RANGIORA ODDFELLOWS' ANNIVERSARY.

Press, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5361, 30 November 1882, Page 3

RANGIORA ODDFELLOWS' ANNIVERSARY.

The celebration festivities of the twentysecond anniversary of the Loyal Eangiora Lodge of Oddfellows; Ashley district, No. 5032, took place under most auspicious circumstances on Wednesday, and included a procesßion, sports, and a dinner. There was a full muster of the brothers at the Hall at 1 p.m.,.from whence the-procession was marshalled by the' Officers of the Lodge. Of those who were present when the Lodge was opened, it was pleasing to see at least half a dozen of the oldest members present, inclusive of Bro. J. J. Robinson, the first N.G., who is now secretary to the Ashley district, and has done so much to promote the objects of the order, as well as maintain its management under a proper system of accounts. The promoters of the Rangiora Lodge were Bros. S. Stephens, R. Evans and _J. _ Frost. For many years it has maintained ; a high position from the admirable way in which its affairs have been conducted, and in property and funds the assets of this lodge are at least £2000, which is exceedingly gratifying, especially to those who are members, seeing they are guaranteed all the benefits they hope to obtain from the investment of- their periodical contributions. The jprocession having* beenf Torhieof "and tE© members of the Rangiora brass band in uniform, about sixteen members of the fire brigade fell in, next to whom was borne the banner of the Ashley district, which was uxfurled for. the firsf time. The banner, it may be stated, is a very handsome one, imported at a cost of JB2B. It bears on one side a representation of Faith, Hope, and Charity, and oh the reverse the motto, "Unity is Strength," above which is a pictorial representation of the combined strength of the bundle of sticks. The name of the Order is duly inscribed, and the banner is handßomely mounted with a woven blue and white silk border and a crimson silk edging, and well appointed poles .and tassels. Next to the banner walked the members of the juvenile lodge, wearing their sashes, in twos, to the number of twenty-six; and after them came the senior members of the Lodge, numbering about forty-eight. The procession proceeded down High street and Fitzgerald street to the railway station, thence by Ashley street along High street to Mr John Luxton's paddock oh .West town belt, where the sports' were held. The weather was all that could be wished/ and there was a large attendance of the public, nob overlooking the ladies, who mustered in good numbers. A circular course had been laid out, and arrangements made for seating visitors in the enclosure. A tent was provided for competitors, and Mr W. Newberry had a confectioner's booth for the dispensing of solid and liquid refreshments. The programme of events included a Mile Handicap Walking; first prize 20s, second 10s; in which five competed, including 'A. JOnes, W. Cox, W. Watirins, A. Vincent, and J. Adams. Cox was first in the first i and second laps, and made a'_ good I race, Jones keeping up, and Vincent third. In the final 200 yards Jones obtained the lead, but nearing the post Cox came on with a spurt, and led, but Vincent, in one determined effort, came to the front. Time, 9imin. A Half-mile Juvenile Oddfellows' Race was won by P. Watkms, J. Sinclair second; three competed. Time, limin. A Men's One Mile Handicap, prize £2, second £1, in whioh six entered, was won by J. Nicholas, W. Becker second. Adams bade fair to win this, but at the last turn for home gave np. In the Men's Hurdle Race, 440 yds, five entered, J. Adams winning, with F. Sloane second. The Mile Bicycle Race found four competitors, who raced on the Fernside road. At the start, T. Boyd fell, and baulked G. Mannering out of at least forty yards. H.Gulliver, soon after the start, passed W. Wilson, and in spite of a strong head wind, Gulliver woU by about twenty yards from Mannering. A Past Grands' Foot Race was won by Bro. F. HOrrell (Woodend), Bro. D. Ivory second. The Tug-of-War, between ten members of the Fire Brigade and an equal number of the Oddfellows, was won by the latter,, who had the heaviest men. A Boys' under fourteen Race was won by J. Manning, Stapleforth second. •' The comwith all' their persuasiveness, could not induce any of the married ladies to show their powers of speed. Great interest was taken in the three mile bicycle race, which was run from Fernside to the.sports ground over the main road. H. Gulliver, G. Mannering, T. r>oyd, and W. Wilson competed. At the start, Boyd fell again, and did not recover lost ground. Mannering, who was leading in the first half mile, also came a cropper, and Gulliver seemed to have the event in hand when Mannering, who regained his lost ground, came away and won with about thirty yards in # hand, Gulliver second. The prizes for this race were,.first, 60s; second, 20s. A qnartermile impeded race gave the spectators some fun, the competitors having to carry each a cask, which he was required to creep- through thrice on the course. J. Adams won this event, and was also the winner of the ourang outang race. The old men's race, for competitors over fifty years, was gained by Mr Brans Mate, A. Ogden, and W. Derman. 'A juvenile Oddfellows' race for members under fifteen was won by H. 3. D*Monlin second. A putting the stone contest was won by J. MoCracken, E- Murfit second, J. Nichols third. This concluded the sports, and in , the. evening the dinner was held at Roberts' "junction HoteL