ODDFELLOWSHIP

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2636, 19 October 1909, Page 3

ODDFELLOWSHIP

LOYAL GISBORNE LODGE—3Sth ANNIVERSARY.

The members of the Loyal Gisborne Lodge, 1.0.0. E., M.U., celebrated" the thirty-filth anniversary of the Lodge by a banquets held in the Masonic Hall last night, and which was a thorough success. Bro. J. Chisholm, N.G., prosided, and there was a large attendance-, iitcludjing several members of Kindred Societies. After an excellent cold collation had been partaken of, the following toast list was gone through :—“Tlie King,” “The Manchester Unity,” proposed by the Chairman, responded to by Bro. .J. Sim., P.G. ; “The Gisborne Lodge,” proposed by Bro. W. Morgan, P.G., responded to by Bro. 0. H. Ambridge, P.S.; “Sister Lodges,” proposed bv Bro. P. M. Schwabe, P.G., responded to by Bros.

- Chapman, P.G. (Wairoa), MeGibbon (Victoria) and McCormick (Thames); “Kindred Societies,” proposed by Bro. i O. H. Ambridge, P.S., responded to by 'Messrs W. L. Pile (Foresters), T. G. Lawless (Druids'), J. Barraolongh (1.0.0. G., A. 0.), E. D. Smith (1.0.0. F. A.C.), Coleman (Rechabites) and Bradley (Hibernians); “The Auditors,” proposed by Bro. TV. Tharmtt, P:G.. responded to bv Bro. TV. -7. Cox. P.G. ; “The Visitors,” proposed by Bro. G. Holmes, P.G., responded to by Mr. Harold Bright;-,“The Ladies,” proposed by Bro. H. Warren, responded to by Bro. TV. L-nvis, E.S. : “The Press,” proposed by Bro. A. TV. Horne, responded to bv representatives present; “The Pianist and the Chairman,” proposed by Bro. 0. IT: Ambridge. PS., ond responded to by Messrs Dudley Trent and Bro. J. Chisholm, N.G. In responding, to the toast of “The Manchester Unity,” Bro. Sim apologised for the absence of Bros. M. McLeod, P.G., and J. Warren, P.G., characterising the latter as one of the most ardent Oddfellows in the Dominion. Up to last year the total membership of the Order was 1,026.529. and its accumulated funds amounted to £13.000,000. The Order had made great progress in New' Zealand since it was started, 68 years ago, in Nelson, and the local Lodge had only fifteen years to run before celebrating its jubilee. Up to last year the total membership in the Dominion was 20,115. with a cash value per member of £25 12s 3d. It was a coveted position, and the Manchester Unity stood supremo in New Zealand as the leading ccciety. In proposing “The Gisborne Lodge.” Bro. TV. Morgan, P.G., congratulated the Lodge upon the great success it had achieved, and upon the excellent financial position it was in at present. It was, he said, pleasing to notice the fact that the Lodge had bad slur pi uses to deal with. He regretted the absence of many of the old Oddfellows of the district. After outlining the many benefits to be derived by belonging to a friendly society, he concluded by advising all young men to study the. matter carefully and to join some society, whatever one they thought host.

In responding, Bro. C. Ti. Ambridge, P.S., made [complimentary reference to the work of Bro. Morgan, who bad occupied one of the highest positions in the Lodge, that) of Trustee, and said that it was during that time that the Lodge had made its very considerable pro£( 'em. In their former surpluses they had £IOOO to divide amongst 50 members, but this time, although they had a larger surplus, £I2OO, there wore over 200 members amongst whom it was to be divided. He bold, however, that the position was a- most happy one. Tlio committee set up to deal with the allocation of the surplus bad recommended that the Lodge ask tlic permission of the ruling authorities to-appropriate the surplus towards the redemption of contributions. Thus the whole sum would he put back into the general fund and to the credit cl members; It was intended to have a small share of the surplus put to tlio management furld. They could not work here in the same grade as in other centres, where medical comforts, etc., over© a great deal cheaper, but it must be remembered that while the contributions in Gisborne were higher, the benefits here were also considerably higher. It was also intended that provision shuld be made for aged members. by establishing the nucleus of a fund, to assist in the payment of thencontributions, when they might, through advancing years, be no longer able to do so, and thus to make the old members’ latter days in a maimer easier. The Auckland district, he claimed, was second t-o none in the* movement, of which they were the pioneers. Referring to the increased insurance scheme, he said that it was not so much (if an insurance policy as an increased funeral donation, as it had no 'surrender value, and .ceased when membership ceased. During. 35 years there-had only been ton .deaths, in the Gisborne Lodge, and only five in tlie last 25 years. In 35 years they bad expended £3OOO in sick pay, but had kept their beads above water, and the present position of the Lodge was one of which they might justly feel proud. Proposing the toast of “Kindred Societies,” Bro. Ambridge laid special emphasis on the fact that all were aiming for one thing, viz., The benefit of the masses, and the various speakers. in reply, while congratulating the Gisborne Lodge on its success, expressed their agreement with this sentiment. During the evening an enjoyable musical programme was gone through. Songs rendered by Bros. MeGibbon, G. Goldsmith, A. W. Horne, TV. Burnand, and Mr. Dudley Trent, tlio latter gentleman playing the accompaniments in masterly style. The gathering terminated with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” just before midnight. The catering was in the capable hands of Messrs Clare and Soiis. <3* ,