ODDFELLOWS HALL

Waipukurau Press, Volume XVIII, Issue 66, 11 March 1933, Page 8

ODDFELLOWS HALL

RE-OPENED IN HASTINGS ADDRESS BY N.Z. GRAND MASTER Another milestone in the history of the Loyal Hastings Lodge of the Manchester Unity Oddfellows was laid last evening when the hall in Market street was re-opened amid due ceremony and an atmosphere of goodwill and prosperity. There was a big gathering of members and friends, and in addition almost all the kindred societies in Hastings and various branches of the province were represented. The chairman, Noble Grand Bro. F. AV. Franklin, on behalf of the lodge members, extended a hearty welcome to the visitors from kindred lodges and also to the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Roach). When officially declaring the hall reopened the New Zealand Grand Master, Bro. H. S. M. Quigley, of Dannevirke, stated that he considered the occasion important not because the re-opening of the hail was. in itself, anything beyond a social gathering and rally of Oddfellows, but because he recognised that a great opportunity offered itself for renewed progress on the line of undoubted efficiency and fraternal understanding. He mentioned how the hall had been of incalculable value during and after the earthquake period up to the present time, for services other than those of the lodge itself.

After extending the greeting of the New Zealand branch to the Hawke's Bay district the Grand Master formally declared the hall re-opened, with the sincere wish that it would bring to the Hastings Lodge prosperity and

happiness. A brief and interesting resume of the history of the Hastings Lodge was given by District Grand Master Bro. P. J. S. George, whilst expressions of goodwill were extended by Deputy District G.M. Bro. E. Gibbard (Dannevirke), District Sec. Bro. J. Williamson, I’.D.G.M. (Napier), Past D.G.M. Bro. L. Stein (Dannevirke) representative of kindred lodges and societies, including Bro. G. Reg. Cook P.G. (Tavistock Lodge) and Bro. J. Cable (V.G.) Abbotsford. The addresses were intermingled with musical items contributed by Bro. D. F. Sturm (songs), Bro. P. J. Priest (recitations), Mrs. Priest (songs) and Bro. Maisey (songs). Following supper the floor was cleared for dancing.