DRUID PRESENTATION.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 27 December 1901, Page 2

DRUID PRESENTATION.

Notwithstanding the shortness of notice, a goodly number of Druids assembled at their Hall yesterday morning to say good-bye to Trooper Brother Frank Brown, who left for the front this morning. Visiting Brother P.A. Richard Martin, of the Excelsior Lodge, Wellington, was also present, and was accorded a cordial welcome. The A.D., Brother T. Redmond, on calling the Lodge to order, said no one regretted more than the members of the Lodge that more time had not been allowed, so that their parting with Brother Frank Brown could be of a more demonstrative character. However, Bro. Brown could rest assured that he carried with him the hearty good wishes of his Brothers in the Lodge. On behalf of the Lodge he had much pleasure in asking Bro. Brown to accept the S’osent which he now handed to him. e hoped when in camp at night, when his duty w*as done, he would light his pipe and think of his brother Druids. He could assure hiui that they would always think of him. Bro. Redmond, in conclusion, could only say they were quite sure that Bro. Brown would by his conduct prove that he was a credit to the Lodge, to the Order, and to the Colony ho was going to assist in representing - he only hoped that opportunity would offer, and that their departing Brother would make the most of it, and bring back a Victoria Cross to Greymouth. Brother Frank Brown, who received a most enthusiastic cheer, said unfortunately his brastorical power had been neglected ; consequently he could not say one-half what he would like to say, and

what he really felt. He had only bee n ten months in Greymouth, and from the moment he landed to the present each day had brought some new friend or some fresh illustration of West Coast kindness. Ho had travelled the colonies a good deal, but without egotism. Ha conld safely affirm that the past ten months had been the happiest he had ever spent, and ho very much regretted leaving it. He hoped, however, soon to be back, but whilst he was away it would be his constant endeavour, so demean himself, that by his conduct he would not do anything to bring either discredit on himself or the Druids. The meeting closed with three cheers for Trooper Brown.

Tile present, a set of pipes, tobacco much and match box* were from Mr Garth’s establishment.