FAREWELL FUNCTION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 31, 5 October 1915, Page 3

FAREWELL FUNCTION.

AT FORESTERS' HALL. A farewell social was tendered at the Foresters' Hall last night by the Stratford Oddfellows' and Foresters' Lodges to eight of their members, who are going to join the Reinforcements, when Bro. T. Lawson (Loyal Stratford Lodge) presided over a large attendance. During the evening a very enjoyable vocal and instrumental programme was contributed by the following local artists:—Misses E. Moon. M. Mackay, Mrs E. W. Hancock, Messrs Martin and Hale, songs; .Miss Hopkins and Mr Millar, violin solos; Miss Sole. piano solo; Mr Wilson, recitation. Bro. Sole, 1.0.Q.F., M.U., in eulogising the spirit of enlistment, said the boys' whose honor they had assembled that night were not the first members of the Oddfellows' Lodge to go to the front. One had gone before, and now five Or six were leaving. It was a noble thing for the boys to offer their lives to their King and Country. The Lodges did not wish the boys to be a burden on the country when they returned. The men would get from the Societies what was due to them. The money given to them was not a pension and would not be made by the Government. The Lodge. would pay members' contributions while they were away, and they would be financial when they returned. Compare the Friendly Society's scheme with the State Insurance Department's. They do not accept premiums from the boys who are leaving for the front unless they are surcharged £5 per cent, per annum. If this charge was made by the Lodges the members wouM have to pay £2 3s 8d per annum extra. The Lodges in New Zealand had accumulated a fund amounting to £1,000,000. and this would be spent on wounded and sick New Zealand boy's if necessary. The speaker said he was pleased to see a number of Stratford boys present at the function, which was not a public one. but a private one conducted by the two Societies. He was also pleased to see a member of the Druids' Lodge present. Those leaving for the front would get what was promised-them by the Society's when they returned. The Pension's Board. Wellington, was taking into consideration the funds allowed"the boys in sick pay by the Frimiddy Societies on their return and were reducing their pensions accordingly. This should not be the case, as members had taken the precaution of insuring themselves against sickness, wounds, or death, and as the State did not contribute a penny piece, the funds should not be considered. Ihe Oddfellows' Lodge had r-c< ved claims amounting to £7OO or £BOO for funeral allowances and the Government had not been asked to contribute sixpence The Lodge was not only assisting boys in New Zealand, but in the Mother Country as well. Bro. J. D, Murray, who spoke on behalf pi' the Foresters' Lodge, said tlmt the local Lodge had now sixteen members fighting for their country or in training camps. Sixty-four men from the province had left for the front',' and' up to last quarter 12,000 men,' excluding Canada, were representing the Foresters' Lodge throughout the world:in the firing line. £33,000 had been voted by the'high court to pav members 1 ebhtributiorts while thev are away fighting for their King and Country. Bro Murray, continuing, said that the two Societies were working well together, and he had no fear that the members were doing the same in the firing line. In concluding, the speaker wished the men God speed and a swift return. (Three cheers.) Bro. A. E. Goiton suitably responded on behalf of the departing men. « At the conclusion of the concert programme Bro. T, Lawson thanked the. artists who had contributed items, especially Miss Hopkins, who played accompaniments. 'Bro. T. Lawson ably officiated , as M.C., and kept the "ball rolling" during the whole programme. l)ancing was indulged in until an early hour this morning, the music be. ing'supplied by Mrs Bianchi, assisted by Mr Millar (violin). An extra being played by Miss Moon. Supper was provided by Mrs Brooking.