U.A.O.D.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 480, 6 July 1912, Page 5

U.A.O.D.

FAREWELL SMOKE SOCIAL.

A large number of brethren of the above Order assembled at Hattaway and Fitzpatrick'3 sample rooms on Thursday evening, the occasion being to bid farewell to Bro. Dr Paxton (lodge surgeon) and Bro. A. Simpson (Past Arch), both of whom are leaving the district. Bro. D. Fletcher, A.D., took the chair at 8.30 p.m., and a long toast list was gone through. In proposing the toast of "Our Guest," Bro. Blackler referred in the most eulogistic manner to the great acquisition both guests had been to the Lodge, and that Bro. Dr Paxton had performed his duties to the entire satisfaction of all those with whom he had come in contact. The proposer said Bro. Simpson had worked hard for the betterment of the Pride of Te Kuiti Lodge since its inception, and had been zealous in his endeavours to make the social side the success it was. Several other brothers spoke to the toast in a similar strain, and the health of the guests wa<» drunk enthusiastically amid the flinging of "For they are jolly good fellows," and a Druids' chorus. Bro. Dr Paxton in responding, said he would always retain the most pleasant recollections of his association with the Pride of Te Kuiti Lodge. He had never had any cause to complain of the treatment which had been meted out to him, and he had never had a cros3 word during £his term as lodge surgeon. It was with profound regret that he was severing his connection with the Lodge. He trusted the lodge would appoint his successor, Dr Mcßae, to the position of permanent lodge surgeon, as he had every confidence in his ability, having known him personally for many years. The speaker concluded by thanking those present for the hearty manner in which they had drank his health. Bro. Simpson, in rising to respond, said he regretted very much having to sever his connection with the lodge, as he had been connected wiih it since its inception, and had always its best interests at heart. He had been granted permission by the lodge to complete his term in the P.A. degree in the Markino Lodge, Feilding, where he was going to reside, for which he heartily thanked the brethren. Bro. Simpson said that several speakers had referred to the good work done bv him in connection with the socials held last year, under the auspices of the Druids' Lodge, but ha could only say that whatever Mrs Simpson and himself had done for the lodge had been done whuleheartedly, and solely for the good of the Order. The speaker thanked all for having drunk his health in such a hearty manner. During the evening the health of the new lodge surgeon was drunk, and in responding to the toast, Dr McHae said that he was pleased to receive such a hearty welcome, and could assure those present that he had the interests of the Pride of Te Kuiti Lodge at heart. He was as yet untried by that lodge, but he hoped that by following in the footsteps of his predecessor, he would merit the respect and good feeling accorded to his old college friend, Dr Paxton. Several songs and recitations were rendered during the evening, and an enjoyable function was brought to a close by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," and the National Anthem. The thanks of the Lodge are due to Mr Wesley, as well as other brothers, for their musical items, to Mr Lipscumbe for his services at the piano, and to Bro. Warburton, lodge secretary, for the successful manner in which, he had arranged the function.