FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Evening Star, Issue 9785, 15 August 1895, Page 2

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

There was a crowded attendance last evening in the Choral Hall, when the annual reunion of the city and suburban courts of the Ancient Order of Foresters was held. The programme was a long and varied one, and appeared to be heartily enjoyed by all present. During an interval light refreshments were served, Mr Lean catering iu a most satisfactory manner. D.C.R Bro. Gillies, who presided, delivered a short address, in which he referred to the objects of tho society and advised those present who were not already members to lose no time in becoming such. In proposing the toast of " The Visitors," he explained that the members of Court Robin Hood, Port Chalmbere, and of the two Courts for women—Woodland's Pride and Pride of Eoslyn—were present by invitation, and he trusted that they would next year have the pleasure of welcoming the members of at least two more, courts for the fair sex. Bro. Cashman replied on behalf of the visitors from the Port, ai d C.R. Sis. Withy man for Court Woodlands Pride. Songs were contributed by Sis. Hodge, Bro. and Mrs Van Pain (duet), and Bros. Patton, Hudson, Newbury, E. Morgan, M'Connell, Middleton, Jarvis, i annon, Napier, Harris, and Kane; recitations by Bro. Cashman ; and a step-tfance by brother Maher several of the items being encored. The singers found a capable accompanist in Mr Cuningham. After the conclusion of tho musical programme dancing was indulged in and kept up till an early hour, the floor capacity baiu£ taxed to its utmost. Bros. Perry and Critohfleld acted as M.C'.'s, and Bro. C. Hamann supplied the music.

The Break o e . Day Lodge 1.0. G.T., held their usual weekly meeting in Dawson's Hall la*t night. Bro. Vine, who is leaving for Wanganui, was presented with an ebony walking-stick with silver knob. Sis. Paine, L.D., who made the presentation, spoke of the good he bad done, and wished him success. Refreshments were supplied by the sisters and songs were sun£.