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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts]

Druidism

Druidism.

Lodge Star of the West , United Ancient order of Druids, No. 37, District 13, was founded in Greymouth in the year 1881. There is a membership of 180, and the accumulated funds in November, 1904, amounted to £731. The Lodge meets on alternate Wednesdays in the Druid's Hall, Hospital Street. Officers for the year 1905: Mr. J. Ryan, Arch Druid; Mr. W. Turley, Vice-Arch; Mr. H. E. West, Secretary; Dr. J. McBrearty, Treasurer; Messrs J. Jackson and S. Levinson, Arch Druid Bards; Messrs R. Willis and J. Mallett, Vice-Arch Bards; Mr. J. Vergurson, Outer Guard; Mr. G. Martin, Minute Secretary; and Mr. E. Ashton, District President.

Mr. Henry Edward West , Secretary of Lodge Star of the West since its formation in the year 1881, was born in 1847 in Essex, England, where he was educated. He afterwards went to Australia in the year 1863, by the ship “Sunda.” Four years later, Mr. West came to New Zealand, and was for a time engaged in gold mining at Charleston. He removed to Greymouth in 1876, and in 1878 became accountant to Messrs Thomas and McBeth, with whom he has since remained. Mr. West served for some time as a member of the school committee, and has taken an active interest in all sports. He married a daughter of the late Mr. William Harrison, of London, in the year 1868, and has five sons and four daughters.

Mr. George Martin , Past District President of the Order of Druids, and Minute Secretary of Lodge Star of the West, Ancient Order of Druids, was born in the year 1869 at Whangamarino. He was educated at public and Catholic schools in Greymouth, was afterwards for ten years with the firm of Messrs Guinness and Kitchingham, solicitors, and was subsequently for two years shipping clerk to Mr. Martin Kennedy. Later, Mr. Martin was employed for nine years at the wharf in Greymouth, under the Union Steamship Company; and since the year 1903 he has been employed by the Railway Department on the wharf.