U.A.O.D

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4460, 21 April 1883, Page 1 (Supplement)

U.A.O.D

The lodge "Pride of the Thames, No. 163, was inagurated on the 6th by D.P. Bro. Walter Bishop, actting under in structions from the Grand Lodge of Australia. About 40, intending members, attended at the Masonic Hall in ,the afternoon and evening, and were duly initiated into the mysterious rules of Druidism. In the evening the officers were duly installed. They are as follows:—Arch Bruid, W. F. Scott; V.&. Druid, Cbas. Ahier ; Secretary, J. W. Brame ; Treasurer, W. Gri fable ; Inner Guard, James Thomas; Outer Guard. John Coutts ; Arch Bards, Bros A. Vowles and B. Lewis ; Vice Bards, Bros. J. Inglis and T. Milnes ; Minute Secretary, N. Veal. After the Lodge was ad* journed the members met at the Pacific Hotel, where a banquet had been prepared, and nearly 40 sat down to it. A.D. W. P. Scott occupied the chair, supported on his right by D.P. Bro Bishop, who had acted as Installing Officer, and the ViceChair was taken by V.A.D. Bro Ahier. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had been disposed of, the Vice-chairman proposed the toast of the Grand Lodge and Board of Directors. In responding to this the District President .(Bro Bishop) gave some interesting figures in connect tiou with the foundation, working, and success of the Order in England, America, Germany, and the colonies. There are about 300,000 members of the Order, and the lodges possess a capital of over two million sterling. Druidism was first in* troduced into Australia 18 years ago, and to the management of it there was attribu* table its,great popularity and successful working. During last year the number of new lodges opened was 18, and 2622 new members were initiated. Tnis made a total of 164 lodges—6B4B members under the Grand Lodge of Australia. This does not include New South Wales and South Australia, who have grand lodges of their own, and number some 3500 membersi strong. The Grand Lodge has accumulated £7,887, and lodges under its jurisdiction £25,413,, shewn ing an increase of £5,276 for the past year. The outlay by the lodges menu tioned during the 12 months was tor ,sick«pay, £3429; for funeral claims £1035; and for surgeons and medicine £6061. Though only four years old in New Zealand, the Order numbers 41 lodges, with over 3000 members There are four lodges in the Auckland district, and others are in course of formation. The sum of £15,500 is invested by lodges. The speaker thanked the local members for their attention and courtesy during his., stay, gave them ad vice regarding the working of their, lodge, and hoped he would again! visit them ere long. The following toasts were also proposed and responded to •:•:—,•" Kindred Societies," " Sister Lodges," " Success to the Pride of the Thames Lodge," "the Press," "the Ladies," and " the Host and Hostess." The proceedings were enlivened by the vocal efforts of several of those present, and the meeting wound up with Auld Lang. Syne. Ihe spread was prepared with Host Curtis' well known care and attention.