LYTTELTON ODDFELLOWS' AND FORESTERS' FETE AT RANGIORA.

Press, Volume XXI, Issue 2610, 17 December 1873, Page 3

LYTTELTON ODDFELLOWS' AND FORESTERS' FETE AT RANGIORA.

For some time past the Lyttelton Oddfellows' and Foresters' fete at Rangiora has been the absorbing topic, and judging from the success of the affair the committee of the joint societies, consisting of Messrs Jenkins, Hillier (hon sec.), Whitmore (hon treasurer), Weyburn, Carrol, Derbridge, Warne, Rogers, Salton, King, Agar, and Weastall, who deserve every credit for the way in which they had matured their plans so as to accommodate and secure to everyone full enjoyment. At aD early hour the Lyttelton band paraded the streets to assemble the members of the two societies to their respective Lodge rooms, and with their families and lady friends, the Bros of both Orders were to be seen in full regalia collecting at the railway depot in time for the 7.45 special train which was to convey the party through to Rangiora. Fully 500 were seated in the eleven carriages, including the excellent brass band of Mr Horsfield. On arrival at Christchurch six open tracks were attached, and several of the brethren of the city Lodges were taken over, and at Kaiapoi the last available space was taken up.

Upon arrival at its destination, the passengers having alighted from the train were warmly welcomed by the brethren of Rangiora Oddfellows, and a procession of the Order was then formed. Tne officers whom we noticed present of the Lytel ton Oddfellows' Society were, Bros Derbridge, G.M. ; King, N.G.; M'Clatchie, Prov. See. ; and Burns, V,G. Of the Foresters' Society : Bros G. Warue, C.R. ; Allwright, S.C.R.; and of the Court Star of Canterbury Lodge : Bro Ablett, C.R, The' officers of the Rangiora Lodge were—Bros Stephens. G.M. ; C. Luxton, N.G. ; aud. C. Metcalf, V,G. A procession was formed without delay—the beautiful banners unfurled to the breeze— and to the lively strains of music, a move was made for the paddock of Mr J. Luxton. at the opposite end of the town, kindly placed at their disposal by that gentleman, which was well situated, and in a condition admirably suited for the fete.

During the day, till the wind rose about 5 p.m., the weather was most favorable, and the influx of persons to the scene of the day's enjoyment at noon could not have been less than 700. Immediately on reaching the paddock there were found to be several bell tents erected for dressing and for ladies, a marquee for the luncheon, and also a stage for the representation of Jack of the Green which was performed in good style by some of the committee. At intervals Jerry Wood and another performer, - appeared on the board*, aud delighted the young people with their funniments; The songs were accom-panied-by the stringed band of Messrs Wishart and Co., of the A.O.F. Provision was made for the entertainment of the children in tbe way of abundance of toys which had been purchased by the committee to the value of £20. The adults participated in games of foot ball and cricket, in which latter game the Oddfellows were declared the victors. A few impromptu foot races were organised ; . one between eight sailors of H. M. S. Blanche, for a puppet toy created much amusement, into the spirit of which the jolly tars entered as much as any one. Dancing appeared to meet with universal favor, as did also the game known as kiss-in-the-ring. A luncheon and refreshments were provided by the joint committees, for which Messrs Robertson and George were the caterers. As six o'clock drew on, a general retreat was made for the return train, and the whole party were deposited safely again at Lyttelton, praising highly the arrangements of the railway authorities.