DEVONPORT DRUIDS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 149, 14 September 1927, Page 9

DEVONPORT DRUIDS

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION The Devonport Lodge probably had as romantic a formation as anv friendly society body in New Zealand. It is claimed that the Druids of ancient days, those European counterparts of the Polynesian tohungas. or wise men. used to meet under the trees in the security of the woods or by the running streams where prying eyes and strained ears could not detect the business transacted. 3e that as it may. it is a fact that the idea of forming a Druids’ Lodge at Devonport was first exarnined at a meeting held on the beach at the shore end of Devonport wharf. The sur -warmed sands made comfortable resting-places and the ; curling tobacco smoke may have be* n regarded as a substitute for the incense of olden druidic days. A couple of hours yarning settled the question and Bro. W. Peek, Auckland District President, one of the gathering on the beach, was appointed convener of a meeting to be called the following week in the Devonport Borough Chambers to formally launch a drive to secure members for the opening of a lodge. f>n August 2, 1904, 200 Druids gathered to duly constitute the nev, r lodg<*. which soon grew. In the intervening period over 500 members have passed through the membership books. Last evening the lodge celebrated its -3rd aninversary with a “Smoko” in tho Masonic Hall. Devonport, when Past Arr h Lepine occupied the chair. Grand Guardian Bro. G. H. Lethaby was present to acknowledge the toast of the “District Lodge” and convey provincial greetings to Devonport. Represents - lives of other friendly societies attended to express felicitations. The programme was provided by Messrs Massee, Le Gann, Mcldrum, Harper j Marks, Berheld. Plummer, .Jones Yates and Naughton. Mr. N. J. Mood \ S acted as social secretary.