DRUIDISM

Evening Star, Issue 22143, 25 September 1935, Page 2

DRUIDISM

A.D. Bro. R. Walker presided over the recent meeting of West Harbour Lodge, when there was a large attendance of members. The lodge rceived a visit from A.D. Bro. Bartlett and officers of the Star of Tuapeka Lodge, Lawrence. The syllabus for the evening was a lecture on ‘ Early Druidism,’ by Mr Barnes, who has made a very close study of the early history of Great Britain. D.P. Bro. Jeljey, of No. 2 district, and D.P. Bro. Forbes, of No. 5 district, were received with musical honours. At the request of the visitors from Lawrence the West Harbour officers went through the initiation ceremony in a very impressive manner, the A.D. of Star of Tuapeka expressing Ins pleasure at seeing such a fine working which would prove beneficial to his lodge. Several of the visitors responded to the toast, and expressed the hope that this visit would be the forerunner of many more. This was the first occasion that this lodge had paid an official visit to a town lodge for 33 years. Items were rendered during the supper interval by the lodge and Miss R. Connor. It is the intention of West Harbour Lodge to pay a fraternal visit to the Star of Tuapeka Lodge at some future date.

The Lily of the Valley Lodge, No. 11, U.A.0.D., met on Wednesday last. Arch Druid Bro. H. A. Green presided over a fair attendance of officers and members. The bards reported favourably on sick brethren, and sick pay amounting to £3 13s 4rt was passed for payment. It was resolved that the syllabus for 1936 be drawn up on similar lines to the present year’s syllabus. It was decided to entertain the ladies at progressive euchre next lodge night, and that the customary prizes be given. P.A. Bro. H. Winter reported on paying a visit to Ivanhoo Lodge, and was thanked by the arch druid. The toast of “ The Visitors ” was responded to by P.A. Bro. R. Finder, of Ivanhoo Lodge. The fortnightly meeting of Pride of Sfornington Lodge, No. 14, was presided over by A.D. Bro. D. Esplin on Thursday last, a fair muster of members' being in attendance. Correspondence included a letter from Lily of the Valley Lodge with a challenge for the cribbage shield. It was found necessary to decline this challenge owing to a prior challenge_ received at the last meeting, and which it has now been decided to play on October 17. The bards reported that sick members were progressing satisfactorily, and sick pay and accounts were passed for payment. One new member was initiated into the ranks of Druidism. The efficiency judges were present for the purpose of judging the lodge for the efficiency competition, and before the close of the meeting gave the members some very helpful comments on lodge working. The toasts honoured were as follow: “ The King ” * “ District President of No. 2 District,” replied to by D.P. Bro. Jolley; “ The Efficiency Judges ” ; “ The Visitors,” replied to by P.A. Bros. Walsh and Thomson, of Good Intent Lodge, and Bro. W. Johnson, of Enterprise: and ‘‘The Newly Initiated 8r0.,” replied to by Bro. Stewartsen.

The Olivo Branch, Juvenile Lodge, was presided over by P.A. Bro. Bradshaw in the absence of A.D. Bro. Connell. There was a good attendance. The bards recorded no sick members. A general discussion took place in regard to the syllabus for the coming year, and many interesting suggestions were made. P.A. Bro. Driver reported that arrangements for the handball competition with the Scouts had been made for Saturday evening. The following team was selected:—Bros. Powell (2), Aitken, Mann, Hall, Murphy, King, and Cleveland; Supt. Bro. Morris in charge. An invitation was accorded P.G.P. Bro. Huston for an account of his trip to the Homeland. At Linden’s Pride’s fortnightly meeting there was a good attendance, Arch Druid Bro. E. Dick presiding. There was no sick pay and the bards reported that no members were sick. The 1936 syllabus was considered, the members showing keen interest and arranging a popular programme for next year. Members of Myrtle Lodge were the guests for the evening, and were entertained at handball and shooting. Bro. M'Phorson, of Myrtle, supplied much enjoyed pianoforte items.