THE ROYAL RENWICK LODGE M.D., I.O.O.F., M.U.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 114, 25 April 1868, Page 4

THE ROYAL RENWICK LODGE M.D., 1.0.0. F., M.U.

This Lodge held its first anniversary at Eenwicktown on Wednesday evening last, and with aboat a score of the Blenheim brethren, we paid a visit. The spread was laid out in the schoolroom, which was decorated with evergreens and flowers in a most tasteful manner. An. attempt to describe the good cheer provided would be futile. The carte included every description of poultry, as well as more substantial pieces de resistance in the form of roast beef and sucking pig. The best quality of the repast was, we are bound to say, that it was well cooked and admirably served, its worst, the great profusion, although many more visitors attended than were expected, or than there was room for. About 54 persons sat down to dinner, and as the hour and some of the guests were somewhat late, ample justice was done t» host Macaulay’s appetizing arrangements, which did him great credit in his new profession of caterer. Upon the cloth being drawn, the Chairman, Henry Godfrey, Esq., proposed “The Queen,” -. which was drank amidst loud and enthusiastic cheering.

Song—“ Champagne Charley,” Mr. Hears. The toast of the “Prince of Wales and the Royal Family,” was amended by the company, who called for a special mention of “Prince Alfred,” and three times three cheers were called, and given most heartily'. Song—Mr Hill. The Chairman next gave “ the Governor Sir 6. Bowen,” remarking that although we knew little of him at present, he came to us well recommended

Song—“ Sherman’s March,” Mr. McElwain Mr. George Watson proposed the Army, Navy and Volunteers,” which was received with the usual demonstration, testifying to the fact that they' are all jolly good fellows. A most humorous song, by Mr. James Ives, followed, about one “Paddy O’Connor,” illustrative of the style of education existing somewhere in Ireland. When the roars of applause had somewhat subsided,

The Chairman gave the toast of the evening, “ Oddfellowship.” After expatiating on the benefits and usefulness universally recognised of that valuable organisation, he stated what pleasure he felt at being with such a pleasant party on the occasion of this the first anniversary of the Loyal Renwick Lodge, and trusted to be present on many future occasions of a similar kind.

Mr. R. D. Nosworthy, C.S., of the district, returned thanks on behalf of the directors of the order. He said Oddfellowship was fast spreading over the world. Lodges existed in Turkey, and even in Labrador. Oddfellowship arose out of Freemasonry, which was not adapted to the working classes ; it provided for its members in time of sickness and supplied aid at death. There w'ere not less than members, possessing a common fund of £4,000,000 sterling, every one of whom felt sure that all he put into such fund w r as perfectly safe. He again thanked them for the way in which the toast had been received.

Song—“ Darby Maguire,” Mr. Gough. Mr. M‘lsaac expressed great pleasure in proposing “The Marlborough District.” Mr. John T. Robinson, P.G.M., on behalf of the district, returned thanks. He remarked that it was as yet but young, so much so, that there were only two lodges in it, consequently the business was but light and its duties pleasant. After what had fallen from the G.S. little more remained to be said

Song—“ Farmer’s Boy,” Mr. W. M‘lsaac. Mr. John T. Robinson rose with pleasure to propose “The Royal Renwick Lodge.” It was unnecessary to tell them how many members they had in it, since they were well aware of it, besides which they had ocular demonstration in the number of smiliug faces around him. He considered this the most prosperous lodge in the province, it was increasing fast, and the brethren evidently took an interest in its welfare. He did not think the principles of Oddfellowship were carried out according to the intentions of the founders, or they would have a larger number of honorary members, and they ought to bring more pressure to bear. The society was not in favor with what were called the higher classes. He thought it very desirable that these should join as honorary members, so giving it countenance. They ought to patronize us, not by giving us money, but by taking an interest in the order. He was not aware whether the Chairman was one of them or not, but he had no doubt, after the hint he had let fall, lie soon would be. v (Cheers.) Chorus—“ Jolly good fellows ” Mr. J. Sutherland, N.G. of the lodge, returned thanks, and hoped that all connected with it would do their utmost to further its object. Song—“ Kitty Callaghan,” Mr. O’Sullivan. Mr. George Mason had great pleasure in proposing “The Press,” which was drank with great enthusiasm, amidst cries of Express, and “ three cheers for the little paper.”

Song—“ Limerick Races,” Mr. John Sutherland.

Mr. Johnson rose to return thanks on behalf of the Press, remarking it was not usual for much to be said respecting this toast, nevertheless he thanked them most sincerely for this public recognition of the profession to which he had the honor to belong. It was unnecessary to refer to its usefulness, since they all shewed their appreciation of it, not only on the present occasion, but by the way in which it was universally supported in this province, and which he had reason to believe was in a greater proportion than elsewhere in the colony. For himself, he thanked them most sincerely. Song “The Desert,” Mr. Hears.

Mr. Palmer said he was unable to do adequate justice to the toast which had fallen to his lot. It was ‘‘The Agricultural, Pastoral, and Commercial Interests,” (Cheers.)

Mr. Gibson, in responding, most heartily wished it had fallen into better hands than himself. The Pastoral and Agricultural interests were, he considered, the backbone of the country. Let every pasture speak for itself. (Cheers.) Mr. Hears suggested cheers for the news which had arrived that day of Id. per lb. advance in wool. (Cheers.) Mr. Watson wished to remark that, as a native of the North of Scotland, and having had considerable experience, in his opinion agriculture was the most important of the three interests named ; and that the -worthy Chairman, who was a gentlemen in every way, had introduced more and superior implements, and made more improvements than any in the neighbourhood.

Song—“ Trumpet of Fame,” Mr. S. Turner. Mr. M‘lsaac, in proposing the “ Loyal Marlborough Lodge,” looked upon it as a kind of parent, and hoped it would continue to flourish and get wealthy. Chorus —“ Jolly fellows,” followed by a song —v“ Death of Nelson,” by Mr. Wears. Mr. A. Barclay, N.G. of the Lodge, responded to the toast; and hoped that we should meet together in a friendly and festive manner, on many future occasions. “The Ladies” was proposed by Mr. W. M‘lsaac, who defined the toast to include mothers and sisters, sweethearts and wives.

Chorus—“ All good lassies.” Mr. Gough in returning thanks considering the way in which they were connected with the ladies, they had not done them sufficient justice. Song—•“ The flag that’s braved a thousand years.”

Mr. Parmer proposed “The Town of Renwick,” and alluded to the old times when they could scarcely get about anywhere, and a gathering like the present was an impossibility. He fervently hoped it would continue to increase and prosper. Mr.. O’Sullivan responded most heartily, but wished a longer resident than himself had undertaken the task. He approved of meetings like the present, and trusted to be present at many such, and to meet the present company in this place, if not in a hall of their own, which he learned it was their intention shortly to build. Song—“ The Cobbler,” Mr.' M’Allister. Air. Gough proposed “The Guests,” which which was responded toby Mr. C. H. M‘Elwain.

Air. John Watson urged that sports should be got up to celebrate the Queen’s Birthday on May 25th ; he was willing to give To towards a subscription, and would further enter a horse. Song—“ Young Recruit,” Air. M‘Elwain. Air. Hunt proposed the health of “ Mr. Henry Godfrey, their friend and chairman this evening.” (Great cheering.) Mr. Godfrey thanked them for the honor done him by inviting him on this occasion, and thanked them for their enthusiasm; the present was one of those occasions when it was impossible to give expressions to the feelings. He thanked them for the pleasant evening they had spent together, and trusted there would be many more of them.

“The Host and Hostess” was proposed by Air. Sutherland, and suitably responded to by Air. J. D. Macaulay, who congratulated the members on being connected with such a healthy society. In the Lodge, he would continue to do his utmost to promote its welfare in the future as hitherto ; it was fast increasing in numbers, and they were all sound and healthy. (Cheers.) At this stage we took our departure, and were under the necessity of leaving friend Mears in the midst of another song, and perfectly happy ; in truth he seemed entirely in his element, and to have an exhaustless repertoire of melody of every imaginable variety.