Organisations

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES 

Ancient Order of Foresters.   At a well-attended meeting of the members of Court Essendon, on 18th instant, it was unanimously resolved to assist those members to keep financial who, through being out of work on account of the war, are unable to pay their dues, and to pay the contributions of the members who are leaving Australia for active service for the Empire until their return. It was also decided that the usual anniversary celebrations, which are always by invitation, be abandoned for this year in order to conserve the benevolent and contingent fund to assist those in need. The Court is leaving the Moonee Ponds Hotel, where the meetings have been held for over 23 years, and in future the Foresters will meet in the hall buildings, Pascoe Vale road. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday evening, 2nd September next, when, after the regular business is over, the Court room will be open and harmony indulged in for an hour or so. Friends of members will be welcomed. It is interesting to note that the financial benefit members have in creased from 72 to 486 during the Courts sojourn at the hotel. The members also expressed their appreciation of the uniform courteous attention and kindness they had always received from the proprietors, Mrs. Dean, Bro. Mel. and Mrs. Dean, and the late Mr. Dean.

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. (1914, August 27). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 1 Edition: Morning.. Retrieved March 2, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74494125

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES  

ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS. The members of Court Essendon held the opening meeting of the new court room in the town hall buildings, Pascoe Vale road, on Wednesday evening, 2nd instant. There was a large attendance of the brothers and also visitors from Courts Victoria (the mother court), Robin Hood, Reform, Prince of Wales, Flemington and Princess of Wales (sisters). A new member was initiated, Bro. D. E. Roberts,. P.D.C.R., the first chief ranger of the court, who conducted the first initiation very nearly 27 years ago, assisting in the ceremony. The newly initiated brother and the visitors were welcomed by the chief ranger, Bro. R. Robinson, with foresters' fire. The visitors, in responding to the welcome congratulated the court on the progress made, especially Bro. Roberts, who spoke of the early days and the difficulties that had to be overcome. The secretary, Bro. W. A. Cadwallader, said a few words about the change of location, and inception of the court, referring to the strenu ous efforts and enthusiasm of the early members, which he was pleased to say had always continued by those joining as time rolled on, and he trusted would still go on keeping the court moving ahead. It was notified that nine members had volunteered for active service for the Empire, viz.:-Bros. John Hodge, P.C.R., John C. D. Arroll, Harry J. Burgess, Harold T. Goodall, Harold Hyde, Arthur James, Francis J. L. Seeley, William J. Ward, and Robert Curwen, the last-named having already gone. A resolution, proposed by Bro. W. A. Kennedy, P.C.R., was carried unanimously, with cheers, wishing those brave brothers God speed and an early return.

After some routine business, with the reception of seven proposals for membership, the proceedings were brought to a conclusion. The court was then thrown open, and a pleasant time spent in harmony. A happy episode was the presentation of a handsomely-framed past chief ranger's emblem and certificate to Bro. John Hodge, by Bro. D. E. Roberts, P.D.C.R., who said the sterling character of this brother and the good work he had done for the court was well known to the members. Bro. Cadwallader, the secretary, on behalf of the members, also presented Bro. Hodge with a wristlet watch, and in doing so, said he was one of the brave boys going to Europe. to defend and uphold the freedom of the British race.          

The recipient of the presentations said he felt a difficulty in thanking the brothers for their thoughtful kindness and assured them that words w0uld not express his feelings. He said he was going with many others, to the front, not for the love of war, but to fight for the cherished and hard-won liberty of every Britisher, and to help to crush the tyrant, who had brought about the cruel state of affairs now existing.  Bro. H. R. Merrie, P.C.R., kindly   and effectively presided at the piano. J Daniels, Norm. Wilson, P. Goodall, W. Lord, J. Sampson and L. Burness entertained the company with well rendered songs and recitations. A happy evening was brought to a close with "God Save the King." 

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. (1914, September 10). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 4 Edition: Morning.. Retrieved March 2, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74494343

Letter from William Alexander Cadwallader of the Ancient Order of Foresters, seeking proof of death

for a number of local members, to pay a funeral benefit to the families. The soldiers mentioned are

Lance Sergt George Godfrey Garner, Private Francis James Laurence Seeley, and Private John Blundell.

Included in the B2455 file of Private Seeley.

W. A. Kennedy thanked the entertainers who had so ably assisted during the evening. He also mentioned that of the members of Court Essendon 72 had enlisted, 62 being in France, 5 of these being killed.

A.O.F., Court Essendon. (1917, April 26). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning. Retrieved March 2, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74602374