FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 222, 19 September 1928, Page 16

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

DOINGS OF THE LODGES. i THE ATTACK ON THE MOVEMENT. .Members' of Friendly Societies were deeply interested and astounded to read in the Press of a Lutheran, pastor's attack on the great movement to which they belong. Certainly the reverend gentleman does not seem to know a great deal about his subject. The large majority of clergymen of all denominations realise that, by their principles and teachings, the societies seek to further the work of the Christian Church, but in no way to usurp its duties. Speaking at the opening of the new Manchester Unity Buildings, Bro. 11. G. Adams, president of the Auckland United Friendly Societies Conference, said that he placed the work of the Friendly Societies next to that of the Church. The facts are eimply that all the societies are based upon Christian foundations. Some of the Orders, like the Rechabites, trace their origin right back to Biblical times. Every society has a beautiful and impressive ritual, by means of which the great cardinal principles of the Order arc impressed deeply upon the members. Among the great truths taught by the various Orders, are the Sovereignty of God and the brotherhood of man. the immortality of the soul, a future life depending on the manner the present life is lived, and the vital importance of the principles of love, benevolence, truth and fidelity.. .It is not possible for any person to carry out the lessons taught by a Friendly Society without becoming a better citizen and a truer Christian. If the pastor will seek a deeper knowledge of his subject, lie will find that instead of the societies being antagonistic or a hindrance, they are some of the Church's best helpers. The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Manukau Lodge, 7479 M.U., 1.0.0. F., was held on Monday evening in the Friendly Societies' Hall, Grey Street East, Onehunga. There were visiting sisters and brothers from Loyal Franklin, Dominion, : Remuera and Parnell Lodges. There was a splendid attendance, and after the usual lodge- business the evening was taken up with dancing and supper was also eerved. During the evening vocal solos were rendered by Messrs. C. A. Pople and Gallie (jun.), and Miss Davidson, of the Loyal Dominion Lodge, alto gave recitations. HAEATA REBEKAH LODGE. With three new lodges opening in a3 many weeks, and several events of more than usual importance occurring in the older lodges, members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows have been somewhat busy during the past month, but the lure of an enticing counter attraction did not deter the attendance of a large and enthusiastic number of members at Point Chevalier on the 13th September to do honour to the good sisters and brothers of the new Haeata Rebekah Lodge on the occasion of thtfir first installation of officers. Sister E. L. Newbold, L.D.D.G.M., in an efficient manner, installed the following sisters into their respective chairs:—Noble Grand, L. Davidson, P.N.G.; A.P.N.G., J. Hoffman, P.N.G.; vice Grand, E. K. Hardley; rec. secretary, E. E. McMillan; fin. secretary, L. W. Newbold; treasurer, P. SomCYville; warden, A. Rae; cond., P. Shepherd; chaplain, A. M. Gunn; R.S.N.G., E. Nunn; L.S.N.G., J. Scarlett; R.S.V.G., E. McAuliffe, P.N.G.; L.S.V.G., M. Boles; R.A.S., IT. Paul; L.A.S., A. Scarlett; 1.G., C. Belchamber; 0.G., H.E. Gage; organist, A. M. French. Bro. J. E. Belchamber was appointed Preceptor. The L.D.D.G.M.'s suite consisted of Sisters M. L. Tailby, P.L.D.D.G.M., as D.G. warden, and the following Past Noble Grands: —A. Gear, D.G.R.S.; S. Doull, D.G.F.S.; E. McAuliffe, D.G.T.; R. Howse, D.G.C.H.; L. Boles. D.G.Mar- I. Bee, D.G.C.; G. Cressen, D.G.1.G.; S. Clarke, D.G.H.; C. Brown, A.C.; S. Leyland, R.S.N.G.; S. Thomas, L.S.N.G.; and B. Forbes, R. and L.S.V.G. Addresses of congratulation, admonition and advice were given by Sister E. L. Newbold, L.D.D.G.M.; M. J. Hooper, D.D.G. Sire; R. C. Gray, P.G.M.; and Sister L. M. Tailby, P.L.D.D.G.M. A telegram of good wishes was received from Sister W. Culpitt, P.N.G., and Brother R. L. Brewster, P.G., presented to the lodge a handsome pair of _ oak gavels. Sister L. Davidson. P.N.G., in a happy speech expressed thanks for the good wishes and for the gift, and her appreciation of the honour of being installed as the first Noble Grand of the new lodge. She voiced her realisation of the responsibility of the office, outlined the policy she intended to pursue in regard to administration, and spoke feelingly of the absence of Sister Culpitt, P.N.G., who, though selected as the first Noble Grand, had had to forego that honour owing to the calls of filial duty demanding her absence from Auckland for some time to come. ONEHUNGA LODGE ACTIVE. The Light of Manukau Lodge, U.A.0.D., held their fortnightly meeting on Wednesday, the A.D., Bro. Large, presiding over a fair attendance. The visitors included the Royal Arch Druid. P.D.P. Bro. Gregory, and Bro. Blakemore, A.D., of Newmarket Lodge. An interesting letter bearing fraternal greetings was read from Bro. W. J. Jordan, M.P., at present in America on the Empire's business. Invitations to social functions were received and j accepted from Court Edith Cavcll, j A.0.F., and Court Pride of Onehuniiii. A.0.F., Bros. Stone and McKinstrv being appointed to represent the lodse. Bro. Gregory, P.D.P., gave an interesting address on the "History and Working of the Royal Arch Chapter." The address was greatly appreciated by the members, who passed a hearty vote of thanks to the speaker. The birthday of the lodge will be kept on October 10, when the meeting will start promptly at 7.30 p.m. and close not later than 8.30 to'allow extra time in harmony. The Court Pride of Onehunga, A.0.F.. had a good attendance at their last meeting and a great deal of business was put through. Invitations from Courts Edith Cavell and Balmoral were received and accepted, whilst the social committee reported that arrangements were well in hand for the old members reunion and ladies' night, to be held on the 26th inst. The resignation was received with regreet of Bro. Thrussell, J.W., who has removed from Auckland. This brother has been very popujar and | the members wish him every success in '. bis new sphere. The election to fill the j vacancy in the office of J.W. resulted in ! Bro. Barker, 5.8., going up to J.W., Bro. I H. Clark, Js., to 5.8.. and Bro. Heirrb- j way being elected J.B. These officers i were dully installed .by Bro. P. Jamicson, ! C.R., assisted by Bros. S. King and Agnew. One randidate was initiated into the mveteries of the Order, the | C.R. being assisted by Bro. It. Jury, •

I.P.C.R. Interest is now centred on the 26th inst. and a great night is anticipated. The Pioneer Juvenile Lodge, No. 9, U.A.0.D., met on Thursday evening at Onehunga, Bro. Mayes, A.D., presiding. The result of the spelling competition held a fortnight before was announced as follows: —First prize, Bro. J. Brown; second prize, Bro. H. Brown; third prizes, Bros. B. Taylor and L. Whiteman. The two books presented by Broi Pace to the boys bringing in most new members during the quarter were won by Bros. R. Barfoot and C. White. Several interesting features are being arranged for the boys in the near future. At the close of t'be Judge a meeting was held of the adult committee and several matters -were formulated to be placed'before the Grand Lodge Executive on its visit to Auckland on the 19th inst. The Loyal Chevalier Lodge, 3J.U - 1.0.0. F., held its fortnightly meeting on Thursday last, a large number of members, as usual, being present. For the first time for many months, no candidates were presented for initiation, but the lodge is now in a strong position. Very keen competition is taking place for the rosewood bedroom chair promised by Bro. Xorris, P.G., to the lady member who introduces the most financial members to the lodge. At the conclusion of the meeting, ping pong was indulged in, and a ladies team chosen to defend the unbeaten record held* by the lod<re Arrangements are well in hand for the annual ball. > MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE. The Auckland United Friendly Societies Conference met on Tuesday evening i» the Manchester Unity Hall the president. Bro. H. G. Adams, presiding Jhe chief business of the evening ~as the consideration of the new hospital agreement. Correspondence was read irom tlw* Hospital Board agreeing fo make .the adjustments asked for by the conference. Tt was then resolved to advise all societies to sign up for the indoor treatment as per the agreement reached. With regard to the outdoor treatment the schedule of proposed charges is to be sent to all societies; who will make their own arrangements with the board. The question of the proposed amendments to the Municipal Corporations Act was discussed, and tins matter was referred to the executive. A welcome was extended by the president to the delegates from the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, who were present for the first time, and the whole meeting was marked by a fine spirit of unity and brotherhood. THE OTAHUHU LOIXGE. The Otahuhu Lodge, No. 147, o f the Independent Order of Odd Fellows continued its progress on September 12 when in the presence of a large number of members and visitors from Auckland and Franklin districts the establishment formalities were completed. Prior to the installation of officers a team of Past Grands from Epsom Lodge, No 88 conferred the initiatory degree on candidates for membership. Epsom Lodee is noted for the excellency of its exemplification of this degree, and lived up to its reputation, the ceremonial work being of a very high order, .reflecting great credit on all who took part* Nomination and election of the first officers of the Otahuhu Lodge followed to be succeeded in turn by the installation of those officers. Brother P S Newbold, ».D.G.M., was the officiating officer, an collaboration with Bro D R Cooper, 1.P.G.M., who installed the eub-' ordinate officers. The other assisting officers were Brothers R. C. Gray. PGM as D.D.G. Warden, C. Davidson, "pV as D.D.G. Rec. Sec, H. G. Adams, G.Con" as D.D.G.F. Sec, H. N. P.D.D.G.M., as D.D.G. Treas., C. A JoT.' son. P.G.. as D.D.G.Ch.. A. J Guv P.D.D.G.M., as D.D.G.Mar.. J. Santo' P.G., as D.D.G.Con., and J. H. Hill p g ' as D.D.G.G. TJ.e installed elective officers of the Otahuhu Lodge were — Noble Grand, Bro. W. E. Watkins, P.G.Act. Past Grand, Bro. R. L. Piper, P.G Vice-Grand, Bro. F. Craft, P.G.; Bea Sec Bro E. G Read; Fin. Sec, .Bro. I. L. CotterviUe; Treas., Bros J t> Guthric. After the Grand Mas'tert greeting and felicitations had been tendbV PZ D £ GM " the brethren were addressed by Brothers D. R. Cooper, LP.G.M., M. J. Hooper, D.D.G. Sire D Pemberton, D.D.G.M.. of Franklin djV trict, R. C Gray P.G.M.. H. G. Adams, G.Con., and A. J. Guy, I.P.D.D.G.M and representatives of many lodges tendered the good wishes of their respective branches Bro Watkins, N.G., thanked the members for having placed him in the principal chair, and the speakers for their kindly words of encouragement and congratulation.