Volume 7, Issue 4 November 2004

~ Message from CEO ~ Edited By the t is with great pleasure and members are very Fraternal Ithat I am able to complimentary. Please do What’s Inside Department at report that the Society not forget to drop in and Obituary: Society in the last year has made see us when you are next Bro James White PGM .... 2 Offi ce in signifi cant progress in a in Wellington. New Membership Pins .... 2 number of areas. Let me Book Christmas holidays Wellington. The Board has again share these with you. been very particular to online ...... 3 • We have now fully ensure that the District Celebrating sixty years of This is the offi cial membership ...... 3 returned to our traditional and Lodges have been magazine of the directions and refocused kept fully infor med Donations really helped .. 4 Manchester Unity on the services we provide through the Board Reports Friendly Society achievements in the year to you, our members. prepared after each of our in . ended 31 May 2004. Published four • W e a r e meetings. By the I am proud of our staff. times per year fi nancially sound time this edition They are a dedicated team in February, and have made goes to print, and we continue to receive May, August and good progress t he memb er s good feedback from many November. with our on- who attended of you over the past year. going investment t h e S p e i c a l As this is the last programme. C o n f e r e n c e Contributions Fraternally Yours for in Wellington and photos • After 44 years the year may I take the should be sent in one location it would have been opportunity of wishing to: was time for a change. Our provided with the Annual all our members a very new premises comprise Report of the Board of Merry Christmas and a The Editor one floor. It is mostly Directors. Copies of safe and happy New Year Fraternally open plan and facilitates these are available from for 2005. Yours the District and Lodges t h e w o r k f l o w a n d With kind regards Manchester Unity communication between should you wish to have PO Box 5083 us all at the Society. a more detailed report Lambton Quay Comments from visitors of our activities and Wellington by the 1st of the Regular feature month prior to publication Spotlight on Holidays ...... 3

Around the Districts ...... 4 fraternally yours

Obituary: Bro James White PDGM (Past Secretary of the Order) 1930- 2004

ro Jim White, as he Order’s top salesmen, a feat worked closely with the late Bwas known to all that he was very proud of. Bro Stan Clark to improve of us, died suddenly in Ji m wa s ele ct e d to the fi nancial stability of the Whangarei on 21st of the Auckland District Auckland District. September, in his 74th Management Committee, and In 1973 he was appointed year. an Advisory Director, and Jim began his career in 1975 he was elected as a with Manchester Unity, full member of the Board. In in Te Awamutu, where 1985 he succeeded the late he joined the Loyal Bro Les Storkey as Secretary Te Awamutu Lodge. He was of the Order, retiring in soon appointed Financial 1997. Secretary, and set about Jim was a tireless worker increasing the membership. for Manchester Unity, Jim believed in selling recognising the benefi ts the new members every benefi t Society offered to all. He was he thought would be of friend to many people, and use to them, especially the always sought to improve the funeral benefi t. As a result, he was eventually appointed way of life of all members. his sales of new benefits District Treasurer. During He will be sadly missed. were to make him one of the his time on the DMC, he RIP.

New Membership Pins

his is a special mention members may be listed more 100 members Tof a select group of than once for receiving more Allison Martin* Manchester Unity members than one pin in 2004. Jennifer Langman and staff who have worked so hard in the last year in 20 members Congratulations to all of joining members up. Dianne McDonald you, we appreciate all In recognition of their Kevin Elliot your hard work. We look forward to more members efforts, each member 50 members received a lapel pin with a receiving lapel pins for number that represents the Allison Martin* promoting MU in this number of new members Yvette Cousins way. they have joined up. Some Elayne Versteeg * Received 2 pins during 2004

2 www.manchesterunity.org.nz fraternally yours

Spotlight on Holidays Book online – Akaroa over Xmas karoa – summer is has the advantage of being It’s that time of year again Acoming so why not handy to everything. You when the phone lines run hot have a holiday in the can visit one of the many as members start planning their holidays for 2004/2005. beautiful ‘French’ town of historic buildings or galleries This is always a busy time Akaroa. or take a boat trip out on of year so don’t forget to book L o c a t e d o n B a n k s the picturesque harbour. your favourite holiday spot Peninsula, Akaroa has a Whatever your interests are, over the Christmas and New lot to see and do. Only Akaroa has something for Year*. you. 80kms from Christchurch, Please note our unit is a part of the ‘Akaroa Village Inn’. T he we bsite will be Being centrally located it available 24 hours over the Christmas and New Year for members to make bookings for 2005. This means you do not have to ring up MU to To make a booking online make a booking. Bookings will be accepted on a fi rst- visit www.manchesterunity. come-fi rst-serve basis. org.nz or phone 0800 4 A BREAK ((422422 7732)32) aandnd wwe’lle’ll *Bookings are only made 12 months in be happy to help. advance Neville Ward 60 Years of Membership

or th C a nt erbu r y Committee of Management and attended many District NDistrict has just and even took part in a Conferences and Society recently celebrated 60 search for a member’s Movable Conferences. years of membership missing son. A keen sportsman, Neville from one special member, In 1964, Neville was had two years of successful Neville Ward. He originally present at the opening of cycling and throughout the joined Leeston Lodge on Society Offi ce in Lambton 1950s had a professional 11 September 1944 – where Quay, Wellington and running career. his father and brothers in 1978 was appointed were also members. Financial Secretary of Neville then undertook the Throughout the 1950s Leeston Lodge. In 1990 caretaker role of the lodge and 1960s Neville was Leeston and Riccarton rooms for Riccarton and actively involved with Lodge Lodges amalgamated and Leeston Lodges and carried affairs (both personally throughout the 1990s, Neville out this task in a highly and professionally) where was a Ritual Judge for Banks competent manner for over he served on the District Peninsula, a Field Offi cer, ten years. www.manchesterunity.org.nz 3 fraternally yours Donations roll in by the truckload

uring the month of both travelled from Auckland anything. While none of DJuly, heavy rain caused to the Bay of Plenty with a them actually requested any widespread damage to the truck full of donated items help, staff received positive Bay of Plenty, resulting in such as bedding, clothes feedback and comments fl oods similar to those in and toys for the children, of appreciation from these the lower North Island in as well as $2000 cash for members. Here’s to people February of this year. the Mayoral Relief Funds helping people. The photographs published in the area to help with the clean up. Three days were Have you visited in the tabloid ‘Disaster in the Manchester Unity’s Bay’ were spectacular, and spent donating these items new web site yet? Manchester Unity did its to needy individuals and The new web site was launched bit by contributing towards families. in June 2004 and we have had the clean-up afterwards and lots of visitors and positive When news of the fl oods feedback. But now we need boosting the morale of some and storm damage was to know . . . is there anything of the residents who were known, staff from MU Head else you would like to see on affected most. Office took some time to the MU site? Submit your requests on our feedback Secretary of the Order, contact all MU members who page and we will see if we can Jonathan Gee and The live the Bay of Plenty region make it happen! Visit www. Radio Network’s Promotions to make sure that they were manchesterunity.org.nz and check out our new look! Managers, Mark Wickstrom safe and whether they needed Around the Districts

Ashley District Yorke was elected for a second with PDGM Sis Janet Sheppard The past few months have seen term. as director of ceremonies. a high level of both District and The Installation of the District A highlight of the evening was Lodge activity. Offi cers was held on Saturday the announcement by director The Annual District Bro Paul Haglund that the 31 July in the Kippenberger Board of Directors had awarded Conference was held in Lounge, Rangiora RSA, with on the evening of 29 July. The the Society White Star Merit a good attendance of Ashley conference was of relatively short Jewel to PDGM Bro Graham duration with the nominations District members, members from Robertson of the Ashley District. for District Offi cers having been neighboring districts and kindred This announcement was greeted made previously at the Rangiora societies, and friends and family with a standing ovation. Lodge and only the required of the newly installed offi cers. Plans are underway for a number of candidates appearing Amongst the guests present function for the presentation of the Jewel to Bro Robertson on the Conference agenda. In were Mr MP, by the Grand Master of New common with a number of other member for Waimakariri ,and Districts it was necessary to Zealand Bro Malcom Taylor on Mr Jim Gerard the Mayor of the recycle a PDGM into the District Saturday 20 November. Grand Master’s chair because Council. The Loyal Rangiora Lodge of the lack of suitably qualifi ed PGM Bro Gordon Sheppard on 4 September held what has members coming through. On acted as installing officer an become the annual swimming this occasion Bro Malcolm offi ce he has fi lled since 1972, function at the Aquatic

4 www.manchesterunity.org.nz fraternally yours Around the Districts – continued

Centre. The pool was open at their cottage at Karatu. As seven Hastings members. It was exclusively for Lodge members, well as donating the barbecue, an enjoyable time together and a family and friends. All present the Lodge members also built lovely meal. We meet again on enjoyed an evening of fun with a brick shelter to provide a 2 November. swimming, climbing on the sheltered cooking area. inflatables and playing water The District is planning to sport ball games. The evening celebrate its 125th Anniversary Movable c o n clu d e d w it h on the weekend of 21 to 24 Conference 2005 a happy hou r a January, with a dinner planned McDonald’s. for the evening of the 20th which Where – sunny Napier The annual District Old Time is the actual date on which the When – 26 to 28 October Dance to raise funds for Unity 125th Anniversary falls. Venue – War Memorial Concern was held on Saturday Conference Centre, Marine 25 September at the Sefton Banks Peninsula Branch Parade, Napier Public Hall. Approximately 120 The Third Annual General Accommodation – Te Pania people attended with the theme Meeting of the Branch was Hotel, Marine Parade, for the dance being “Mad Hatters held at the Rugby Pavilion, Napier Tea Party”. The committee were Little River, Banks Peninsula dressed in the appropriate attire on Wednesday 18 August. Bro NB: All bookings for those and even the band joined in. Paul Hopewell, Acting Noble wishing to stay at this venue must be processed through During the evening tickets in a Grand, chaired the meeting with Napier Lodge – registration forms lucky number competition were only a small number of members available in the New Year. sold and with 49 draws it was present because of bad weather. Alternative accommodation very well supported by those A week later the weather struck bookings are the responsibility attending. again with the Quarter Night of the individual – please make your own arrangements. Once again the District meeting being Registration forms – giving full received great support from postponed to the following details of all Conference events members with many who could will be posted to, and available not attend the dance making week because from, Lodges and Districts in the donations of prizes, etc. of snow. When New Year. the meeting was fi nally held on Recently members of the Social events will include: the 1 September the Officers • Offi cial Opening Rangiora Lodge put into practice elected at the Annual General the motto “People Helping • Bus tour Thursday – all day Meeting were installed. (morning tea and lunch will be People” by doing a garden Our next Branch Quarter included in costs) clean-up at the home of DDGM Night Meeting will be held on • Social hosted by Napier Lodge Brother John Lindsay who is 24 November at the Hilltop and North Canterbury District currently on the sick list and (Thursday evening) Tavern. This meeting is also not able to do work around • Installation and Ball (Friday our Branch Christmas Function the house. A number of the evening) in the form of a dinner. All women members have also members are welcome to attend made package meals suitable for this evening which is certain to Napier Lodge has an enthusiastic re-heating for Brother John to get us all in the festive mood. organising committee and we use when he does not feel like look forward to seeing you all cooking. Napier Lodge in October 2005. The Rangiora Lodge also Manchester Seniors met for lunch assisted the North Canterbury on 10 August at the Hibernian Nelson Lodge Tramping Club with the Club in Hastings. There was Since Nelson District donation of a barbecue for use an attendance of 20 including amalgamated with Nelson www.manchesterunity.org.nz 5 fraternally yours Around the Districts – continued

Lodge, the fi rst Annual Balance 110 participants, this certainly Cashmere Club (new venue), Sheet report incorporating the is a great achievement. with Sis Sue Meikle carrying out combined funds of the District Congratulations go to the the duties of Installing Offi cer. and Lodge was presented by manager and staff for their As always the District Trophies the Secretary at the Lodge’s continuing service to the public were presented at this function. Annual meeting on Saturday and the Lodge members. It is a Early in the morning on 28 August. pleasure to shop at our chemist. 17 September members of the We were privileged to have Always a friendly greeting, words Travel Club departed for a 16- Grand Master Bro Malcolm of advice, and products displayed night tour of Melbourne. The Taylor and I.P. Grand Master Bro for ease of selection and of course tour was organised by Janet Richard Jenkins in attendance the excellent discounts (available Ward who is with members having the to Lodge members who pay the responsible opportunity to ask the Grand annual fee) on a wide range of f o r t h e Master questions after his products and services. District’s Janet’s speech. After the Lodge meeting on Jaunts. The tour consisted of The meeting was handed over 22 September a guest speaker seven nights in Melbourne, one to the District Grand Master Sis entertained members. Well- night in Echuca, fi ve nights in Lynette Lee to install the newly known former prison officer Adelaide and three nights at Mt elected officers who suitably Celia Lashlie spoke on her Gambie. Some of the activities replied, in particular the Noble experience as NZ’s fi rst woman organised were: a cruise on Grand Bro Hamish Tomlinson prison officer at Paremoremo the Murray River; lunch at the fi rst non Past Grand to hold prison. the Deborah Gold Mine; Mt Gambier Race Meeting and a this offi ce for sometime. Questions fl owed freely and The installation of the District members commented on an tour of the Adelaide Hills. Officers was in the hands of excellent speech which told of Christmas is fast approaching the P.D.G.M. Bro John Simpson her work in many of our prisons and of course this means time has who installed Bro Alan Moore throughout NZ. come for the District Members’ as District Grand Master, Sis Christmas functions. Each Lodge Rosalie Winter as District North Canterbury District in the District holds their own Deputy Grand Master and Sis At this year’s District Christmas Party but we also Lynette Lee as Immediate Past Conference held on 3 August hold the Children’s Christmas District Grand Master. Bro Eddie Clark (Loyal City Party for the younger generation Nelson District has been of Christchurch Lodge) was of members. The party is held retained as a fraternal District elected the new District Grand at Homes Park with lots of fun giving its members the Master with Loyal Riccarton and games and of course Santa opportunity to serve in these Lodge Financial Secretary John with his sack bursting with toys three positions on a slightly Winsloe being elected as District for everyone. reduced scale after amalgamating Deputy Grand Master. For the the fi nances on the Lodge. fi rst time in many years a vote Southland District N e l s o n was held for positions on the Recently Southland District held UFS chemist District Management Committee a Funeral Seminar, this was a shop wa s a with Bros Robert McIntosh and very informative evening where participant on Jim Brine being elected for the we had the District solicitor the Nelson Businesses’ Top Shop fi rst time. Bros Duncan Mangels, speak on estates and wills, awards this year and was judged John Winsloe, Steve Bovaird and then a local funeral director 3rd best overall, it was also Kelvin Little were re-elected. spoke and covered the process judged 2nd best in the Health The Installation was held the with a funeral including costs and Beauty section. With over following Saturday night at the etc. He even bought a along a 6 www.manchesterunity.org.nz fraternally yours Around the Districts – continued

casket (empty) and embalming at 7pm so that we could enjoy administer softball for New fl uids. Most of the people who a pot luck tea and a social hour Zealand. Bro Charlie was a attended were not later on. It was most enjoyable Past District Grand Master, Lodge members occasion and was a tribute to District Trustee, Lodge Trustee so this was an their popularity that some who and Credit Union Trustee. He opportunity to get do not normally attend the also belonged to three Masonic our name out there. monthly meetings made the Lodges. Sis Phillips and family Questions were asked effort and came along. members felt that purchase of of our guests quite In his speech Bro Ernie said the unit, which will be available freely and we received he has enjoyed his 40-odd years at community events, was most good feedback from those who of membership with Manchester appropriate. Bro Charlie Phillips attended. Most people who Unity and was very proud of the passed away in April 2003 after attended took away with them fact 40 years on, Te Reinga Lodge a heart attack whilst waiting for brochures on our Funeral Benefi t. is still functioning. Sis Beth said heart surgery. Leonie Hasler We felt that this is a great way she regarded Manchester Unity of St. John, says the donation to promote Manchester Unity in people as her friends. is gratefully accepted, and is the community by making them wonderful equipment that will At the conclusion of the think about ‘that subject we all hopefully save lives. meeting Bro and Sis Greaves are reluctant to discuss but at were accorded the Honours Advance notice: Manawatu some stage affects us all’. of the Order and members Lodge will be doing something on Saturday Te Reinga Lodge sang the parting ode to piano accompanionment by Sis Kay 26 February 2005 to Loyal Te Reinga is a small Lodge Caradus of Napier Lodge. celebrate our Lodge of 44 members who meet in rooms 10th birthday. Wairoa on the fourth Wednesday Wanganui District The details of the of every month. Full ritual Presenting the defi brillator in ‘something’ will be is observed and attendances memory of Bro Charlie Phillips in Fraternally Yours average about 14, including two in Feb, and in the carloads of Napier members who PDGM are (from left) Bro Gavin Gullery, PDGM, representing local newsletters. travel up to Wairoa and have For more i n fo. done so for many years. Manchester Unity; Neil Elgar, representing Masonic Lodges; p l e a s e p h o n e Our meeting on 25 August Sis Lynette Phillips and Leonie Tricia (06) 357-6420 or was a particularly sad occasion Hasler of St. John. manawatu@manchesterunity. as we said farewell to two of org.nz our most loyal and hardworking members Bro Ernie and Sis Wellington District Beth Greaves. After living in Wellington District has been Frasertown they are now moving very busy with the entire goings to Hastings and at this stage it on over the last few months. is uncertain whether they will be A successful and very able to attend future meetings of Photo courtesy Wanganui Newspapers, Midweek. the Te Reinga Lodge. Ernie and enjoyable District Conference Beth originally joined Gisborne Bro Charlie Phillips was organised by Combination Branch Lodge and transferred their involved in several sports in the Lodge and assisted by Loyal membership to Te Reinga when city including squash, soccer and Antipodean Lodge was held on they married and settled in table tennis, whilst representing 7 August. Congratulations to Wairoa. The Lodge recognised New Zealand at softball. Lynette Sis Dawn Raxworthy, the new their long service by commencing added that he was the first District Grand Master and Bro the meeting half an hour earlier person to play, umpire and Norm Rosser, the new District www.manchesterunity.org.nz 7 fraternally yours Around the Districts – continued

Deputy Grand Master, who were again at the Special Children’s Woodville Lodge elected at this Conference. We Christmas Party at the event centre Woodville Lodge to celebrate 125 also have a new District Trustee, in December. years. On the 2 July next year the Bro Alan Zimmermann (Bro Coming up is the Brian Andrew Woodville Lodge will celebrate its Sandy Lawson retired) and at the L’il Achievers Walk and barbeque 125th year. The day will include a Installation Ceremony the new on 13 February. It sounds a long fun afternoon and evening meal. District Secretary, Sis Beth Cowie way off but time is sure getting If you are interested please let was installed into offi ce. away from us, and it will soon the lodge secretary know: It is with regret we record the be upon us. All are welcome to Ian Fitchett passing of Sis Thelma Wood (nee attend, bring along your friends PO Box 1250 Bentley) the second female District and family to show them what fun Palmerston North Grand Master in the Wellington we have. fi [email protected] District. She was District Grand Master in 1954. Also the passing Grand Master visit to Canterbury Regional Council of PDGM’s Bros Bart Simmons The MUFS Canterbury Regional Council (Ashburton Branch, Ashley and Doug Milne. District, Banks Peninsula Branch and North Canterbury District) extend Project Concern has been a warm welcome to members of Manchester Unity Friendly Society and very busy with donations to friends to attend the Offi cial Visit of Grand Master of New Zealand, Ronald McDonald House, the Bro Malcolm Taylor. Huntington’s Disease Association, Date Saturday 26 February 2005 Stroke Foundation, Red Cross and Venue Senior Citizens Centre, 206 Cameron Street, Ashburton Brooklyn Resource Centre. Dress Semi-formal Social events have included 5pm Informal gathering for drinks and conversation indoor bowls – Wellington vs 6pm Dinner – two course meal plus tea/coffee. Cost $20 per Wairarapa. With Wairarapa again person (please note that dinner will be by ticket admission only at the door) winning the Ian Palmer Shield, Wellington will just have to practice 8pm Be seated, wearing regalia, for Grand Master’s welcome, address, speeches, presentations, followed by mingle and their bowling more. Movies and chat (no charge to attendees) dinner out, 10-pin bowling, the 9:30pm Supper to be served Friendly Societies annual get together and barbeques. Canterbury Grand Master visit

We have had two happy events. Name ...... PDGM Bro Bill McGowan married Mary Taylforth when the bride was Address ......

said to shout: “Yippee!” after they Phone/Fax ( ) ...... were pronounced man and wife. Also Management Committee No. attending dinner ...... Payment enclosed @ $20 per person ......

member Melody Pratt married No. attending supper ...... (No Charge to attendees) ......

Neil Westhead at Old St Paul’s Note at 3pm sharp a bus will leave the Riccarton Lodge rooms for Ashburton. Cost approx Church. $12 per person subject to numbers. We are looking forward to Please indicate if interested (please circle) Yes / No our Children’s Christmas party To our out-of-town visitors on 4 December, which is always Accommodation required? Yes / No (please circle)

well attended and a very special Transport required? Yes / No (please circle) occasion for parents and children RSVP by 17/12/04 (so any arrangements can be confi rmed) alike. Also we will be helping

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