FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 1 December 1927, Page 7

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

TWO ORDERS FRATERNISE.

FORESTERS AND ODDFELLOWS.

A very pleasant gathering took place in the Masonic Hall , Waipu kurau. on Tuesday night, when members O'f Court Buahiuo (Ancient Or der of Foresters) and Loyal Tavistock Lodge (Manchester Unity Inde pendent Order of Oddfellows), as well as visiting brethern of the Or ers involved, met to celebrate the close of the 1927 scries of card contests for a silver challenge cup. The function was presided over by Bro. A. C. Holms, P.D.G.M. who at the outset welcomed the brethren and apologised for the absence o/ Bros. W. G, Bryce. P.D.G.M., and E. H. Leigh. Among the numerous toasts honoured was that of “Court Ruahine," proposed by Bro. Holms, who eferred to the -fact that both the lodges would celebate their jubiloe in the same year 1929. The respective Orders had been founded in England in 1810 (Manchester Unity Oddfellows) and 1834 (Foresters), but had been preceded by the Hibernians as an Order viz., 17th century, although not until the passing of the Catholic Emanci pation Act of 1829 did the latter become active in Britain. The Friendly Society movement had continued to grow in New Zealand, and now ap proximated 95,000 members. Practical backing to these fraternal activties to the extent of nearly £300,000 an nually and accumulated funds'of ovei £3,300.00d, represented the security for the benefits payable. Bro. F. S. Hopkinson stressed the need for Parliamentary watchfulness of the interests of Friendly Societies. During his 20 years service in Court Ruahine, good fellowship had ever been manifested between the Oddfel lows and Foresters and it was a great pleasure thus to /raternlsa. Bro. Dowriek remarked upon the formation of a Friendly Societies' Council for the Central Hawke’s Baydistrict as marking a valuable eon summation and one in keeping with the need referred to by Bro. Hopkin son. He felt confident that its in finance for good would be ultimately felt. In his remarks, Bro. Taylor express ed the viewpoint that the Ladies Lodge in Waipukurau (Arlington Rebekah) deserved every encourage ment, and he hoped to see ladies present at the next re-unlon. Among the veterans accorded a place of honour at the function was Bro. H. J. Hartley, who has been a Forester for 50 years. Excellent vocal numbers were contributed by Bro. H. M. Tansley, and musical items by Bros. S. Mann, T. Cooper (guitar duets). J. Windle L. Maloney (violin ffue'ts), and 'the Foresters’ Orchestra (Bros. F. 11. Hopkinson, conductor, S. Annand, A. P. Green, L. Maloney and C. F. Haycock). The accompaniments throughout the evening were capably played by Bro. Haycock. With the singing of “God Save the King," and “Auld Lang Syne.” the very sociable re-union concluded.