincial Ruler of the Taranaki Provin- • ial Council. Bro. JI. L. Sole suitably replied. I Sam <’hesuutt’s Orchestra supplied ► th*- music for the dancing, the popular tunes being enjoyed by all present. ' Bro.•< hesnutt is the Wanganui Tent’s ( hief Ruler). The duties of M.C. were admirably carried out by Bro. W. IL Hurley. The Monte Carlo waitz was won by Miss Johnson and Mr. Gibbs; Miss Glennie and Mr. S. Burton; Mr. A Clark and partner. A very dainty supper wa« supplied by Mr. mid Mrs. Bowes.