NEW ODDFELLOWS' HALL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXV, Issue 244, 14 October 1891, Page 2

NEW ODDFELLOWS' HALL.

The laying of the Foundation Stone of the new Od If ellows' Hall took place this afternoon. Owing to the wet weather the procession and the opening ceremony was not so imposing a8 they no doubt would have been had the day been fine. The flags and bunting displayed ia various parts of the town presented a very bedraggled look, and all the surroundings looked rather diamal. But in spite of the rain everything passed off very well. The Fire Brigade Band, which was in attendance, played some very pleasant selections and did its best to enliven the proceedings. The members of the following lodges formed the prooession: Oddfellows, Foresters and Rechabites. Upon arriving at the Theatre Royal a halt was made, and a circlejwas formed. Among those present were His Worship the Mayor, the Rev. F. W. Ohatterton, Hon. R. J. Seddon, M.H.R., Mr. J. G. Harkness, M.H.R., Mr C. Y. Fell, Mr J. A. Harley, P.P.G.M,, Mr filojes, P.G.M., Mr Topliss, P.P.G.M. j The master of the ceremonies,' Mr J. A. Harley, called upon His Worship the Mayor to lay the stone, and presented him with a silver trowel.; His Worship the Mayor acknowledged the present and called upon Mr Chatterton to offer prayer which he did.

The Chairman of the Building 1 Committee read the records, placed them in a bottle and handed it to Bro. Toplis, P.G.M., who placed it in the cavity under the stone. The Mayor received some oil from "the Warder and sprinkled it on the stone. He then took some flowers presented him by the Chaplain and Btrewed them, and also some wheat, which he spread on the top. He then gave the stone three taps with his gavel. The architect handed him the trowel and mortar, which he spread on the stone. After the stone was laid an adjournment was made to the Theatre, where thirftlayor delivered the following address : - Brother Oddfellows and Foresters and kindred societies, ladies aud gentlemen, I take ib as a great honour to be invited here to-day to lay the corner stone of a building to be erected for the comfort of those who labour to oarry out the management of the great and noble wish of as3istiug those who are in need. lam glad my brother Oddfellows have taken this step, as the old building had become very uncomfortable and dilapidated. It is about 30 years ago since I was initiated an Oddfellow in the old building juat pulled down, therefore 1 have had plenty of practical knowledge of the good that is done by these friendly societies, and would like to impress on the young men of Nelson as soon as ego permits to join one or more of these Sociaties. A pound a week and a doctor free in case of sickness iB a great comfort to a family, and widows and orphans are provided for. What is more Christianlike than tho assistance these Sooieties confer upon humanity ? Their brothers with ohronio diseases are never neglected. See also what a great saving the Societies are to the Government and oountry at large. If they were not in existence our hospitals would be full, and I am very much afraid workhouses would have to ba ereoted to take in those who cannot; help themselves. I wish to accord my warmest thanks to (ha Building Committee and the officers oi the Lodga for their handsome present to me, and I now deolare the stone well and truly laid,