VICTORIA LODGE NO. 19, I.O.O.F., GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2066, 1 July 1890, Page 3

VICTORIA LODGE NO. 19, 1.0.0. F., GERALDINE.

A special meeting of the members of this lodge was held in the lodge room, Geraldine, on Friday evening last for the purpose of receiving the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and the Grand Lodge Officers. There was a good attendance Bro. T. Bowkett, N.G., presiding. After transacting some routine business the D.D-, Bro. G, H. Patrick introduced the Grand Master, Bro. Medley, who was received with the honors of the lodge. A recess for congratulation followed, after which Bro. Medley addressed those present, giving them some excellent suggestions on working the lodge. He also went on to speak of the foundation in America some 71 years ago of the American constitution and detailed the growth it had made from then until the present day, when it has nearly 640,000 members. He also compared the numerical strength of the American order with that of the Manchester Unity of England which has a slightly greater number of members. He also spoke of the financial position of the order of Oddfellows in New Zealand where the recent quinquennial examination of the Government actuaries had shown that it was the only friendly society in the colony whose reserve funds, as compared with their membership were in a thoroughly sound position. Mr Medley apologised for thp unavoidable absence owfog t 0 urgent private business of the Grand Secretary, Bro. Reid, and continued his remarks for about an hour, and was frequently applauded. At tbpir ponplpsiop the lodge was plqspd in the usual manner. Tables were then laid, and the whole company sat down to a supper provided by Bros; Williams and Patrick. A number of toasts were given and duly honored. Daring the evening songs were given by Bros. Medley, Bowkett, Williams, Hiskens (2), Stonphopse, Ifipojs, and seap, apd 'a fec|tafc|op D r °.' Patrick. A very pleapanfc evening was spent, _ the company separating about midnight.