DRUIDISM

Evening Star, Issue 20057, 24 December 1928, Page 3

DRUIDISM

The Otago Lodge, No. 1, held its annual .children's night on Monday, A.D. iiroi A; R. Rankin having the pleasure, of presiding over, a ..full-House. Before the ladies and children were admitted preliminary business was ,speedily- earned through, and accounts .passed' for payment. The secretary’s, half-yearly balancc-sheot was. presented and adopted, several members "expressing their gratification ,at the,healthy state of the lodge finance. The meeting then adjourned, and the guests of the evening admitted. The-major portion-of the programme was composed of items rendered by the . pupils of Miss M. Ee — r. Several others contributed to the night’s .entertainment, and Ihe Highland dancers , are -to. lie complimented on their splendid dancing. The young folk thoroughly enjoyed a visit from Rather Christmas, and toys of every description were .quickly distributed, to the-eager and expectant children. ,

The Lily’-of the Willey Lodge held its thirtieth anniversary meeting .on Wednesday in..the Millar Street Hall, North-east Valley. The ordinary meeting was opened early, when A.I). Bro, M’Bratney presided. The members and visiting brethren adjourned to the hall attached, and proceeded to carry out the evening’s programme. Visitors included Grand Secretary Bro. W. H. Steel, G.G. Bro. G. Thompson, P.A., Bro.- Hunt, Board of Management, and other distinguished visitors. P.D.P. Bro. G. H. Green presided, and extended a hearty welcome to all, after which .a most enjoyable evening was spent, items being contributed by Bro. E. M'Farlano, -Bro. Butler, and Bro. A. R. Rankin and orchestra. The ]•’ Tory of the lodgo for’the past thirty years was listened to with great interest, especially by' the charter' members who were present—viz., P.D.P, Bro. J. Freeman and P.A. Bro. E. Thompson, P.G.P. Bro. A. H Shelton, who was district grand secretary at the opening of the lodge, addressed the assembly, and-was listened to with interest by the members Tlio toasts 1 were responded to as follows: —“ G. Lodge and Board of Management,” by G.S. Bro, Steel, G.G. Bro. Thompson, and P.A. Bro. Hunt; others by P.G.P. Bro. Slid ton and Jack, D.P. Bros. Rushbridge and Johns, P.D.P.s Bro. Knox; R.A'. • Chapter, Bro. Walker; character members, by Bro. Thompson. 'l’iie various representatives from sister lodges also responded. During • the evening several photographs were presented on behalf of donors by P.D.P. Bro. Fanlds, and P.A. Bro. H. A. Green was presented with a framed diploma by G.G. Bro. Thompson. Bro. R. W. Carr was accorded a very hearty, vote of thanks for the photos presented to the lodge by himself. A.D. Bro. Clark' was greeted with a good attendance of members and visitors at the annual meeting of Jvanboe Lodge, G.P. Bro. A. Walker and D.P. Bro. Rnshbridgo paying an official visit. One candidate was initiated and three proposed for membership.' The half-yearly balance-sheet was presented and adopted, members favourably commenting ,on tlie lodge's sound financial position. The election for district pro-' sklent was carried out, and the nsuai toasts duly honoured and responded to by the visiting brethren. D.P. Bro. Rnsbridge, assisted by G.P. Bro. Walker, then installed the following officers in a very lihpressivo maimer A.D.. Bro. Rainbow; V.A., Bro. Bundle; secretary, Bro. H. Brockie; treasurer, Bro. C. IT. Wilson; J .G., Bro. I. Anderson; 0.G., Bro. Brown;.. A.D. bards, Bros. Borrow and Graham; V.A. bards,'. Bros.'Heather and Wilkinson; M.S., Bro. W. Brockie; pianist, Bro, W. L. Williams; M.C., Bro. J, Reeves. The annual children’s Christinas treat was held on Wednesday night, about 250 adults and children attending. A.D. Bro. Rainbow welcomed the visitors in a few wellchosen remarks. Items were contributed during the evening by Bro. W. H, Fyfe, Misses Grace and Walker, Bros. H. Isaacs and W. L. Williams, and Miss Ogg. Father Christmas was in attendance, and .with his assistants dispensed toys to the children, who, upon retiring, received a big bag , of lollies. The night was, indeed, a great success, and the lodge is gratified with the excellent results obtained. The meeting of All Nations’ Lodge was held on Tuesday night, A.D. Bro. Smytlic presiding over a good attendance, The roll of officers was ,called, and the following were absent :—V.A., Bro.'Hodge and J.P.A. Bro. S. M‘Alpine. One candidate was . initiated, after which the balance-sheet was received and adopted. It was decided to hold the.children’s night this evening. The election for district president was conducted, Bros. Brockie and Kerr acting as scrutineers. P.D.P. Bro. Wilson, assisted by Bro. Kerr, ably installed the officers lor the ensuing six months. Several brethren spoke with reference to the work of the late secretary, and be was. accorded a hearty vote of thanks.' It was nrjanged that the secretary and treasurer' should pay all sick pay, as the lodge will not be meeting for, a month. The' visitors and members extended the. season’s greetings; and the - lodge 'Was''thereafter closed. , , , ......

The final meeting for the year of Enterprise Lodge was held last Wednesday evening, with A.D. Bro. Kilgour in the chair. One candidate was initiated. As the next meeting will fall daring the'holidays, it’was decided not to meet, the secretary being authorised to pay sick_ pay in the interval, the lodge "resuming again on January 10. The business was quickly disposed of, all members being anxious to admit the children for their annual night. A large number attended, and enjoyed themselves with games, etc., until the arrival of Father Christmas, who presented each of the smaller children with a toy of some .sort or other, to the great amusement of all. Solt drinks, ice cream, and cakes were handed round, and from all appearances everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. The Syllabus Cornmitteo is deserving of thanks for the very creditable, manner in which every item was carried, out, everything going smoothly and without a hitch. A.D. Bro. Kilgour thanked the'parents and children for their, presence, and with the singing of the National Anthem the evening was brought ,to a close, seasonal greetings being extended to aii.' ' ' ■