DRUID’S LODGE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 87, 17 June 1946, Page 5

DRUID’S LODGE

WHAKATANE BRANCH FORMED * __________ INAUGURAL MEETING HELD A meeting to inaugurate a new branch lodge of the United Ancient Order of Druids, at Whakatane took place in the Caledonian Hall last Wednesday evening, representatives of the Grand Lodge in the persons of the Grand President, Bro. F. Ramsbottom of Patea, the Grand Secretary, Bro. A. L. Williams of Petone, the Grand Treasurer, Bro. J. B. Gauntlett of Wellington and the Past Grand President, Bro. H. S. Abel, also of Wellington, officiating.

An explanation of the objectives and present activities of the Order was undertaken by the Grand Secretary, who covered the history, the growth, present standing, financial position and advantages of membership of the Lodge. The new branch of the Order which was to be opened that night in the Caledonian Hall, he said, had been brought into being mainly through the pioneering work of the District President, Bro. Gattsche and a worthy past officer of the order, Bro. J. Rivett.

Twenty-four new members were initiated at the opening ceremony,' and twelve more signified their willingness to join at the following meeting. The preliminary meeting held immediately prior to the inaugural meeting was under the direction of officers and members of the Edgecumbe Lodge, Bro. Carter, Past District President, being the presiding officer. At the main meeting, the Grand President, Bro. F. Ramsbottom, assisted by the visiting Grand Lodge Officers and Past Officers of the Edgecumbe and Rotorua Lodges conducted the impressive ceremony of officially opening the new branch, which was named Whakatane Lodge of Druids No. 97. The election of officers was proceeded with as under:— Ach Druid: Bro. J. Rivett. Vice Arch Druid: Bro. Gillard. Secretary: Bro. R. F. Morgan. Treasurer: Bro. NealInside Guardian: Bro. Henderson. Outside Guardian: Bro. Dines. Arch Bards: Bros. Hewitt and Cruse. Vice Arch Bards: Sisters N. Rivett and Poulson. Trustees:' Sister M. G. Gray, Sister W. C. H. Rivett and Sister T. S. M. Heaslip. Auditor: Bro. C. W. Good. The question of forming a Juvenile Branch whereby children between the ages of 8 and 16 years would be catered for by benefits similar to, but on a lower scale to those existing for adult members was also discussed. * At the conclusion of the meeting, the Grand Lodge Officers stated that they would leave Whakatane carrying happy memories of outstanding hospitality, and extended sincere and fraternal thanks to all those who had made their short stay so enjoyable.