VALEDICTORY SUPPER.

Auckland Star, Volume XIII, Issue 3619, 16 March 1882, Page 2

VALEDICTORY SUPPER.

Tub members of Court City of Auckland, Ancient Order of Forester*, entertained Brother Hepburn at a complimentary supper in the Cook-street Hall last evening, prior to his departure for Australia. There were about thirty gentlemen presont, but a number of others were prevented from taking part by prevalent sickness and the boisterous weather. Brother Auger, P.D.C.R., presided in .the absence of Brother Shepherd, whs was unable through sickness to occupy the position of honour. Brother Hepburn, the guest of the evening, supported the chair on the right, and Brother Allen on the left, while the vicechair was filled by Brother Piggot.—A first-class spread was provided by Brother Edward McKcown, whoso catering arrangements were remarkably good, and gave general satisfaction.—After the tempting viands had been fully discussed, the wine was circulated, and the evening devoted to conviviality. _ The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given, and responded to by the chairman, who made appropriate reference, amidst enthusiastic cheers, to the recent escape of Queen Victoria from assassination. The toast of the evening, " Brother and Mrs Hepburn," was given by the chairman. He said the guest of the evening vrat about to leave Auckland, and he joined with the other members in wishing him every prosperity possible to attain thia side of the grave. They were all well acquainted with Brother Hepburn, and they were well aware that he had been a moat active and useful member of the Court, Bad he remained with thorn longer, he felt sure that he would have done a great deal more for the advancement of the Order, They were losing a good man. Brother Hepburn responded. He thanked the brother-members for the manner in which they had drunk the toast, and said he had been rather taken abaci, wheu he was informed that a supper was to be given him before his departure. He had only been amongst them a short time—-not more than two years. During that time, ho could safoly sty that he had attended to his lodge duties, baring only been absent one night, and then he stayed away in order to avoid taring office. He wished Court City of Auckland every success and prosperity, and hoped that the next social meeting tbey held would be in a hall of their own. Now that the law had been altered, there was no reason why that project should not be carried into effect,—"All Forestora," coupled with the name of Brother Shawcross, was given, and responded to by Brothor Allen, who sang "Bold Robin Hood." Brother Lawaon, past District Officer, responded to the toast of the "Auckland District and Executive." He considered the Auckland district wonld compare very favourably with any other in New Zealand as far aa forestry was concerned.— " Court City of Auckland " was given by Brother Hepburn, who said he left it with a good impression. Brother Allen, who responded, said that during the last two years Court City of Auckland had floiuished more than at any previous corresponding period. They had scarcely one uuGnancial member out of a total of 285 brothers on the roll. Tho average age was rather high, but he expected that a number of yonng members who had just been proposed would bring it down from 35 to 31 or 32. The funda were flourishing, and last year's balance-sheet showed that thoy had added over £1 per member to tho capital on sick and funeral fund. Tho speaker concluded with a flattering eulogium on Brother Hepburn, who had taken a remarkable interest in the Court and Order while connected with them. The only office he would accept was that of auditor, and his duties in that had been well performed. Brothers Piggott, Lovell, and Firth, spoko to the same effect. " Sister Courts " was drunk, and responded to by Brothers Fairhead, (Nil Dcperadurn) and Lovell, (Eureka). The latter said his Court had only been two years in existence and had already 65 financial members, while the avcrago age was about 28. "The Press," "Tho Caterer," "Ladies," and other toasts were givon and responded to. During tho evening songs were sung by Brothers AHpn. Cotyey, Lovell, Firth, Fairhead, and others.