ORDER OF DRUIDS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10275, 9 May 1919, Page 7

ORDER OF DRUIDS

* ROYAL''AROiI CHAPTER,

The monthly meeting of the Royal Arch Chapter, No. 4, U.A.0.D., was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday night,, there being a large attendance. The Past President, Bro. A. J. Norris, presided. Telegraphic apology was accepted from Bro. W. J. Pope, who was unable to attend through illness. An apology was also received from the Grand Treasurer, Bro; J. H, Laughton, who had intended being present, but was prevented hy sickness. The Past Arch Degree was conferred on one candidate, and the First Degree on three members of the Order.

The election of officers resulted as follows:—Royal Arch Druid, Bro. T. A. Mollison; Royal Vico-Arch, Bro. A. H. Smith; Secretary, Bro. F. G. Potter; Treasurer, Bro. W. Orombie; R.A.D. Bardsj Bros. W. H. Crouch and T. G. Sarjeant; 11.V.A. Bards, Bros. B. Abel and A. J. Norris; Inside ‘Guardian, Bro. W. J. Pope; and Minute Secretary, Bro. P. Mullins, Owing to the absence of Bro. Pope, his installation had to ho deferred,' all the other officers being installed in their respective positions by Past President Bro. O. D. Hargreaves, assisted by P.P. Bro. J. Johnston.

The Grand President of the Order was present in his official capacity. During the evening ho made a presentation on behalf of the Chapter of a Past President’s jewel to Bro. A. J. Norris, who suitably acknowledged the token of the members’ appreciation ot his good work. ' . The balance-sheet was received and adopted, and flattering references were made to the good work done by the retiring Secretary and Treasurer, Bro. Sarjeant, during the past eighteen months.

A vote of sympathy was passed to P.P. Bro. J. Middleton in connection with his recent accident, and the hope was expressed that lie would soon be On his feet again. Votes of thanks were accorded to Bro. Hargreaves for the splendid Installation ceremony ho had carried out; to the judges for their work In connection with the recent ritual competition; and to Bro. D. Conper, of the Northern Oak Lodge, Dargaville, for his visit to the Chapter. The G.P., Bro. Flanagan, before retiring, eulogised the good work of the Chapter, and made special reference to the pioneering work done hy Bro. W. K. Bishop, now in Australia, who had done much for Druidlsm, and was the promoter of several lodges In the early days. Bro. Flanagan said ho was very pleased with iho impressive installation ceremony carried out hy Bro. Hargreaves. Ho congratulated the Chapter on the personnel of its officers just installed, and predicted further usefulness and prosperity for the Chapter in the future. The reports of the judges in connection with the recent ritual competition announced the Pride of Brooklyn Lodge to bo the winner, followed by the Island Bay and Coronation Lodges in the order il’amod.

Bro. Nbrrfs t at the June meeting, will open a discussion on the value of Royal Arch Chapter work to the individual lodges, and it is expected this will evoke considerable enthusiasm.