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Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2167, 16 April 1908, Page 3

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BANQUET TO MR. CRAWLEY. The Grand Master of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Mr. Crawley), who is paying an official visit to the Star of Gisborne" Lodge, was entertained at a banquet by the Lodge brothers at Dustin’s cafe last evening. Bro. A. E. N. Smith, P.G., occupied the chair, and there were about fifty Lodge members and visitors present. After the toast of the “King” had been honored, the Chairman proposed the toast of “The Grand Lodge,” and extended a welcome to the Grand Alastor to Gisborne. The guest of tho evening, in reply, said lie felt it was a great honor to bo among all his Lodge brothers in Gisborne, and to know they were real live Odd Fellows in spirit and in truth. The welcomo he had received indicated the warm feeling the Star of' Gisborne Lodge had for the Grand Lodge. He could assure them that they were members of an order that was financially sound. Tho invested capital was £9,500,000, and while the membership was not as large as those of a few other orders, still it was steadily increasing. In New Zealand last year 1000 new members had been added, and 13 now lodges opened. One ]odf'c in Now Zealand had increased its “membership by 200, and another, in Christchurch, by 100, whilo thero had also been substantial increases in other districts. The order now extended to six different countries speaking different languages, and had a total membership of nearly four millions. The total relict pavd.m 1906 amounted to nearly £1,500,000, or about £IOO for every hour of the day. This spoke volumes for the benefits of tho order as a friendly society banded together to obtain minimi relief and assistance. In the order was the truo spirit ot fraternal feeling to bo extended to every member who made himself known, and when ho did so be was sure of a warm welcome wherever he went. The ordei was open to all men over sixteen years of a (T c of good moral character,, and members should extend a warm we 'come-to friends to join the lodge. In the Dominion the sick fund of the order amounted to £oo,ooo. Tlieie ■vas a largo surplus m the funeral fund, and the Grand Lodge had a f nd of £6OO, which could be called upon to pay the lodge dues o members over 65 years of . ago. who had been 25 years members of the older. Ho desired to See a large increase m the membership of the Star pf Uisbornc Lodge, and urged each membei to try and nominate at least one lieu member during the present year. Tho following toasts were also Honored : “The Star of Gisborne Lodge, proposed by Visiting Bro. Ax. Ha , •jiul responded to by Bro. R *Uobb > “The Encampment,’’proposed by Bro. , .J. Duncan, P.G., and replied to by Bro. E. D. Smith, P.C.P.; The Juvenile Lodge,” proposed by Bro. lv. Miller, and .replied to by Bro. A. E. N. Smith, P.G.; and “Friendly Societies,” proposed by Bro. Bendle, 1 -G.,, and responded to by Bro. AV. L. ClayDuring the evening the club orchestra, under Mr. Foster, played a number of selections. Bro. Nicol contributed a recitation, and Mr. JAdair a ’cello solo. Songs were sung by Bros. Trent and Hamlin and Air. A. Stenner.