ODDFELLOWS DINNER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 4348, 19 April 1884, Page 2

ODDFELLOWS DINNER.

Presentation to P.P.G.M. Smith.

The brethren of the Good Intent Lodge, L0.0.F., M.U., A.D., entertained P.P.G.M. 11. J. Smith at dinner last evening on tho occasion of his retirement from the position of Corresponding Secretary, which he has held for tho last fourteen years. About fifty gentlemen sat down to an excellent spread provided in tbo Cook-street Hall by Mr T. McEwin, of the City Buffet. P.P.G.M. Cole presided, supported on his right by the guest of tho evening, and on the left by His Worship the Mayor. N.G. Mackay md P.O. Carter occupied the vicechairs, and were supported by P.G.s Brewin and Cow respectively. Amongst others present were Mr A. Fleming, P.P.G.M. ; MrSyms, P.P.G.M. ;MrG. Leahy, P.P.G.M.; MrG. Guild, P.P.G.M.; Mr J. J. Holland, P.P.G.M.; Dr. Walker; Mr C. Wright, P.P.D.G.M. ; Mr Mills, P.P.D.G.M., and Warden. The loyal and toasts customary on such occasions wore given and responded to. The Chairman then rose, and addressing tho assemblage, said it was decided at the last quartorly meeting that something in the snapo of a testimonial should be presented to P.P.G.M. Smith ontheoccasion of his retirement from the position of Secretary, which he had so long and so honourably filled. When Brother Smith first took office thoy held their meetings in the old Wheat Sheaf Hotel. At that time he was satisfied that Mr Smith possessed the abilities necessary to make a good socretary, and so it proved, he having performed his duties to the satisfaction of i all. During that time he (Mr Cole) had been Treasurer, and by association with so officient a Secretary his duties had been rather a pleasure than otherwise. Everything connected with tho post of secretary had been carried out in a manner that reflected credit on Mr Smith, and to the Manchester Unity. A committee of 13 was appointed to decide upon the form of tho testimonial, and they resolved upon the presentation ot a gold watch and chain. Mr Cole then rend tho illuminated address as follows: —" Loyal Good Intent Lodge, No. 4369, Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, Auckland District.—Dear Sir and Brother,—On behalf of the members of the above lodge, we have to request that you will kindly accept this address, together with a gold watch and chain, as a small token of tho regard and esteem in which you are held by them, and also in appreciation of the many valuable services rendered by you as Secretary for the past fourteen years. We extremely regret your retirement from office, and it is tho prayer of all that God will protect you, and spare you to sojourn in our midst.—Wo are, Dear Sir and Brother, yours fraternally."—(Signed by the N.G. and Secretary.) The address was accompanied by a beautiful gold watch and albert, tho former bearing the following inscription:—"Presented to P.P.G.M. 11. J. Smith by tlie members of the Loyal Good Intent Lodge,- No. 4369, 1.0.0. F., M.U...A.D., in recognition of the valuable services rendered by him as Secretary of tho above Lodge during tho past 14 years, Auckland, New Zealand, ISth April, 1884." —P.P.G.M. Smith briefly responded, thanking the brethren for the compliment they had paid him. He had always received tho groatcst kindness and courtesy from the mombers, and he trusted that equal good will would bo oxtonded to his successor, Mr J. McLeod. During his fourteen years of office, ho was only absent from his place in the lodge at two meetings, and that was when he was on the rampage with Mr Fleming down South. Enthusiastic cheers greeted the conclusion of Mr Smith's reply, his health having already been drunk in bumpers. The toast programme was then concluded, and was as follows :—" Queen," "Governor," "Mayor and Councillors," responded to by His Worship and Councillors Field and Fleming, "Manchester Unity," proposed by Bro. Leahy and responded to by Bro. Fleming, "District Officers," responded to by Bro Smith, the absence of the G.M. and D.G.M. being apologised for ; " Good Intent Lodge," proposed by Bro. Fleming, and responded to by P.O. James; "Sister Lodges and Kindred Societies," "The Ladies," "Press,' "Sick and Distressed." and " Our Host." The dinner was followed by a sociable dance, Mr Reed's band providing tho music, and Mr T. Colo acting as M.C.