I.O.O. F., POHATU LODGE 21.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 74, 30 March 1915, Page 5

1.0.0. F., POHATU LODGE 21.

DEDICATION CEREMONY.

(From our own Correspondent). On Wednesday last the dedication y ceremony took place at Whangamom- y on a Hall, before a large audience. This'll was quite the event of Whangamom- |jj ona’s existence, considering that only J a decade ago it was in its virgin state, y The Grand Lodge executive officers made a detour on their way home from the Grand Lodge session in Auckland y to attend this ceremony. The party, comprised Grand Master Bro. Hunter, =1 Grand Secretary Bro. Reid, Grand: Treasurer Bro. Hinton, and Rec. of y Grand Lodges, Bro. Ritchie. A public reception was extended in the after-: w noon to the visiting officers, and wasp attended by various townspeople tradesmen, and members of various y lodges. ' ‘ ■ Bro. McMeekin, who presided, in in- & troducing the officers, explained the y meaning of their visit: Mr T. Aylward, in extending a warm J welcome, wished on behalf of the townsfolk and tradespeople of Whangaiy that their flying visit would be pre* ductive of good results to the Order. ; Bros. Hunter, Reid, Hinton and Ritchie responded appropriately. ~ In thankigg the visiting officers, m N.G. Bro. Bfown said thkt, although y young and under some very difficult surroundings, Pohatu Lodge was es- •;,) tabluished, and was thriving beyond all dreams. . , The dedication service was very im- y j pressive, and was carried out in detail with great forethought, and redound-: - ing to the credit of those who took part. :

The choir, conducted by Mr R; G. y Fawkner, performed their parts very .. creditably. ? Grand Master Bro. Hunter stated that at the session they had proposed additional benefits, and it was under . consideration to extend a maternity benefit to members of the Order.

Grand Sec. Bro. Reid outlined the early history of Oddfellowship in New sZeaiaud, and said the Order was financially stronger than any other existing Society in the Dominion.

Bro. Ritchie was loud in his praise of the enthusiasm displayed away out in the backblocks, and he could wish that the same spirit was shown in the cities. >

Grand Treasurer Bro. Hinton said . the high ideals aimed at in Oddfellow* 1 ship made better men, and he hoped to see good results from their visit, which was indeed a pleasure, and made ' at some inconvenience to the Grand officers.

In the evening a ball took place, the : hall being packed. Dancing lasted oil fill 2 a. ml, supper being served during .[ the interval. / ; , ;