MANCHESTER UNITY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19472, 6 May 1925, Page 12

MANCHESTER UNITY.

The Loyal Centenary Lodge meeting was presided over by N.G. Bro. Y\'. Locffler. One member was initiated. The report of tho delegates to the Dispensary Committee was discussed. That body was congratulated on its forward policy, and assured of tho cooperation of members. The Social Committee reported that tickets for the dance were selling well and success was assured. The card match against the Dunedin Lodge was won by default, and regTOt was expressed at this break in the programme. The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Oamani Lodge was presided over by Bro. Edwards, there being a good attendance of members. Two members were initiated and three were proposed. The position of Elective having been vacated by Bro. W. Payne on his transfer to Christchurch, Warden Bro. M'Nary was elected to the vacancy. Bro. Campbell was appointed Warden and Bro. H. Kent Guardian. Per. Sec. Bro. W. Couper reported on the district meeting, and paid a tribute to the Kaitangata Lodge. Tho lodge decided to compete in the banner competition at Dunedin on May 2. A stir was created in the Loyal United Brothers Lodge, at Cambrian, when an official visit was received from the Xaseby and Maniototo Lodges. The Prov. C.S. Bro. J. A. Hopcraft was also present, and it was recalled that he had opened the lodge in 1897. The chairs wore taken by the officers of Maniototo, who conducted an initiation ceremony in good style. After the business a smoke social was held, the Prov. C.S. occuping the chair, and with music, song, and story the closing hour came all to soon. The hope was expressed that visits between these neighbouring lodges would be more frequent, so that the fraternal bond would be closely established. The visitors' toasts were responded by Naseby, Maniototo, Hand and Heart, and Albion Lodges, and the Prov. C.S. on behalf of .the executive. The'occasion was a notable one for Cambrian, where the work is carried on under great difficulties. Loyal Caversham held a s-ood meeting, N.G. Bro. R. W. Gilliand presiding. It was announced that the Juyenile Ledge \.ould reopen on May 6. A ballot for delegates to the Dispensary Committee resulted in the election of F.P.G.M. Bro. J. Wilson, P.G. Bros. P. Rendel and Russell. The matter of a ladies' lodge was briefly discussed, and a committee was appointed to consider the matter and report. It was intimated that a basket social would be held on the next lodge night, May 13. A progressive euchre tournament was held for prizes presented by G.M. Bro. Rail ton. Bro W. Wallace proved the winner, P.G. Bro. M'Kenzie bein? second. Bro. Railton was thanked for his generosity. Loyal Centenary Lodge responded to the toast of tho visitors. Loyal Ttmpeka Pioneer Lodge, Lawrence, was well attended. One candidate was proposed for membership. Regret was expressed at the resignation of G.M. Bro. J. Roberts, who was leaving the district. Bro. Roberts, during his three years' connection with the lodge had been an enthusiastic and diligent worker, and a special vole of thanks was accorded to him for his valued services. Loyal' Queen of Otago Lodge, Kaitangata, met in its Lodge Room, a good attendance being presided over by Sis. L. Clements. Complimentary letters were received from several lodges in gratitude for tho local conduct of the various functions at the recent district meetinsr. The siima voted on that occasion by the delegates to the local Plunket Society and for hospital comforts wore arranged to bo dealt with by the Per. Pec. and N.G. The team for the competition at Tapamii in June lias selected, and practices were arranged. Prov. G.M. Bro. A. Wylio addressed the meeting, and outlined the future work of the executive. The ritual was under close consideration. P\G. Bro. Campbell responded on behalf of Loyal Alexandra, and G.M. Bro. J. Robertson on behalf of the Loyal Pride of Kaitangata. Three new members wore initiated and one proposed. An enjoyable social and danco was held, during which the lodge choir and several brethren contributed items. A pleasing ceremony took place when P.G. Bro. Edwards was presented with an Auto Strop safety razor in recognition of the services he had rendered to the Indies' lodge since its inception. Bro. Edwards, with his nol'd vocal ability, will be sorely missed in the lodges and community. A very largo gathering of Oddfellows took the opportunity to do honour to the retiring P.P.G.M.. Bro. J. A. Robson, and to the ladies of Kuitangata through their representative, ~S.C, . Si's, L. Clements. PP.G.M. Bro. H. C. Russell, on boh.-'lf of the Loval Vallev Lodije, presented P.P.G.M. Bro. J. A. Robson with a framed and illuminated minute as a token of appreciation. Bro. Russell expressed the gratitude of members of the M.II. for the untiring efforts of the recipient in the interests of the order. His remarks were heaTtily seconded by those present, who, with special toast and cheers, gave evidence of their support. P.P.G.M. Bro. Robson suitably responded, assuring those present that the friendships formed through service were amnio reward. The Prov. G.M. Bro. A. M. Wylie then addressed the. following to tho N.G. of Loyal Queen of Otago Lod'jre: Dear Sister Clements, —All who attended the recent district meeting were loud in their praises of the chief representative of the Loyal Queen of Otatro Lodge. This was chiefly on account of the fact that the great social function was conducted in such an excellent manner. I feel sure I voice the opinions of all when I say that they were rurprised to find that a young lady Oddfellow should prove herself so competent to handle such a gathering. Tho delegates from the city lodges and the executive, with a desire to mark their appreciation of your effort, hereby offer a little gift, hoping that you may see in it the spirit that has prompted tht> giving, fraternal regards and approval of your efforts on their behalf, and that they wish you the best in life." The Prov. G.M. then handed a silver inkstand to Sis. Clements, and the meeting showed its hearty concurrence by special toasting and cheers. Sis. Clement-s, in response, stated the lady members of Kaitangata wore delighted to learn that their maiden efforts to run the functions of a district meeting had been so signally successful, and would also appreciate the honour done to their chief officer. She expressed the hope that ladies' lodges would be started in the citv, feeling sure, that the same would materially assist the work. The meeting of the Loyal Pride of Tvaitangata Lodge was fairly well attended, and was presided over by N.G. Bro. H, A. M'Dowell. One candidate was proposed. It was noted with regret that Bro. M'Dowell was leaving the district shortly for To Aroha. Reports were given of a specially pleasant visit made in company with the Ladies' Lodge' to Loyal Alexandra, Port Molyneux, who had splendidly ontertainod them. A team practice was held in ritual work, a degree meeting was held, and P.P.G.M. Bro. Thos. Middlemass conferred the same on several brethren. An event of interest to members annually is the competition held between the various lodges in the rendition of the initiation ceremony. The winning lodge becomes tho holder of the beautiful banner as a token of their win. This competition eventuated on Saturday, May 3, in the District Chambers. The keen interest taken was shown by the largo attendance, the spacious hall being quite filled with interested listeners. Seven lodses —Centenary, Oamani, Hand and Heart, Valley, Albion, Mosgiel, and Dunedin—entered teams who had been well prepared in the work P.G. Bro. W. H. Hutton acted in the onorous capacity of judge, assisted by Prov. Treas. A. Sligo and P.G. P. Stabb. The competition proved keen, and some exceptionally ifine renderings were given, the standard probably being the highest yet reached. The judges' verdict declared the Hand and Heart team the winners with 302 marks, Albion 294, and Valley 282 being close attendance. Tho judge also reviewed the work of the evening, and P.G. Bro. Stabb followed with his criticism ot the decorum of the competing teams. A special toast was given in honour of the visit of a team from Oa-maru, which was taking part in this competition for the first time, and its zeal in making the long journey was highly commended, and the creditable performance it put up was very pleasing. The proceedings closed at 11 p.m. with a vote of thanks to Frov. G.M. Bro. A. M. Wylie for presiding.