MANCHESTER UNITY.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17447, 6 July 1928, Page 8

MANCHESTER UNITY.

LOYAL HAMILTON LODGE. SILVER JUBILEE. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the above Lodge a very large and representative gathering took place in the Lodge Room, Toorak Chambers, on Thursday evening, about 120 being present. Tables were laid out, and an excellent repast prepared by the members of the local Lodge. The toast list was as follows: — “The King,” proposed by the N.G., Bro. W. Peters; “Manchester Unity and Auckland District,” proposed by P.D.G.M. Bro. Syers, and responded to by the D.6.M., Bro. W. Gubb and the D.D.G.M., Bro. F. Best; “Visiting Officers and Members,” proposed by P.G. Bro. T. W. Thompson, and responded to by a representative of To Awamutu, Te Kuiti, Cambridge, Morrinsville, Huntly, Wanganui and Remuera Lodges. Presentation. “Charter Members of Hamilton Lodge.”—Before proposing this toast, the Grand Master for the Auckland District, on behalf of the Hamilton Lodge, presented a handsome gold jewel, suitably, engraved to the Brethren who -joined the Lodge the night the dispensation and warrant was granted by the District to form a Lodge in Hamilton, and who are still good on the books. Twenty-four joined on June 19, 1903, and there are six of this number still carrying on, and occupying a prominent position in Oddfellowship. The toast was responded to by P.G. Bro. R. Mills and P.G. Bro. Ti. Veats, who outlined the early workings of the Lodge, also quoting happenings of 25 years ago in Hamilton.

The District Grand Master also presented P.G. Bro. Taylor with a framed Past Grand’s emblem, on behalf of the members of the Hamilton Lodge. Bro. Taylor, in thanking the Lodge for the handsome gift, stated it was within the reach of any young member to win a similar honour, by attending the Lodge regularly and carrying out the duties of his office in a thorough manner. The toast of "Loyal Hamilton Lodge” was proposed by I.P.D.G.M. Bro. Perry, and responded to by Sister Howie, 1.P.N.G., “The Ladies” was proposed by V.G. Bro. Hcbditch, and responded to by P.G. Sister M. Dempsey. The toast of “Absent Brethren” was drunk in silence. During the evening items were, rendered in first-class style by Mr W. Fenton, who was repeatedly encored for his efforts. Elocution items were also given by Bro. Skinner (To Awamutu) and Bro. Qusley (Hamilton), after which dancing was indulged in, the gathering terminating with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne.” Mrs Masters officiated at the piano.