GISBORNE LODGE. I.0.0. F., M.U.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2229, 5 November 1907, Page 2

GISBORNE LODGE. 1.0.0. F., M.U.

THIRTY-THIRD ANNIVERSARY. At the Masonic Hall last night' a -banquet was given by the Loyal Gisborne Lodge to celebrate the thirtythird anniversary of the Lodge. Secretary Bro. Ambridge occupied the chair, being supported by N.G. Bro. ■S. McPherson and V.G: Bro. Sharland. In response to the toast- of the Unity, proposed by the oil-airman, P.G. Bro. J. AVarren stated that the Order .had 1,000,000 members, and had a capital of £30,000,000. P.G. Bro. W. Morgan proposed “The G.isborne Lodge,” and in doing so said there was no hotter training ground for young men tlun a Lodge. The Lodge had now 200 members and funds totalling £SOOO. In responding, the chairman said .lie had joined the Lodge in 1886, and had acted as secretary since 1892. He had been a member of a Lodge since lie was 10 years old. In 1884 the number of members of the Gisborne Lodge was 23, and in 1888 it was 22, but since that date tlie Lodge liad gone ahead until it was in its present satisfactory position. The oldest member of the Lodge who was still connected with the order was Mr. Mogridge, now of Marton, who joined in October, 1874. Three members who joined in 1875 were still living, and one wjio joined in 1876. As showing w-liat a friendly society would do he instanced a member of a New Zealand Ledge who liad received over £9OO in sick pay. Other toasts honored were: “Sister Lodges,” proposed by P.G. Bro. Schwabe, responded by Messrs. Kershaw (Britannia Lodge, Wellington), and Ensor (Waikato); “Kindred Societies,” proposed by N.G. Bro. McPherson, and responded to by Messrs. Sparrow (Foresters), Seymour (Druids), T. Holdswonth (Rechabites), and R. Robb (American Order Oddfellows); “Trustees Gisborne Lodge,” proposed by Bro. AY. J. Cox and responded by Bro. A. AA r . Rees; “Visitors,” proposed by V.G. Bro. Sliarland»a-nd responded to by Messrs. AA r . Pettie, Hia-wkins, -and Griffiths; “The Ladies,” proposed by Bro. Sim and responded to by Messrs. Bloore and Kershaw; “The Press,” proposed by Bro. M. McLeod; and “The Pianist,” proposed by the chairman. During the evening songs were given by Messrs. Griffiths, Horne, Goldsmith. Grieve, Zachariah, Bloore, and AV-holan, and Messrs. Si-m and Niclioll gave recitations. Mr. A. T. Hookey -gave every satisfaction at the xiiano.