U.A.O. DRUIDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 April 1917, Page 7

U.A.O. DRUIDS.

' INSTALLATION' OF DISTRICT J : i PRESIDENT. "■ " At Eltham on Wednesday the annual loeoting for the purpose of installing the district president of No. 5 district (Taranaki) U.A.0.D., was attended by the following officers:—Grand president, Bro. Mewburn (Wanganui); P.D.P.'s, Bros. Hurd (Patca), E. Drake (Stratford), ICundson (Okaiawa), Taylor (Manaia; A.D.'s, Bros. Smith; ({Hawera), Smith (Stratford), Budd (Manaia), and Lee Eltham), whilst a number of past arch-Druids represented Manaia, P.. tea, Stratford, Wanganui, Hawera and other lodges. Tlio local lodge was strongly, represented. The district president, Bro. E. Parrott (Eltham), was installed by P.D.P. Bro. A. Drake, the master of ceremonies being Bro. Mewburn. The retiring president was presented with a past president's collar. There was a record attendants ot the brotherhood, whilst the Oddfellows' liall was crowded at the smoke concert which followed the installation. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. B. Dive) occupied the chair. Replying to the toast "The Grand Lodge" proposed by P.A.D. Bro. Muir. (Hawera), the grand president touched on several matters concerning the welfare of the lodge. Provision had been jnade regarding the smaller lodges who were findiilg difficulty in conducting meetings through enlistments. The executive would administer the affairs of these lodges, and then at the close of the war return them their charters. Ho paid a tribute to the many officers, who had accomplished sterling work on behalf of the order. "The District President" was proposed by G.P. Bro. Mewburn. Replying the d.p. (Bro. Parrott) said it was a proud moment for him that night. He appreciated the high testimony on his behalf made by the grand president, and trusted to show by results at the end of his term of office that he had fulfilled expectations. He mentioned that- the Druids had shown a fine loyal spirit that reflected the highest ideals, no less than 1200 members having gone to the front, and he regretted that 50 of those brothers were now sleeping the long sleep on foreign shores, absent testimony to the great work they were assisting in in the cause of liberty and humanity. He hoped to be able to make many visits to the lodges in his district during his term of offico. He appreciated the attendance that evening of so mauy visitors, some coming considerable distances, and hoped that the thoroughly ' good bond of brotherhood now existing would ever grow in strength as the years rolled by. Other toasts and a capital programme of musical items made the evening one of the most pleasant in the annals of local Druidism.