DRUIDISM.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 27, 16 September 1911, Page 7

DRUIDISM.

BRANCH OPENED AT MANAIA

: The opening, of a branch of the ;U.A.O. D. at Manaia took place at the Town Hall on Monday evening last. Nearly 100 members were present, including some sixty visitors from other 'lodges. The new lodge was formally (opened,by the Grand Secretary. Bro. J. N. Grant, of Wellington, assisted by Bro. King, P.D.P., of Eltham Lodge, who officiated, as Arch-Druid, and Bro. J. E,. Knudson, P.A., as ; Vice-Arch. , Thirty-four candidates presented themselves and were duly initiated with Druidic honours. The election of the first set of officers resulted:—A.l)., Bro. C. H. Taylor; V.A.,*Bro, C. J. Roberts; secretary, Bro. C. R. Lusher ; teasurer, Bro. W. J. Hill; J. 6., Bro. A. L. Young; 0.G., Bro. J. Courtney;, k.D.B.’s, Bros. G. D. McKenzie .and W, Kerr; V.A.B.’s, Bros. L. Hunt and L. Chisnall; trustees, Bros. W. J. ;Hill, F. Reader, and A. Franklin. The newly-elected officers were then installed by Bro. L. Beamish, D.P. i'; The ceremony of closing the lodgo having concluded, the, company adjourned to the supper room, to an excellent repast, served by Bro. G. D. McKenzie. Bro. O. H. Taylor, A.D., occupied the chair. After the usual loyal toast had been honoured, Bro. Purser, P.D.P., proposed the toast of the Grand Lodge, which was responded to by Bro. Grant, G.S. The, toast of the visiting brethren w.as entrusted to Bro. Harrison and was responded to by the representatives of twelve different lodges. Bro. Beamish, in proposing the toast of the new Manaia Lodge referred to the excellent muster of candidates that evening and predicted a prosperous future for the new lodge. • Bro. Taylor suitably responded, after which the toasts of the “Ladies” and the “Press” were duly honoured. Paying the evening songs wore contributed; by Bros King, Shepherd, DicL, t Howarth, Moore, and, a banjo solo, by Bro. Now. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne!’ brought a magnificent. Druidic gatherig to a, close. : The lodgo, meetings will be held on alternate Mondays, commencing from Monday next, in the Hibernian Hall.