DINNER AT THE FORESTERS' HALL.

Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 546, 26 June 1879, Page 2

DINNER AT THE FORESTERS' HALL.

Last night the opening of the new Foresters' Hall, and the thirteenth anniversary of the Shepherds' Sanctuary Sir George Grey, No. 3118; were celebrated by a dinner. The chair was occupied by D.C<R. Bro. F. Copper, supported on the right by D.T. Bro. WnlttfoM, aud on the loft by D.S. Bro. R. C; Knapp. The vice-chair was occupied by Bro. BOvtt, the Pastor of the Order of the Shepherfa. About 120 people were presenti Full justice tiaring been done to the' edibles provided fey the caterer, a short adjournment took place. Upon reassembling, the first toast of the evening, ••« The Queen aud Royal Family," followed by that of " Ihe Govereor of New Zealand," Were given with musical honors. " Tue Army, Navy, and Volunteers" was the next tout proposed by the chairman, wnd f coupled with it the names of Bros. Webber and Page. After a song by Bro. Adams, Bro. Webber responded in suitable terms to the tout, remarking that the British Navy, 'supported by the English- Army, could uphold the supremacy of. England now as in days of yore. Bro. Page returned thinks on behalf ot the Volunteers. Bro. J. Hutchins then B ing a song. "The Foresters of Wellington," coupled with the names of Bros. Dempsey and Guno, was then proposed by Bro. Gillon, who said that the room they were then in was evidence of the progress the society was making in Wellington. There m no doubt that the friendly societies of Wellington, of which the Foresters was one of the most prominent and useful, did much to promote the welfare and prosperity of the citizens. The motto on the reverse tide of their banner was "Go and do thou likewise," and the societies were certainly active in promoting charity. It was a good augury for the future of Mew Zealand to see that the Foresters aod other societies were so popular and numerously represented. Brother Adams, said that their lodgo had about 200 members and the funds amounted to about £4000. There bad not been much sickness, and the death rate had been very small. Bro. Dempsey, after alluding to tho rapid strides made by the order, said that it was his pleasiug duty to make a presentation on behalf of tbe Foresters' Court Robin Hood to the Chairman, Bro. Cooper, whose service* had done so much to pruuiote the progress of the Lodge. ' As a Forester he had devoted much time to tbe Lodge business. It was therefore with much pleasure that he now presented this ! testimonial, which was animbosed and illuminated certificate of their esteem for him. The Chairman, in returning thanks, said that he felt very grateful to the Court for maktag the presentation. He had only striven to do his duty while in office. He desired to thank his brother officers, Bros. Wuiteford and Cheeseman, for their co-operation. As Bro. Dempsey had said, he saw few of those who were m.the Lodge when he joined present that night. The presentation might have a good effect on joung members, and induce them' 1 to attead the meetings regularly and take office, not only willingly, but cause them to compete lor the honors. The chair was a school fvr the education of young men in the great duties of life. He would conclude with thaoks for the presentation, and would call on Bro. Moore lor » song. The Chairman then said that Court Sir G. Bowen waa about to make a presentation to Bro. Valentine. P.C.T. Bro. Hutchios, in making the presentation, said that he regretted the absence of Bro. Carter ; and he then gave a sketch of the differeLt Courts in Wellington, and concluded by haudiag tbe testimonial, consisting of a silver Foresters' medal to Bro. Valentine. Bro Ctieesman having sung a song, Bro. Valentine said that it afforded him much pleasure to know that his services had been so appreciated. When he first joined the Order they used to assemble in a room at a public-

bouso, but as they, as a body, were not great drinkers the landlord soon trot tired of them, and they got shifted from one hotel to another, but at length thoy gained in number and were nWo to give the publicans notico, as the accommodation was found too small ; and he hoped that in course of titno the room they were then in would cease to be large enough for their requirements. Bro. C Pankburatsangasong. Bro. Whiteford proposed the Sanctuary, Sir George Grey, and the Ancient Order of Shepherds. Bro. Boors having sunjr, Bro. Smith, fn responding to the toast, said that the Sanctuary was the second degree in Forestry. Tbe number of Sanctuaries was 40, and there were 300,000 financial members. The funds amounted to £60,000. The Sanctuary, Sir George Grey, consisted of 45 members, and their funds were £175. A number of other toasts were duly honored and responded to, and at an early hour this morning a most enjoyable gathering broke up.