NEW LODGE OPENED.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4870, 26 August 1925, Page 3

NEW LODGE OPENED.

ODDFELLOW SHIP AT NETHERTON. AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY. For some months past the members of the Loyal Jubilee Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., Paeroa, have been quietly working towards enrolling a sufficient number pf membens to form a lodge at Netherton. Until the desired number was obtained Netherton residents were initiated in the Jubilee Lodge. The efforts, of the local lodge culminated last night, when a separate lodge was opened at Netherton with a membership of sisters and brethren totalling 37, and a dispensation was granted. The ceremony was very impressive, and is regarded as an epoch-marking event in the annals of Oddfellpwship, especially in the history of the Loyal Jubilee Lodge and the district oi Netherton.

The proceedings, which were held in tiie Netherton Hall, were opened in due form by N.G. Bro, T. M. Wilkinson, assisted by teh officers and members of the Loyal Jubilee Lodge, after which the lodge rose to receive the Auckland Provincial Grand Lodge officers. Control was then handed over to P.G. Bro. J. W. Edwards, Provincial Grandmaster, who was assisted by the following Grand Lodge officers : P.G. Bro. J. McLeod, district corresponding secretary; P.G. Bro. F. M. Bushell, district grand warden ; P.G.’s Bros. G. Fallon, A. D. McGuire, W. L. Lawrence, J. M. Fox, R. W. Medhuret, W. North, and C. E. J. Gwilliam.

After the Grandmaster had installed his officers the members were upstanding to receive P.G. Broi T. Aitken, Deputy-Grandmaster for New Zealand.

An initiation ceremony was then proceeded with, during which 10 sisters and 11 brethren were admitted to membership in the Order. The opening of the new Loyal Netherton Lodge was impressively conducted by the Grandmaster, and the following officers were duly installed : N.G., Bro. J. A. Harms; 1.P.M., P.G. Bor. C, A, Stembridge, (appointed by Grand Lodge) ; V.G., - Bro. P. Harold ; F.S., Bro. C. E, J, Gwilliam; E.S., Bro. C. McNeil; treasurer, Bro. Jamieson ; trustees, Bros. W. Harold, A. T. Vowles, and R. H. Heappey. The honours of the Order were conferred on the Grand Lodge officers and the Loyal Netherton Lodge officers and members.

In replying to the welcoriie the Deputy-Grandmaster fpr New Zealand (Bro. Aitken) extended fraternal greetings- to the new lodge, which, he said, was the youngest lodge in New Zealand.. (Laughter.) It was very gratifying, he said, to find a lodge open its career with such a large and enthusiastic membership, and the ceremony that' night was a happy augury for its future. On behalf of the Grandmaster and Board of Directors lie wished them every sucess and prosperity. '

P.G; Bro. McLeod expressed pleasure at having the privilege of taking part in the opening ceremony, and pointed out that the members were now full partners in the great Oddfellowship movement. The benefits of the Manchester Unity were worldwide, with farthei’-reaching effects than members at first realised, He congratulated the members on their enthusiasm and desire to. improve their own status in life and extend the hand pf friendship to their fellowbeings. He trusted th.at the lodge would prosper and increase in membership.

P.G. Bro. Edwards, Provincial Grandmaster, in an impressive and interesting address, briefly outlined the aims and objects, of Oddfellowship, and on behalf of the Auckland district congratulated the members on the forward and laudable step taken that evening. He expressed pleasure at having the ifonour pf dedicating the lodge, and wished it every success. Bro. Edwards said that the fraternal side of Oddfellowship should be fostered and cultivated to the full, and he counselled the members to at all times take an intelligent interest in the affairs and working of the lodge, and to loyally support the officers. Tiie social side of Oddfellowship, he said, was gradually taking its rightful place in the world, and he had noticed as lie travelled round that where an Oddfellows lodge existed in a district that lodge was the social centre for many miles around. N.G. Bro. Wilkinson, on behalf pf the Loyal Jubilee Lodge, extended fraternal greetings and hearty congratulations to the new lodge, and assured the members. that his lodge would always be willing to help ‘‘the baby” at all times.

P.G. Bro. Stembridge, on behalf ot the Loyal Netherton Lodge, warmly thanked the Grand Lodge officers for attending, and also the officers and members of the Loyal Jubilee. Lodge for the valuable assistance given. He paid special tribute to P.G. Bro. iW. North, who, he said, had been mainly responsible for the bringing about of the new lodge. At the conclusion pf the ceremony a sumptuous supper was served, after which a dance was held.