FAREWELL WISHES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1069, 7 March 1911, Page 6

FAREWELL WISHES.

BRO. J. KERSHAW'S DEPARTURE. A large and representative gathering of members of the 1.0.0. F., M.U., was held after the Loyal Britannia Lodge last evening, for the purpose of bidding farewell to Bro. i.Jnp. Jvershaw,. P,.C.5., who, with his wife,' is taking a trip to England, and while there is representing the society at the Annual Convocation of Grand Delegates. Amongst those present were: Bro. Hall, P.G.M. of the Wellington District, who presided, and was supported on the right by . the P.D.G.M., Bro. lbbotson. The P.C.S. Bro. Godbor occupied : thc G.M. chair, and the Registrar of Friendly Societies, Mr. Hayes, supported tho chairman on the left. Others present included Bro. Leslie, P.P.G.M., Otago, Bro. R. Kraghen, P.G., Masterton, Bro. A. Giblin,. Nelson, and Bro. E. Saunders, Napier. The chairman, on behalf of the district officers,, wished Bro. Kershaw bon voyago and a safe return, and testimony . was borne to the esteem and goodwill towards tho guest- by Bros. Leslie, Kraghen, Osborne, J. Smith, Godber, and others. Bro. Kershaw, on rising to reply, was greeted with an ovation. In returning thanks, ho said he only hoped he would deserve the praise which had been showered upon him. When ho became an Oddfellow he had made up his mind to do his utmost for the Order. He saw changes coming over the friendly society movement in the Dominion, and he hoped if there was anything to learn in tho Old Land he would prove an apt scholar, for tho benefit of Oddfcllowship here. In regard to legislation, tho Registrar was one who had the interest of his societies at heart, and he believed that, although he had been appointed the officer under the Provident Bill of last session, ho would be no party to anything detrimental' to tho friendly societies, but would endeavour to so work his Department that interests would not clash. He also spoke of the life and work of the late Bro. T. W. M'Kenzie, and trusted that his example wonld inspire the younger members of the Order. During the evening songs were given by various brethren and the Sisters of the "Sister Wallis Lodge."