Grand Sire Of Oddfellows Lodge Visits Wanganui

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 June 1948, Page 4

Grand Sire Of Oddfellows Lodge Visits Wanganui

In the presence of a large attendance at the Hylton Lodge Hall, Aramoho last night an enthusiastic welcome was given Bru. A V. Thompson, Grand Sire of the Grand Lodge of Australasia by the Wanganui Administrative District of the Independent Order of Oddfellows. Bro. Thompson was accompanied by Mrs. Thompson. After welcomes had been voiced by the deputy-Grand Master of the Wanganui District, Bro. O. E. Perrson, and Bro. A. Robb, District deputy-Grand Sire of the Grand Lodge of Australasia, and members of iocal branches of the Order, Bro. Thompson addressed the gathering. He thanked the speakers lor their sincere welcome and said that last year he had the honour of going to America where he attended an international conference of the Order. At this gathering one of the main objects was to resuscitate the activities of the Order in the countries of Europe which had been over run in the recent war.

When Hitler assumed power in Germany, the Oddfellows Lodge was one of the Orders which were abolished, said Bro. Thompson. All were unanimous that the work which had been hindered by the war should be revived, and the American bretheren, of the Order set themselves the task of raising 300,000 dollars for the purpose.

In his travels in America he had attended some historic gatherings and conventions of Oddfellows, added Bro. Thompson. One which had greatly impressed him had been held in Texas. At another he had been the guest speaker which had Deep attended by many prominent citizens in American life.

It was heartening to see the vitality of the Order in America and the visit, lie added, had been memorable. Bro. Thompson appealed to his hearers to take a keen and appreciative interest in the activities of their respective branches and spread the teachings of Oddfellowship. "We bring to you fraternal greetings from Australia” he said, and paid tribute to what had been accomplished in New Zealand.

A presentation of an autograph book from the district was made to Bro. Thompson and a copy of the history of Wanganui, given by the Mayor of Wanganui, the Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C., who was unable to be present. There was also an apology from Mr. J. B. Cotterill M.P.

Sirs. Robb presented Mrs. Thompson with a bouquet. During the evening opportunity was taken to present Past District Deputy Grand Master A. H. Page and Past District Deputy Grand Master F. L. Armstrong with lodge emblems. In making the presentations Bro. Thompson extolled the work both had done lor the Order.