ODDFELLOWS' WELCOME AT WAIHI.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 169, 30 July 1901, Page 5

ODDFELLOWS' WELCOME AT WAIHI.

WAIHI, Thursday.

Last evening, in the Foresters' Hall, a most enthusiastic welcome was given to returned troopers under tlie auspices of the Loyal John Leydoii Oddfellows' Lodge, Waihi. The proceedings commenced immediately after the lodge closed at 9 p.m. There was a good attendance of tbe public. Mr 11. P. Barry presided. The troopers present were Sergeants Clews (Second Contingent), VV. Newdick (Fourth), Hefford, and W. Clarke (Fifth). The following toasts were duly honoured: —The King, Returned Troopers, Waihi Volunteers, John Leydoii Oddfellows' Lodge, The Troopers' Parents, Kindred Societies, The Ladies, The Press, The Chairman. The troopers responded individually to the toast, and gave iuteresting anecdotes relating to their adventures. P.P.G.M. Bro. John Leydon, in proposing the toast of the Lodge, made a very eloquent and interesting speech, in which he pointed out the great progress made all over the world, as well as in Waihi, of Oddfellowship. Bro. Katz responded. Mr A. H. Benge proposed the toast of the Volunteers in an able address. Mr T. P. Clarke, father of Sergeant Clarke, feelingly responded to his toast, and proposed a mark of respect to those parents whose sons had not returned. The following gent-emeu contributed items during the evening:—Messrs McCarthy, B. Newdick, P. Bear, Thompson, Eea, Morgan, Palmer, Clews, Henderson, Toomey, and Robertson. Mr Bear presided at the piano. The troopers will be welcomed to-night at a social by the No. 3 O.R.V. WAIHI, Friday. Yet another welcome was tendered to our returned troopers last evening in the Academy of Music. The social was held under the auspices of the No. 3 0.R.V., of which the troopers were formerly members. There was a good attendance of both volunteers and the public* and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Captains Walmsley and Haslett were present,, and the usual congratulatory speeches! were made and responded to.

The Paeroa Lodge of Oddfellows on Friday night welcomed back from the war Bro. Shefford and P.G. Bro. Hubbard, N.G. A. G. Hunt occupied the chair, and V.G. Garcia the vice-chair. Amongst others present at the smoke concert were, besides members of the lodge, Rev. Wilson, Lieuts. Hubbard and Nathan, Messrs J. Brown, Morris, Qrfßiiths, Forrest, Hope, A. Tetley, P.M. Bro. Rowe, and N.G. Bro. Pratt, of Loyal Waikato; Bros. Weston, of Wellington; Middleton, of Whangarei; Lodge; Higginson, of the Second Contingent, from Hawera; and Nicholas, Manaia Lodge After the toast to the King had been honoured, the chairman and the Rev. Wilson proposed the health of the guests, giving them a hearty welcome home, after their privations and fighting on the veldt. The returned troopers, bo th looking well and hearty, responded by giving some accounts of Africa and the war. Bro. Forrest also welcomed the men on behalf of the Paeroa people. The following toasts were also honoured:—Visiting Brethren and Kindred Societies," proposed by Bro. Innes; "Local "Bodies, proposed by J. Brown; "Volunteers," by Rev. Wilson. The health of Rev. Wilson and Prosperity in the New Parish was proposed by the chairman; "Prosperity to the Loyal Jubilee Lodge of Oddfellows" by Bro. Low; "Brethren Present," by Bro. Searle, and "The Ladies" by Bro. Hutchinson. Songs, recitations, etc., contributed by the following gentlemen-, greatly assisted m making the evening enjoyable:-Messrs James Reid Fred Griffiths, Morns, Weston, Pratt, Percy, Brennan, Tierney, Brown, Hope.' and Bradley. Mr Percy Brennan presided at the piano.