Ancient Order of Foresters.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1521, 5 March 1886, Page 2

Ancient Order of Foresters.

The annual meeting of the United Otago District of the Ancient Order of Foresters was held at the Foresters' Hall, Queens town, on Friday, the 26th of February, 18S6. Present: —D.C.R. Bro. W. Norman, D.S.C.R. Bro. C. Williams, D.T. Bro. J. Macfie, D.S. Bro. W. Woodlands, D.B. Bro. J. G. Butler, and the following delegates—P.D.C.R. Bro. J. White, P.C.R. Bro. J. Watson And C.R. Bro. A. S. Adams (Court Pride of Dunedin), Dunedin ; P.D.C.R. Bro. W. Ibbotson, P.C.R. Bro. E. flalford and P.C.R. Bro. Aitken (Court Enterprise), Dunedin ; P.C.R. Bro. J. B. Taylor and P.C.R. Bro. Bauchop (Court Robin Ilood), Port Chalmers; P.C.R. Bro. J. G. Bryant and P.C.R. D. Matheson (Court Pride of the Lake), Queenstown ; P.C.R. Bro. J. Hay and P.C.R. Bro. W. Mitchell (Court Pride of the Leith), Dunedin; P.C.R. Bro. W. Cairns (Court Pride of Oamaru), Oamaru ; P.C.R. Bro. Crutchfield and P.C.R. Bro. Bachelor (Court Star of the South), Invercargill. The District Chief Ranger opened the meeting by delivering the usual address. Minutes of previous half-yearly meeting were read and confirmed. Senior Auditor Bro. J. Beeson then read balance sheet and auditors' report, whicli were received and adopted. A considerable amount of correspondence from the various Courts was then dealt with. Funeral claim from Court Star of the South, on account of late Bro. J. Leckie, viz., £2O, was passed for payment. The D.C.R. then read the annual report from the District Executive, as follows To Tns Dklkoatks assimxlzd.

Respected Brethren,—The time having expired for which we were elected, we desire to place before you a short rtrnini of the business done for the pat>t year. The question of forming Courts of Juvenile Foresters having been brought forward, a committee, consisting' of the Executive and representatives of the citv and suburban courts met to consider the matter, and it was resolved that power 1 e given to any Court that so desired to form a Juvenile Court in connection with their own Court, and we believe the same is being done.

We are pleased to state that the valuation of the District is now in a fair way of being completed, a> all returns l.a.'ing been sent in are now in the valuators hands, so that in a few weeks we may confidently expect the valuator's report, whicli w v hoj* will be favorable to our Order, as it is de-iroUB of making general alterations in our District Laws which bears greatly on our financial position. It gives us pleasure to report the continued prepress of the Courts in the District, as will be seen by the following statements At the beginning of the > ear 1885 there were lti Courts numbering 1332 members, with funds as follows -Sick and funeral, £12,303 4s. 9jd.; management, £1079 19s. 2d.; goods and properties, £444 o*. 9d., being a total worth of Courts funds of £11,433 4s. B}d. During the year 1885 94 members joined by initiation and 5 by clearance, making a total of 99. During the same period 112 memberu left by arrears, 7 by clearance, I by expulsion and 11 were taken from us by death, which now leaves 16 Courts with 1299 members, showing a loss of 33 members for the year, which may be accounted for by the extreme depression the colony is suffering from. Although we iave a loss of members during the year, we are pleased to state there is an increase of the funds, which are as follows Sick and funeral, £)3,200 7s. lOjd.; management, £lß7l 7s. sJd._; goods and properties, £552 1;. 7d., maltirg a total of £15,053 16s. lid., which shows an increase to the sick and funeral of £921 3s. id.; management, £l9l Bs. 3d.; goods and properties, £IOB os. 10d., beir.g a total increase for the year of £1220 llis. 2d , which we think is very satisfactory. We are pleased also to state the funds of the District are steadily increasing. During the year we paid the sum of £255 as funeral claims on behalf of 11 deceased brothers and 4 brothers' deceased wives, which leaves an increase of £213 (is. 3d. to the District funds.

The Lalance sheet before you shows the value of the District funds to be as follows Sick and funerai, 1.2558 Its. iOd.; management, L 231 lis. lid., goods and properties, L 133 las. txt.; relief, 1>507 16a Bd., making a total of 1,3437 195., which snows the grand total worth of the United Otago District to be £1y,091 15a. lid., which we think should be satisfactory to us all. We wish to call the earnest attention of secretaries of several Courts to keep their Court funds separate and distinct, and to use them only for the purpose for which they are formed. Also, to tne great inconvenience the business of the District is put to by not sending returns U the District. Secretary at the pro|>er time.

We have to thank the members generally for the courtesy ihown to us on (til occasion*. Hoping the same brotherly feeling may ever continue, and wishing prosperity to the Unittd OUgo District and Order in general, we are, brethren, yours fraternally,

Wm. Norman, D.C.R. C. Willi a*s, D.S.C.R. Jamks Mackib, D.T. Wm. Woodlands, D.S. John Gbokub Butler, D.B.

It was resolved that the report of the District Executive be received and adopted, and the same be published in the half-yearly reports. It was suggested by Court Star of the South that when the revision of General Laws took place, provision should be made for increasing the sick pay to member! after twelve months' sickness; also, to reduce the scale of initiation fees. Resolved, on the motion ol Court Pride of Dunediu, that the Executive be requested to enquire as to the advisability of establishing a Widows' Funeral Fund in connection with the District, and report thereupon to the District at the next halfyearly meeting; and that the Executive be also requested, if they should deem it advisable to form such fund, to draw up a scheme for establishing the same, and submit such scheme to the District at the said meeting.

It was decided to hold the next half-yearly meeting at the Foresters' Hall, Invercargill. The election of officers for the ensuing twelve months was then proceeded with, and resulted as followsD.C.R., Bro. C. Williams: D.S.C.R., Bro. J. G. Butler; D.T., Bro. J. Mac tie (re-elected); D.tf., Bro. W. Woodlands (re-elected); D.8., Bro. J. Melville. P.D.C.R. Bro. W. Norman wa* elected kuditor vice Bro. Beeaon, retiring. P.D.C.R. Bro. lbbotson, after a few appropriate remarks, installed the newly-elected officers. Votes of thanks were accorded the retiring officers, and a P.D.C.R. neck ribbon and testimonial were voted Bro. Norman for the creditable maimer in which he had carried out his duties.

The sum of £lO 10s. was voted to the Wakatipu District Hospital. Bro. Bryant, on behalf of the officers and members of Court Pride of the Lake, invited the Executive officers and delegates to attend a banquet at Mrs M'Bride's (Harp of Erin) that evening and a trip to the Head of Lake on Saturday, which was kindly accepted. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the officers and memljers of Court Pride of the Lake, for the very cordial manner in which they received one and all on their arrival in Queenstown and for the kind invitation just given. The D.C.R. then closed the meeting in the customary manner.

BANQUET TO DELEGATES. In commemoration of the visit of the District Executive and delegates of the A.0.F., a banquet was given by Court Pride of the Lake at the Harp of Erin Hotel, Queenstown, on Friday evening, when over 50 persons (including the gue&fcs) sat down to a sumptuous spread, got up in the best style of the respected hostess, Mrs M'Bride. The tables were loaded not only with many varieties of the more substantial good things (such as salmon, turkeys, geese, etc), but also (in due course) with various delicacies of the season. The large diningroom, which was tastefully decorated, presented a very gay appearance, and the harmony and good fellowship that prevailed throughout must have left a very favorable impression, that will long remembered by those who had the pleasure of being present. A few familiar faces, present on a similar occasion five years ago, were to be seen amongst the guests, but there were more young and new faces. The chair was occupied by Bro. C. Williams, D.C.R., and the vice-chair by Bro. J. Brooke, C.R. of Court Pride of the Lake. Shortly after the tables were cleared of substantial good things, the " feast of reason and flow of soul" followed.

The toast of the " Queen and Royal Family" was drunk in the usual loyal manner.

Song—Bro. Norman, " Rhine wine." Mr H. Manders, in responding to the toast of "The Parliament of New Zealand," gave the Legislature great credit, after the abolition of Provincial Councils, for having done everything it could for friendly societies, and, in that respect, he thanked the present Premier, Mr Stout, for the great help rendered. The speaker congratulated the members of the Order of Forestry for the very high position they had taken in society, and for their economical habits, thrift, industry and enthusiasm as lodge members. Their unity had given them strength, and their Belf-reliant policy had made them a power in the State. Sonys—Bro. Brooke, "The Little Hero;" Bro. Ibboteon, " Nancy Lee."

Bro. Taylor, captain of L Battery, Port Chalmers, responded to the toast of the "Army, Navy and Volunteers." He said he had great faith in the Volunteers, and thought, as Government were getting a standing army, that they would prove a very valuable body. This was shown by the promptness with which they came forward at the time of the Russian scare not many months ago. If an enemy did land on our shores he did not think he would ever get back again. Bro. Crutchfield proposed the " Pastoral, Commercial and Mining Interests." Mr L. Hotop, in responding, said he scarcely expected to be called on to speak to the toast. Every interest was very much depressed at the present time, but there was nevertheless sufficient energy in the people not to lose heart in the great resources of the country, and if they only waited he thought renewed prosperity was not far off. As far as our beautiful Lakes district was concerned, it was, unfortunately, the stronghold of rabbits, which it was found almost impossible to exterminate. The mining industry, however, was one feature on which they could look with pleasure, as its prospects were more hopeful than ever. (A voice—"What about your Lake fish?") I think you have shown your high appreciation of the quality of our fish by your attention to it to-night. Bro. Matheson in proposing the " District Executive," said that the Executive, which paid a visit to the district a few years ago, proved a blessing, as also would the present one, and he hoped another Executive would socn again visit the district. Bro. Williams, in responding, said that, as he had only been connected with the United Otago District about two years, he was not so able to do justice to the toast as an old member like Bro. Woodlands. The district had been making progress, financially, during the past year, although not so well as the previous year, but-he hoped that during the current year it would make amends. Bro. Woodlands thought he was going to get off making a speech. He could only say that the United Ota»o District, A.0.F., had been a wonder. He remembered when, in 1862, a dispensation for >iew Zealand was asked for from Melbourne, that members at Dunedin were laughed at; and it was only, after considerable trouble, that a dispensation was granted, 011 condition that this district would not ask to join the Melbourne one. What was the consequence now ? Why, the United Otago District was, at the present time, superior to that of Mel-' bourne, which latter he did not think had onefourth of the funds per head as the Otago District—although, possibly, in the course of a few years, this district might be in a similar position to Melbourne. He had been connected with the Otago District '2l years, and would only like to be connected with it another 21 years. (The speaker then referred to the financial position, etc., of the District, as showu in the annual report.) He was glad that the delegates had come once more to hold the annual meeting at Queenstown, and believed also, notwithstanding the little extra expense, that such a delightful change had saved the district £2O funeral expenses for many of them. (Laughter.) Song—Bro. Salmond, " Sailing." Bro. Woodlands, in proposing health and prosperity to Court Pride of the Lake, said that when the Otago District was first formed, Court Pri ie of the Lake was considered an outsider. But immediately the Court was formed it went ahead rapidly, and 011 condition of not being quite so free, it was allowed to join the district. The local Court did reform, and had set an example by building a hall of its own. It had gone on merrily, and possessed a magnificent banner and a respect board which was a credit to the Order. It had also, during the past year, made more new members than any other Court in the Uuited District.

Bro. Matbeson briefly returned thanks for the hearty and flattering way in which Court Pride of the Lake had been mentioned.

Bro Mitchell—Song. Bro Ibbotson proposed the Mayor and Corporation of Queenstown, couplpd with the name of Mr J. Reid, whom he congratulated on having been elected as Mayor four times. He also s}>oke in complimentary terms of the fine water supply, and condition of the streets and roads of the borough, which, notwithstanding its many expenses, was in a thoroughly sound financial condition, whilst cities such as Dunedin had great difficulty in paying their debts. The Mayor (Mr J. Reid) in returning thanks, said he was sorry to see that he was the only representative of the Council present, but it was not for the want of members—as there were six Irishmen, two Germans and one Frenchman, and himself, who represented the oidy canny Scotchman iu the Council. However, they got on very well. As to the water supply, the quality of the clement was as good as could be got, and die total taxation was not 2s. in the pound. He was always glad to see visitors, and liked to send them away with good opinions of the Lakes District. Perhaps the ex-Mayor. Mr Warren, who had also been elected four times, would like to say something in response to the toast. Mr Warren briefly replied, and concluded by expressing a hope that next time the delegates honored Queenstown with a visit that they would not only derive benefit from our waterworks, but that they would see the town lit up by electricity. Song—Mr Gilmour, "The little shamrock." Bro. Rrookc proposed the Ancient Order of Foresters throughout the world. (Given with Forestry fire.) Song—Bro. Macfie. Bro. WoodlanJs, iu replying to the toast, said that the Ancient Order of Foresters was the strongest friendly society in the world. It had made immense strides during the past 25 years, and he saw by last year's report that it numbered 600,000 members, and possessed property to the amount of four millions. Forestry had a footing in all English-speaking countries. Sengs—Bro. Butler "The Englishman,' 1 and Bro. Stubbs, " The white squall." In response to the toast of the delegates, Bro. Adams (Court Pride of Duuediu), Bro. Cairns (Court Pride of Oamaru), and Bro. Crutchfield (Star of South) briefly, but suitably replied. Song, Bro. Ibbotson, and Bro. Halford a recitation. Mr T. Gilmour, P.G.N., Lake Wakatip Lodge, 1.0.0. F., in response to the toast of kindred societies, said that he first became a member of a friendly society at Clyde, when be held office as snb-chief ranger of the Foresters Lodge. He afterwards joined the Oddfellows at Cromwell, and was transferred subsequently to the Lodge at Qneenstown The Wakatip Lodge laboured nnder a drawback from which Court Pride of Lake was freenamely, that they could not fall back on the sick and funeral fund, and had therefore to pay 13s. 6d. a year extra to the general fnud to pay for cost of chemists and doctors. At last annual meeting, however, they had £1740 to the credit of the sick and funeral fund—and that was a healthy sign.

Song—Bro. Salmond, " Barring o' the door." Messrs Manders and Warren responded to the toast of "the Press."

Bro. Woodlands spoke on behalf of absent Foresters, and referred to an old friend, Bro. Geddes, who was on his journey up with the delegates, but was called back at Clinton.

Song—Bro. Brooke, "Tiie Midshipmite.'' Mr J. Reid proposed the health of the hostess, Mrs M'Bride, who had provided the company with snch a sumptuous repast, and such a tastefully laid out table.

Bro. Salmond returned thanks in appropriate terms.

The toast of " The Ladies," responded to by Bro. Adams, brought a very jovial evening's entertainment to a close.

LAKE EXCURSION.

On Saturday an excursion was made to the TTead of the Lake and back in the Antrim steamer, which had been chartered for the occasion by Court Pri-le of the Lake. The procession (headed by the flue banner of the Court, and accompanied by the Baud) left the hall about half-past eipht for the steamer, which shortly afterwards started. There were few on board beyond the delegates and members of the Court, but—the weather being simply magnificent —the trip was most enjoyable to all. Lunch was had on board. The party visited Glenorchy and Kinloch—staying an hour and a-half at each place —and returned to Queenstown about seven o'clock, thoroughly delighted with the outing.