The report stated that Bracken had been a member of the order, and an appeal had been made to the lodges for subscriptions towards the cost of erecting a suitable stone on his grave.
The sum of about £100 had been obtained from various sources for this purpose, and it was stated that a sum of £1000 would probably be available to found a memorial scholarship at the University of Otago.
The Grand Secretary (Bro. W. Reid, of Dunedin) said that the late Bro. Bracken was the first N. G. (Noble Grand) of Unity Lodge, the largest lodge in New Zealand, and was probably associated with the order more intimately than with any other institution.
• A few days ago a little lad of diminutive stature picked up what looked like a dirty piece of paper on the Kaiti, at the corner of Hirini street and Wainui road, Gisborne, and handed it to another boy.
Just then Mr J. H. Bull, head master of the Kaiti School, came along, and, on examining the soiled piece of paper, discovered to his intense surprise, that it was a £50 bank-note.
On inquiries being made at the local banks it was found that the note belonged to a local resident, who had reported its loss.
Restitution was made, much to the relief of the owner.
The sequel occurred a day or two later, when the head master of the Kaiti School had the pleasure of handing to the lad who found the note a bank pass book showing a credit of £4 10s, and also delivering a shining half-sovereign to the boy to expend immediately in honour of the event.
The little fellow, whose honesty thus started him out early in life on the road to fortune, is one of a family of nine, the eldest of whom is 13.
• It seems that some people at Home are gradually getting an idea in regard to which part of the earth New Zealand is situated, as a Wanganui resident has received a letter addressed to ''Wanganui, North Australia, New Zealand.''
Just a year ago another Wanganui resident proceeded to London to attend a conference, and when there he visited Alexandra Palace, where the chief exhibit was a huge revolving globe, liberally splashed with red, in order to give thousands of visitors some idea of the ramifications of the British Empire.
The New Zealander looked in vain for some indication of his insular home, but not as much as a black speck could be found.
Turning to the lecturer who had charge of the exhibit, he pointed out the omission.
The lecturer looked hurt.
''Well,'' he said, as he turned the globe round to make sure, ''we've got Australia on it.''
• The Winter Gardens, which are always a great attraction to the citizens of Dunedin, and also to visitors to the city, are particularly attractive just now.
The begonias are in full bloom, and the variety of colours makes an almost dazzling picture.
The other plants are looking very well, and it is doubtful whether the Gardens ever presented a more beautiful aspect than they do at present.
The Summer Gardens are also in fine order, and the geraniums, asters, stocks, antirrhinums are all showing a wealth of bloom that is pleasing to gaze upon.
The appearance of these gardens is enhanced by the numerous autumn-tinted foliage plants, which are extremely pretty.
The whole place reflects the greatest credit upon Mr Tannock and his capable staff. - ODT, 20.3.1915
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
