THE AMALGAMATED FETE OF ODDFELLOWS AND FORESTERS.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4785, 27 December 1872, Page 3

THE AMALGAMATED FETE OF ODDFELLOWS AND FORESTERS.

The amalgamated fe"te of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, M.U., and the Ancient Order of Foresters, took place yesterday. The brethren met at the Cookstreet; Hall shortly after 9 o'clock, and marched in procession to the Domain along Queen-, Shortland-, and Princes-streets, Waterloo Quadrant, Mechanics' Bay, and Parnell, arriving on the ground about 10 a.m. The fine band of the Royal Artillery headed the procession, and there was a good muster of both Oddfellows and Foresters, the former being much more numerous than on any previous occasion — indeed, almost double that of last year — the Foresters were about the same. Mr. H. J, Syms, V.G., of the Fountain of Friendship Lodge, conducted the procession ; and amongst the officers present we observed Messrs. P.G. Walker, P.P.G. Mills, G.M. James, P. P. G.M. Cole, J. Jamieson, and several others. These were dressed in the new regalia lately imported by the Fountain of Friendship Lodge from England, in the '.Robert Henderson,' as were several of the members, and a very handsome dress it is. The maker is Mr. G. Tutill, London. On arriving on the ground the large circus pavilion was set in order for dancing, Mr. H. J. Syms and Mr. Cole officiating aa M.C.s ; and notwithstanding the, heat of the weather dancing was kept up with much spirit until about 2 o'clock, when an excellent cold collation was provided, to which ample justice was done. The stewards were the caterers, and the spread was such as to do them much credit. We understand that application had been made by Mr. H. J. Syms and Mr. Cole, as a sub-committee, to the Domain Board, for permission to apply to the Magistrates for a license to sell wine, ale, and beer for the day, to members and their friends only, " to prevent intoxication," according to the wording of the application ; but this was retused, which the committee complained of as being an unusual thing, seeing that the Board made no objection on the Prince of Wales s Birthday holiday, and on other occasions. In consequence of this the police kept a sharp look-out near the refreshment tent, but we have been requested by the committee to state that no liquor at all was sold . What was supplied was given to the members and friends only. Very good order was maintained throughout, and we saw no intoxication in connection with the fSte, and very little indeed in any part of the Domain during the entire day. After luncheon dancing was again resumed, and kept up with great spirit until 6 p.m., when the brethren again formed into procession under the leadership of Mr. EL. J. Syms, and marched homewards, the band playing enlivening strains by the way, which was along the old Domain Road, Grafton Road, Sy mo nds- street, Aber-croinbie-street, and Wakefiold - street, to Cook-street Hall, where "God Save the Queen" was struck up, and loyally responded to with three hearty cheers from the brethren of both orders. The brethren then dispersed, and reassembled at 9 p.m. at the Hall, when a ball and supper given by the joint committee took place, and passed off with 3clat. At supper Mr. H. J. Syms, of the F.F. Lodge, presided, and the following loyal and patriotic toasts were given, and heartily responded to: — "The Queen and Royal Family," "The Governor," "The Orders of Oddtellows and Foresters," "The Army, Navy, and Volunteers," "The Ladies," " The Press," &c. The manner in which this f§te waa conducted, from first to last, waa most creditable to the Committee of Management who acted as stewards on he occasion, and on' whom devolved the ' arduous duty of carrying out the details.