A GATHERING OF ODDFELLOWS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 220, 24 October 1916, Page 3

A GATHERING OF ODDFELLOWS

A very pleasant evening was spent at the Oddfellows' Hall, Pukekohe, on Tuesday, the 17th inst., when the members of the Loyal Pukekohe Lodge M.U., 1.0.0. F., had the pleasure of meeting the District Officers. There was a large attendance present. The Noble Grand, in opening proceedings, cordially welcomed the District Officers in a few well-chosen words and briefly made a report of the position of the Lodge and its progress. He also referred to the fact that out of a membership of 80 already 19 were serving their King and Country, of which number three had laid down their lives in the great struggle that is at present going on. Bro. W. Baird P.G., supported the remarks of the N.G. and cordially Welcomed the visitors. Bro McMillan, Deputy P.G.M, on rising to reply thanked the members of the Lodge for the very cordial reception accorded to the District Officers and proceeded to give a very interesting address on the various phases of Oddfellowship. He congratulated the Pukekohe Lodge on its splendid record of 25 per cent of its members having enlisted and also touchingly referred to the noble death of the late Bro. Wilkinson who, he said, was not only missed by the Pukekohe Lodge but by the whole of the Auckland District as he had taken a very keen interest in Oddfellowship. He also referred to the fact of the Lodges having guaranteed the subscriptions of all members on active service, which responsibility would be faithfully carried out in all respects. Bro. John McLeod, District Corresponding Secretary, then gave an interesting address on the general progress and prosperity of the Auckland District which was listened to with great interest by the members of the Lodge. He stated that up to the present there were 517 Oddfellows out of the Auckland district on active service out of a total of 3500 and there had been 54 deaths.

Bros. Thomas, White, Aitken and Simmonds also gave some interesting speeches at the conclusion of which the Deputy Bro. G.M. presented three Past Grands emblems to P.G.'s Wilcox, Harper and Baird. Bro. McMillan duly made the presentations and in a few wellchosen remarks wished the recipients long life and prosperity. Bros. Wilcox, Harper and Baird suitably replied and a most enjoyable evening was brought to a conclusion by the singing of the National Anthem.