A DRUIDIC GATHERING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2854, 5 March 1925, Page 3

A DRUIDIC GATHERING.

RITUAL SHIELD CONTEST. Last evening a party of 15 members of Manawatu Lodge U.A.0.D., No. 73, Foxton, motored to Levin to attend a gathering of Druids representing Lodges throughout the Manawatu district, the occasion being the annual ritual shield contest. The local lodge, which has held the shield since 1022, entered a strong team under the supervision ot P.A. Bro. E. Fuller who acted as M.C. The team consisted of J.P. A. Bro. G. H. Hinds, A.D. Bro. R. Mayer, V.A. Bro. R. Chaffey, Secretary P.A. Bro. S. liowan, I.G. Bin. W. McKnight, A.D. Bards Bros. D. Ball and F. Lockwood; V.A.B.’s: P.A. Bro. S. E. Cowley and Bro. D.‘ Duff, candidate: P.A. Bro. J. Parker. It was anticipated that some teams representative of Otaki, Paraparaumu, Shimon and Levin would challenge the holders, and in consequence, Foxton Druids have been assiduously rehearsing for the event foi some time. It turned out, however, that Otaki Lodge was the only other competitor entering two teams. After a very interesting contest, Foxton was declared the winner by a narrow margin. An excellent supper followed during which the shield was presented to the winning team by the judges, who congratulated the Foxton Lodge on the efficient and effective manner in which it had withstood the determined efforts of Otaki to annex the trophy. The “we sma’ hours” saw fifteen tired but happy warriors returning to their homes, satisfied that the high reputation of Foxton in Druidic circles at least, had been amply maintained.