NGAPARA ODDFELLOWS' SOCIAL. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. )

North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 7269, 17 October 1891, Page 3

NGAPARA ODDFELLOWS' SOCIAL. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. )

On Friday evening Ngapara was certainly in one of its gayest and most festive moods, the occasion being tho first concert and ball given under (he auspices of the Ngapara Oddfellows' Lodge. Ab itneared the time for the concert vehicles of all descriptions could be seen wending their way to the township loaded with those who were coming for amusement and instruction. The greatest attraction in tho way of vehicles, however, seemed to bo those with the non-commissioned officers and members of the I Battery, as also members of other branches of the force. The I Battery was in command of Sergt. -Major Brown, and they came into the township with the Union Jack waving in the breeze, the Battery singing " Under the British flag." Before the concert took place the volunteers engaged in a smart piece of attack and defence drill. I may mention hero that the members of tho Battery yave a splendid exhibition of physical drill and sword-bayonet exorcise, which extracted much applause from the large crowd that witnessed the exhibition. At 7 o'clock sharp a procession was formed, Bro. II. H. M'Pherson acting as Marshall with hia usual ability. Over 200 took part in tho procession, which comprised representatives of the diflerent arms of the service, and representatives of all friendly societies, the visiting brethren being placed In the van as the post of honor. The lodges were under the charge of their officers, who certainly deserve credit for the prompt manner in which they took up their positions on the word of command, The procession was certainly very imposing and certainly very picturesque. At a given signal all the torches were lit, and with colored lights gave quite an enchanting appearance to the locality. The light shining on the rich and varied regalia made up » scone which thoso who witnessed will not soon forget. Amidst rattling of musketry and cheers tho procenion moved from tho front of the hall

along the streets of Ngapara. After ' traversing the main thoroughfare ,\ return was m ido to the hall, the homo lodge loading, under command of N.G. Flumank. All the Oddfellows were marched into the hall, and took thoir places on the stago, the curtain being down. The publio were then admitted. When all were seated tho ourtain was rung up, when the sUge prtaented a very g.iy appearance. Grand Master M'Pherson mado a fow appropriate remarks regarding friondly sooieties, pointing out that amongst those orders were mon of nil shades of beliefs and opinions, who met for the advancement of tho groat objects of friendship, love, and truth. Tho Press was a powerful factor in advancing knowledge, and in educating tho people m an understanding of tho bonetits of friendly societies, and ho hoped tli.it the poople would know more about friondy societies and their *ork in tho futuro than thoy fr»d in the past. Tho Grand Master thon gave the first to.ist of the evening (the Queen and the Manchester Unity;, which was responded to with viator by the brethren. The N.G. of the Ngapara Lodije gave the second toast, and also outlined tho flourishing stato of his lodge. Brothor Biownleo gave tho toist of tho " Visitors," which was responded to with music il honors. The Gr.uid Master then called upon tho representatives of the difloront lodges to address the meeting, which they did, all expressing their best wishes for the future welfare of tho Ngapara Lodgo. The brethron then vacated the stago, and a, military urnp sceno took thoir place, members of the I Battery, in full marching order, moving out to a spirited march played by Sergnant Forrester, who officiated throughout tho cimp scone. Tho first part was a supposed field day and inspection, and was carried out with groat accuracy, showing a thorough knowledge of drill, Drill In structor M'Pherson sang an oiiginal song, "Tenting here to-night," with much effect and ability, the soldiers supplying a capital chorus. The next movement was a square to resist cavalry, over which waved the Union Jack, and Sprgt. Every eung with vigor and precision " Under the British flag." Songs (with choruses) were given in capital stylo by Sergt, K. Smith, Gunners Hardy, Bruco, Fitzgerald, Crawshaw, and others. A Bolomn scone was enacted in camp— the trial of a prisoner by court martini, who was found wir,h documents upon him giving traitorous information, to tho enemy. The prisoner was found guilty and ordered to bo shot, but a reprieve arriving in tho nick of time he was ordered to undcigo tho ordeal of having nn applo shot from his head. This was successfully carried out by the black cook of tho regiment, whose eagle eye drew a bead line on tho apple. After much fun and frolic in the camp tho scene concluded with a capital original song and chorus, in which some good local and other hits wero made. All this croated great amusement. The cur tain dropped amidst cheers. The volunteers who took part in the entertainment acquitted themselves in a manner worthy of the force and of the occasion, especially the cooks, who were as effective as thoy woro droll and humorous. The second part of tho entertainment took the form of a concert, which Miss Macgregor (of Windsor) opened with "The Flowers of the Forest." Mr Aitken was encored for his capital singing of "Cjmin' through the Hyo," and in response sang " Our back yard." Miss Moore, a very young lady, sang "The Dutchman's Littlo Dog," and being encored gave " Peek a-boo." Mr Moldrum sang "Flora Macdonald's Lament" in very good form, and Messrs Weir and Rayno gave a negro song and dance. With the singing of " Hark, the Bolls are Ringing," Misses Bevoridgo and Johnston brought tho second part to a close. On the motion of Bro. Livingstone, hearty votos of thanks were accorded tho performers, and on th« motion of Mr Aitken a similar compliment was paid to the worthy chairman, who briefly responded. The hall was then cleared for dancing, the grand march being led off by Bio. R. H. M'Pherson and Mrs White, about 70 couples taking part, as many more not being ablo to find floor space. Bro. R, White acted as M.C., and nothing could have been better than the manner in which he acquitted himself. Tho dance concluded one of the best attended and mosb enjoyable events that has yet taken place at Ngapara.