U.A.O.D.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 370, 17 June 1911, Page 5

U.A.O.D.

! + The above initial letters denote in their serious aspect the "Unicej and Ancient Order of Druids," being the title a world-wide organisation which claims.to be "united to assist." Apart from the serious side, however, these same initials could be construed as representing "United in the Ambition to Obliterate Dismaiity. Young people generally—as their forebears before them—have learned to read the latter meaning into the title, and when they happen upon a locality new to them and find amongst its institutions a lodge of this Order, they know intuitively there is a healthy substratum of sociability in the community they have joined. Certainly to those few who have not learned, the chances are that this splendid society may suffer by association with its undoubtedly grotesque official robes—■ which are liable to induce sombre reflections.

Te Kuiti has its Druids' Lodge—but a few months old, yet even now is it putting forth proofs of determination to uphold the repawned principles of the great Order. On Wednesday evening a euchre and dance social was held in the Town Hall, and proved a marked success. Tables were set on the stage for a progressive euchre tournament, and patrons had choice of cards or dancing. The card tables were filled, and there were sufficient couples in addition for a very pleasant dance. Mr Feran superintended at the tables, and the games were conducted with the utmost despatch. The first prizes were eventually won by Miss Mabel Grinter and Mr Carl Scott respectively, whilst Mr E. Thompson was presented with something he "could" beat —a toy drum. A committee of ladies had provided supper on a most generous and sumptuous scale. Dancing continued till midnight, and altogether these Druid socials —which are promised at three weeks' intervals -must prove a delightful attraction for the winter evenings. Capital music for the dancing was played by Mr S. Gill, with extras by Messrs D. and J. Hetet. The popular Arch Druid, Mr E. C. Tassell, was a painstaking M.C. The ladies' committee comprised Mesdames Tassell, Feran, Fletcher, and Simpson. Messrs Tassell, Simpson, Fearn, Fletcher and Fullerton, the social committee, proved worthy Druids.