MEETINGS OE SOCIETIES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11536, 24 March 1898, Page 3

MEETINGS OE SOCIETIES.

A well-attended meeting of the Womens Political Association took place at the Women’s Christian Temperance Union Rooms on Tuesday evening. Hie discussion of the resolutions forwarded by the executive of . tbo National Council of Women, was proceeded with. It was resolved that the Old Ago Pension Bill and the domestic servants question should form subjects of discussion at next meeting. Attention was drawn to the very practical suggestions made recently by Sister Frances through tho medium of the Lyttelton Times, and it was unanimously resolved—“ That this Association cordially approves of Sister Francos s scheme lor reaching and training the vagrant, truant, begging children of this town, aiid is of opinion that the time bas arrived lor dealing with this matter, and for,endeavouring to check the manufacture of paupers which is going on in onr midst. 9ho .Secretary was instructed to forward this resolution to Sister Frances. The monthly meeting of No. 2 Purple Star Loyal Orange Lodge was hold on Tuesday evening, when the W.M., Bro W. Bultitude, presided, and was supported on the dais by the G.S., Bro Caygill, P.D.M. s Bros J. Hanna and Taylor, P.M.’s Bros Bettie and P. Taylor. . Correspondence was received from No. 1 Ladies Lodge, inviting the officers and members to an open meeting on March 24. From the D.S., giving notice that the next district meeting would be held on Friday evening next, and enclosing an account, which was duly passed. From the trustees of the Protestant Orphanage, Nelson, forwarding the yearly balance-sheet, and asking for the Lodge’s annual contribution. From the officers of the Lodge, stating that they had during tho month arranged a farewell social hour to a departing member of the Lodge, and their action was approved of. Several accounts submitted were duly passed for payment. One candidate was received into membership and several matters of interest to tho Order were discussed. A hearty vote of thanks to tho visiting officers and members was passed. Tho Lodge then adjourned to the refectory, where two hours were pleasantly spent with toasts, songs and addresses. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the W.M.

A meeting of the committee of the New Zealand Natives Aslociation was held yesterday afternoon; present—Mr W. Reece (president), Rev C. A. Fraer, and Messrs H. J. Beswick, G. Capper, W. Poison, A. G. Henderson, and F. 11. Cowper. The Concert Committee reported on its preliminary arrangements, and it was decided to authorise the engagement of two singers from Wellington, and, if possible, one from Dunedin. The Concert Committee, with the addition of the Rev C. A. Fraer, was appointed an Advertising Committee, and the date of the concert was fixed for Thursday, April 21. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting.

The quarterly summoned meeting of Queen’s Own Lodge, No. 30, Protestant Alliance Friendly Society, was held on Monday. Bro j. Hanna, W.M., presided. The Secretary reported the death of Bro J. Johnston, tho late treasurer, who was one of the founders of the Lodge in 1874. The Lodge resolved to go into mourning; also to send a letter of condolence to the widow and family. Bro H. Skinner was elected as treasurer pro tern. One member only was on the sick fund. Accounts were, passed to the amount of £42, and the receipts for the night were £35.

The fortnightly meeting of the Burwood Band of Hope was held in the schoolroom on Friday evening. There was a good attendance, and a long and varied programme was contributed hy members and friends, Mr Birks’s solo, with auto-harp accompaniment, being much appreciated. Addresses-were given by Mr Bennetts and Mr Birks,