DRUIDISM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 52, 20 November 1946, Page 5

DRUIDISM

DISTRICT PRESIDENT FAREWELLED

BRIGHT DISTRICT GATHERING

Representatives of the Te Puke, Eclgccumbe and Whakatane Lodges of the Ancient Order of Druids, gathered in the Masonic Hall last Monday evening for the purpose of farewelling Brother and Sister J. J. H. Gattsche, who have both been prominent in the establishment ©f the movement in the district. Bro. Gattsche, who has held the position of District President for some time, was described by speakers as an indefatiguable worker, who had, from his youth, been responsible for furthering the interests of the Lodge, wherever he lived.

The gathering numbered well over 100, and can only be described as one of the most successful in the history of the Druids Lodge in this district. Bro. J. D. Rivett PA. AD. presided, and associated with him were Bros. J. Mullins P.D.P. P.S. (Edgecumbe), H. M. Carter P.D.P. A.D. (Edgecumbe) and Bro Duncan (Mistletoe Lodge, Blenheim). In presenting Bro. and Sister Gattsche with an electric kettle, on behalf of the Edgecumbe Druids, Bro. Mullins said that Lodge members had come to regard them both as the joint founders of the Whakatane Lodge No. 97. Bro. Gatfttche had carried out the duties of District President in a manner which had done credit to himself and to the movement. Both he and his wife and son could be described as valued ambassadors of Druidism. Bro. Rivett, speaking for the Whakatane Lodge said that what was Whakatane’s loss would be Napier’s gain, though he was looking forward to the time when the Gattsche family would once again return to their friends in Wlfakatane. He then presented the guests with an electric toaster.

Other speakers joined in paying tribute to the Gattsche family, and wished them well in their new sphere.

Replying, Bro Gattsche expressed his regret at leaving Whakatane. He realised the wrench it would be for all members of his fdmily to go, but he assured all present that the friendships made in town and district would always be treasured memories to them.

An appetising repast was served by the ladies of the Lodge, and a number of toasts, capably handled by Bro. H. M. Carter as Toastmaster, were honoured. Details were as under:—

‘The Loyal Toast’ Bro. Carter; ‘The United Ancient Order of Druids’ Bros. Hunter and J. J. H. Gattsche; ‘Visiting Lodges and Friends’ Bro. R. F. Morgan and Bros. Duncan (Blenheim), H. C. Phillips (Edgecumbe), Webby (Te Puke), R. Atkinson (Rotorua) and Mr C. Kingsley-Smith; ‘Absent Members’ Bros. H. Neal (Whakatane) and C. Zinsli (Edgecumbe); ‘The Ladies’ Bro. W. Smith and Sister J. Blair (Edgecumbe) and Mrs H. M. Carter; ‘The Gentlemen’ Sister Blair and Bro. J. Mullins; ‘The Chairman’ Bro. H. M. Carter and Bro. J. D. Rivett; ‘Lady Helpers and Caterers’ Bro. H. M. Carter and Sister J. Howat.

Items given during the evening were by Bro. J. Mullins, Sister G. Zensli and Sister J. Howat. The evening concluded with an informal dance for which music was supplied by Bro. Webby (piano accordion) and Bro. Cottrell (piano).