MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11885, 8 May 1899, Page 6

MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.

At the Oust Oddfellows’ Hall on Friday evening the opening “social” in connection with the recently fortned'Friendship Guild of the Presbyterian. Church took place, when over sixty persons were present. The Rev F. Stubbs presided, arid explained the nature and objects of the Guild. Songs were contributed by Miss Ruddenklau and Mr J. Gardner, a - reading was given by Mr Hassall, and a pianoforte duet by Mrs Stubbs and Miss Hassall. The officers elected were: —President, Rev F. Stubbs , vice-presidents, Mr A. D. Hassall and Mr J. Forbes; secretary, Mr A. Searell; treasurer, Mr C. B. Forbes; committee, Misses Cromie and Early,' Mrs Stubbs, Messrs M’Cutchen, Wayland and Gardner. The subscription qualifying for membership was paid by forty-five, and it is expected that the number will be‘ augmented. Refreshments were handed round, and the whole of the proceedings were of ‘an enjoyable character. - V ■The St Albans Mrisicat arid Literary Society opened its session on Friday evening with a well-attended “social.” The President (the Rev W. Lee) opened the meeting with a. speech, which was followed by instrumental music by Miss Smith, songs by Misses. Chaplin and Morrow and Mr Simpson, a duet by Air and Mrs W. Hindle, glees by the choir, a recitation by Mr Adamson, and a reading by Mr C. E. Salter. A dialogue and tableau were given by lady members'. •At the Oddfellows’ Hall, Gust, on Friday evening, a well attended meeting of ' the Past Grands’ Lodge was held under the presidency of Bxo Wilson. Representatives were present from Rangiora and .Oxford, and the degree was conferred upon seven candidates. Tire matter of forming a Lodge in connection with Gust and Oxford was discussed, and it was decided to relegate the proposal to a committee of six brethren. The visitors were entertainSd by the local members. ‘

A meeting of the Hope of Christchurch Lodge of Good Templars -was held on Tuesday evening. An official visit was received from the Good Intent Lodge, Rahgiora. and Rock of Freedom Lodge, Ashley; four new members were initiated into the Order, and four proposed for membership. Sister Ashbolt, Lodge Deputy, installed the following officers for the new quarter:—Chief Templar, Bro Lomax; V.T., Sister Groundwater; R.C.T., Bro Oates; Financial Secretaiy, Bro. Smith; Treasurer, Bro M’Donald; Secretary, Bro Stokes; S.J.T., Sister Eastwood; Chaplain, Sister Bastion ; Marshal, Bro Oates; Deputy Marshal, Sister Ashbolt; Assistant Secretary, Bro Eastwood; Inside Guard, Bro Wilson’; Sentinel, Bro Fellingham. _ The annual meeting of the Timaru branch of the Prohibition League was held on Friday evening. T tie re was a meagre attendance. The Secretary and Treasurer stated that there was Is in hand. There were 165 members on the roll, . but only eight’ paid their subscriptions last year. The Rev J. N. Buttle was elected president, Rev W. C. Woodward vice-president, and Mr W. Boys secretary. A proposal to employ a lady canvasser, as is done in North Canterbury and the North Island, was not favourably entertained. •:

A meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Women’s Institute was held on Saturday evening. It was decided to hold a general meeting next Saturday evening to receive the report of the delegates to the National Convention, lately held in Auckland, the public to be specially invited. A conference of delegates convened by the Institute will be held on May 15; in the Meta.physical Room, for the purpose of discussing and formulating an amended scheme of management of Industrial and Reformatory Schools. Miss Dunham resigned her position as vice-president. A discussion took place on Mrs Cunnington’s appeal for an Inebriates’ Home, and the secretary was instructed to write to the Premier, asking him what was the intention of the Government with regard to the establishment of Inebriates’ Homes ; also what provision was being made to put the Bill which had been passed into effect.

A meeting: of the committee of the New Zealand Natives’ Association Operatic Society. Was held last week, Mr W. Reece (president) being in the chair. . The Treasurer placed before the committee a duly-audited balance-sheet, showing the gross proceeds to have been £554, which covered all expenses, and left a small: balance. ,A vote of thanks was passed to the working members and to Mr Garrard for acting as business manager in the production of “ Dorothy.” A recommendation to the incoming committee was passed that “Marjorie,” “The Mountebanks,” or “The Yeoman of the Guard ” should be put in hand for the next production of the society, and that a ballot should be taken at the next meeting in connection with the three retiring members of the committee.

The annual general meeting of the Christchurch Shorthand Writers’ Association was held at the rooms of the Young Men’s Christian Association on Saturday evening, when there was a large attendance. . The report and balance-sheet were read and adopted. A bonus of £2 2s was voted to the secretary. The election of officers resulted as follows -.—President,, Mr T. S. ’ Weston ; vice-presidents, Messrs C. H. Gilby and H. W. Digby-; joint secretaries, Messrs P. A. Pvne and A. F. Wright; librarian, Miss E. A. Rout; committee, Mss Digby, Messrs Lumsden, Webster, and Sims; auditors, Messrs St. G. Atkinson and J. W. Symes.