ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Evening Star, Issue 11680, 12 February 1902, Page 6

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

The members of the Loyal Dalton Lodge (M.U.), of Baklutba,. celebrated the opening of their hail yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon by a public luncheon, to which some seventy or eighty gentlemen sat down. The want of a suitable public hall at Balclutlia has been long felt, and the local. lodge deserve great credit in satisfying the wants of the township in that direction. The foundation stone of the building which was opened yesterday was laid on July 18, 19ul, by Bros. Wm. Baitrick an<l Win. Rope, who joii ed the lodge on its inception in 1864. The building was erected by Mr G. CDunedm), from the "designs of Mr J- A. Burnside. The ciimensiouß of the main hall are 54 x 40, with a stage 18 x 40, while there an* also a lodge room (16 x 25), anteroom (10 x 8)." and kitchen, while in the front, portion of the hall are two buildings suitable for shops or offices. The proceedings yesterday were presided over by P.G. Bro. T. A. Johnston, and after the repast provided by Host Mr C. Shand had been disposed of by the company, lengthy toast list was gone through, interspersed" with musical selections by the Black Family. P.O. Bro. Johnstou read aiiologies from Prov. Corres. Sec. Bro. Hopcraft and P.G- Bro. Roderick Mackeiv zie, with well wishe* for the success of ttie gathering. . . P.P.G. Bro. James Bnggs (Dnnedm), in proposing the toast of "Loyal Dalton Lodge," referred to the fact that that branch of the M.U. had, during the hurt twenty-one years, increased their membership fourfold, and accumulated funds fivefold, whereas the Otago district during tie same period had increased double and treble respectively. Responded to by N.G*. T. It. Maekay aid P.tl. T- A. Johnston. Per. Secretary J. Hogg proposed the toast of - The Otago District and Visiting Brethren," respomkd. to by P.P.GJML Bro. Cable (Port Chalmers), Per. Secretary Bro. Wilson {Loyal Alexandra, Port Molyneux), and P.G. B*ro. Biownlie (Milton). P.G.M. Cable mentioned incidentally that the membership of the M.U. was one million, with an accumulated capital of £11.000,000 ; the daily average disbursement for sick pay was £2,000, and for funeral expenses £400; while capital was accumulated at the rate of £I,OOO per day. The other toasts honored wcrec—"The King and the Royal Family " ; " The Army, Navy, and Volunteers " ; " The Pari-lament " (rescinded to by J. W. Thomson, MLH.R.); "Local Bodies" (responded to by Mr D. Stewart, Mayor of Balclutha) ; " Architect and Contractor" (replied to by Messrs G. Lawrence and J. A. Burnside); " Building Committee" (responded to by P.G. T. A. Johnston).

During tho evening a concert wus given to a crowded house, by the Black Family, assisted by Mrs Labatt, Misses Hogg and Stewart, and Messrs Muir and Deaker.