ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE LOYAL NELSON LODGE OF ODD-FELLOWS.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 409, 5 January 1850, Page 176

ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE LOYAL NELSON LODGE OF ODD-FEL-LOWS.

The above lodge of the Order of OddFellows, the first, we believe, that was formed in this colony, but at all events the first that was recognised by the Board of Directors at home, had its Anniversary dinner on Tuesday last. This annual dinner of the Odd- Fellows in Nelson, on the first day of the New Year, has now for some time been regarded as not a mere gathering of the members of that Order for their own exclusive enjoyment, but has become to be looked upon as a general holiday, and the occasion when all good fellows of any kind, whether Odd- Fellows or not, may meet, without distinction, and partake together of the best entertainment which the worthy host can place upon his tables. That -such is the case is highly creditable to the Odd-Fellows themselves, who, with a true liberal mindedness, have always made the invitations to their dinners embrace nearly every person of standing and respectability in the settlement, and no less creditable to those who, by attending, chow that they sympathize with the working classes, and appreciate their exertions to maintain their self-respect by associating themselves together to provide against falling into a stats of helpless dependence in sickness and old age. There are also many advantages in thus drawing together once in the year men of all classes. It must induce mutual respect, promote kindly feelings towards one another* and tend to ibe general harmpny of the settlement. On the present occasion, the dinner lost none of ths eclat which has graced it in former years. A large booth was erected

in the rear of the Odd-Fellows' Arms, capable of accommodating about ICO persons, but this was found inadequate for tbe purpose, and some were compelled to get served in the house. The dinner itself was most excellent, and "host" Sullivan was delighted to see that his indefatigable exertions were fully appreciated. The chair was filled by J. Saxton, Esq., who, though no member of the Order, had had the compliment paid him of being requested to preside, from the interest he had on several occasions evinced in the welfare of the society. The vice-chair was occupied by P. P. G. M. Lloyd. On the removal of the cloth, the health of the Queen was drunk with the usual honours; the Chairman at the time remarking, that he was puzzled to account for a very considerable desertion which bad taken place from the lower end, which was explained to be only temporary, as many of the company were compelled to withdraw for a short time to milk their cows. The Chairman, then, so far from feeling in any way disappointed, looked upon this fact as one of the best signs of the settlement's prosperity, and of. the prudential habits of the members of the Order, who had been able in so many cases to possess themselves of stock, which, now required their care. The full attendance at a period a little later in tbe evening, fully attested the truth of what had been stated. The next toast given was the " Health of Prince Albert;" and the Chairman, 'm. proposing it, made a happy allusion to the great nation from which that exalted personage sprung, and the value to our own settlement of the excellent body of Germa* immigrants who had made it their abode. The " Queen Dowager, tbe Patroness of the Widow and Orphans' Fund," was then proposed by the Vice -Chairman. P. S. Coppins proposed the " Healths of Lord Beaumont and Lord Dudley Stuart," for the support they had given the Order in the House of Lords. %<■ P. G. Sdtciifpe gave the " Health of Sir George Grey." P.P.G.M. Sullivan ongivingthe "GrandMaster and Board of Directors," brought forward a copy of the vital statistics lately issued by the Unity, to show that the rate of mortality, and the rates of sickness, experienced by the Order in England, were very favourable to that body, comparing them with the returns given for the whole of England and Wales. Brother Harley gave the " Town and trade of Nelson." Brother Hooper, the " Agricultural interest of Nelson." Mr. Jollie acknowledged the toast, and said that though agriculture might no£ hitherto have been the most profitable pursuit in the settlement, it was the one which, in the end, would be of the most importance. P.G. Cox proposed the " Health of tbe ( Guests." Mr. F. Dillon Bell, on returning thanks, said that it afforded him sincere pleasure to meet such a body of men as were then assembled, and that the guests of that evening were much indebted to the Odd-Fellows for the invitations which entitled them to be present, and to participate in the pleasure of so agreeable a meeting. After a few more toasts had been given, and the Chairman having intimated his intention to retire, the health of that gentleman was propsed by Mr. Elliott. The Chairman, in returning thanks, spoke in high terms of the Order of OddFellows, and he looked upon it as one of the best institutions which had ever been designed for the benefit of the working classes. On Mr. Saxton retiring, Mr. F. D. Bellwas placed in the chair, and before the company broke up, several other toasts were drunk, and the company was enlivened with some good singing.