MANCHESTER UNITY

Evening Star, Issue 22449, 21 September 1936, Page 14

MANCHESTER UNITY

'The official visit to the Loyal Outran! Lodge on Monday evening was well supported by the city and suburban lodges, some 120 visiting brethren being welcomed by N.G. Bro. S. Mann, who expressed appreciation at the fine response to the local lodge’s invitation. All lodges were represented, including nine members from Loyal Victoria (Milton) and a representative of Loyal Dalton (Balclntba). District officers present were P.G.M. Bro. E. Hey, P.D.G.M. Bro. H. Alpine, and P.P.G.M. Bro. J, D. Cameron. The N.G. and P.G. Bro. Barclay were appointed delegates to the half-yearly district meeting at Lawrence. In responding to the toast of “The District Officers,” the P.G.M. expressed pleasure at the large and representative gathering, com gratulnting the lodge on the success of the function. Me suggested that, as a tribute to those members who had journeyed from Milton, the Outram Lodge should endeavour to arrange a visit to Loyal Victoria Lodge on its official vist in November. The P.G.M. touched on the forthcoming district meeting, and outlined arrangements for this. Following the close of the lodge an enjoyab'e programme was contributed by Miss Dick (songs).

Miss N. Walker (songs), Bro. H. Walker (cornet solos), Miss Joan Townrow (tap dance), ducts being contributed by Miss Dick and Bro. JO. Snow. A vote of thanks was accorded the performers, alter which members were entertained to supper, the evening concluding with a dance. At the monthly meeting of the Past Grands’ Lodge, held in the District Chambers, Stuart street, on Tuesday evening, P.G. Bro. M. Isaac presided. The feature of the evening was a paper by P.P.G.M. Bro. J. A. Hobson on ‘ Has the Friendly Society Outlived Its Usefulness?’ The speaker traced the origin of friendly societies in England, where they were on a very modest basis in the beginning, to the present day, when the great majority of members looked upon them as insurance societies. During the period 1991-35 it was natural that membership should remain practically stationary, but latest returns indicated an increase. He maintained that the society had not outlived its usefulness. The strongest factors to consider were the changing economic conditions and a State system of national health insurance. Bro. Robson contended that the friendly societies had played a large part in educating the people to the necessity for a State system. However, a State system could never take the place of friendly societies, the outlook of which was not limited to con-

tributions and benefits. The subject was later thrown open for general discussion, and various aspects dealt with, a hearty vote of thanks being accorded Bro. Robson for fiis interesting paper. The fortnightly meeting of Loyal Centenary Lodge was held in the Wesley Street Hall on Monday evening, N.G. Bro. W. Davidson presiding over a lair attendance of members. The chief business of the evening was a discussion on .the business paper for the half-yearly district meeting, and the election of three delegates to represent the lodge. V.G. Bro. A. Parker and P.G.s Bros Roscvear and Sellar wore appointed, and given a free hand on the remits. After the close of business members took part in table tennis. N.G. Bro. J. .Stevenson presided at the fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Cavcrsham Lodge,, held in the Lodge Hall. Eorbury Corner, on Wednesday evening. A welcome was extended to District Grand Master Bro. W. Anderson, of the Nelson district, the visitor later making response. An invitation was received from the Royal Oak (U.A.0.D.) Lodge to attend a social evening on September 28. Correspondence was also received regarding a visit from West Coast brethren on the occasion of the Rugby match on September 26, and arrangements were made to entertain the visitors at a function that evening. The Loyal

Alexander Lodge also wrote with reference to a visit. It was decided to send two delegates to the district meeting, P.S. Gro. •]. List and P.P.G.M. Bro. J, Wilson being appointed. Later the lodge adjourned to entertain members of the juvenile lodges. The fortnightly meeting of Loyal Albion Lodge was held in the M.U. Hall, Stuart street, on Thursday evening, N.G. Bro. 11. Rosevear presiding. Motions of sympathy were passed with the relatives of the late Bro. J. Willoughby, a member of over do years’ standing, whose death occurred recently at Christchurch, and with P.G. Bro. H. Stewart on the death of his father. A visitor from the Loyal Progress (Christchurch) Lodge in P.G. Bro. Kinvig, was welcomed to the meeting. The order paper for the district meeting was briefly discussed, and notice of a late remit received from the Prov. Cor. Sec. N.G. Bro. Bosovear, Bro. Truesdale, P.G.s L. E. Anderson, R. M. Stewart, Penny, and P.P. G.M. P. W. Stabb were appointed delegates to the meeting. One new member was initiated and _ two propositions for membership received. It was decided to hold a suitable function on October Id to celebrate the anniversary of the lodge.