A LODGE DINNER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 220, 11 August 1914, Page 2

A LODGE DINNER.

Very Successful Function. On Thursday evening between iifty and sixty guests partook of dinner at the Pukekohe hotel, under tho auspices of tho Loyal Pukekohe Lodge, 8063, M.U., 1.0.0. F. This was tho eight annual function of tho kind, and proved most enjoyable. The meal was an exeollont one, and the speeches that followed were interesting and informalivo. A feature of the gathering was the representative character of those present. P.O. Bro. A. E. Wilkinson presided and in proposing "The King " laid special stress upon the loyalty of the people here. The speech was along patriotic line.*, and eyoked loud applause. " The Governor," proposed by Bro. Aitken, P.P.G.M., was similarly treated and received. The chairman, in welcoming the visitors, said that practically every lodge in Aucklund, and from as far south as Ngaruawahia, was represented.

As Mayor, Mr C. K. Lawrio wol corned the visitors to the town.

In responding, Pro. G.M. Pople spoke of the handsome treatment which visitors always received at Pukekohe. Their appreciation of it was shown in the unique fact that there was practically a full set of officers present. He mentioned that Bro. Wilkinson kindly withdrew in the speaker's favour for the Grand Mastership, and he hoped the day was not far distant when this district would provide Auckland district with its Grand Master (applause.) It was a great pleasure to visit Pukokohe where such n keen interest was taken in the work of tho lodge. During the past year Pukekohe's sick fund had increased by about i" 100, which was very creditable This lodge had been exceedingly fortunate in its sickness, and if they advertised Pukekohe as being such a healthy place, they would soon have a big colony of Oddfellows hero. Ho spoke of the progress that he had noticed in Pukekohe. In tho Auckland district there had been a thousand pounds increase in the Bick fund, which showed that the monies were well invested. They paid out last year more in benefits than the previous year, and the total was £10,921 —sick pay £5866, funeral donations £lOl3, hospital payments £32 H, medical and medicine £3084, various distress cases £3O. These figures showed that the order was doing a great work, and that it was fulfilling the objects for which it was established applause.) Some 162 members were admitted during last year, and the Auckland distiict provided 50 per coutof the new membership. They lost some members becauso their system of clearances was not us simple as it might b9. The funeral fund was not taken advantage of ns fully as it ought to bo; that fund enabled members to increase tli«ir benefits up to £125 at only 50 per cent charge that any insurance company would take the risk nt. He was glad to see that Pukekohe was sending some of its money to be invested in the general fund which paid 5.J per cent interest. Tho fact that £IO,OOO had boon invested by the Auckland district was an argument for consolidation. Members should continue to work zealously so as to maintain their 2 to 1 standard. Onethird of tho members of all tho friendly sociotios was claimed by the Manchester Unity and they had oue half of the total capital, so that they could inviV every inquiry. (Applause.) Bro. F. A. Smith, D.PG.M , who lived in Pukekoho 20 years ago, urge.l acceptance of the scheme of consolidation and spoke of the opportunities which Oddfellowship offered to its members.

Pro. 0. Sec. J. McLeod, P.G.M., also replied. Pukekohe Lodgo, he said, was one of the brightest gums in the Auckland province. He reminded members that upon joining they at onco received a sick insurance policy end a life insurance policy. Ho protested against the provisions of the National Provident Fund but hoped that an amendment would put Oddfellowship on a fairor footing. Mr B. H. Andrew, of Lodge Excelsior, 'i replying on behalf of his lodge, cordially congratulated the Manchester Unity upon the progress it had made.

P.O. Bro. Hubbard, for 4 1 years a member of the Order, also replied saying that although he could not attend to lodge work he was as eiithusiastic a member now as ever and always advised young men to join the lodge. Other visitors also replied. P.G's. Bro. Svendson and 8. W. Mills wero presented with Past Grand emblems and made appropriate replies. Bro. C. K Lawrio proposed " The Manchester Unity of Oddfellows " of which ho had been a member for '2O years. Pukekohe Lodge had something over £IOO invested and had now another £IOO ready for investment. Eight months ago they had 8G membors and now thero were 130 membors with eight others awaiting initiation. This was an excel'en t rocord. (Applause). Bro. J. Clark, P.0.M., of New Zealand, and Bro. J. McLeod also replied. " The Army and Navy," prjposed by tho chairman was enthusiastically honoured and " The Pross " was toasted at the call of Bro. G. Uovey.

During the evening Bio. t\ Harper, V.G , Bro. T. Aitken, P.P.GM, and P.O. M. Poplo recited.

The singing of Auld Lang Byue and God Savo the King brought a delightful evening to a close.