ODD FELLOWS’ FESTIVAL.

New Zealander, Volume XVII, Issue 1552, 2 March 1861, Page 6

ODD FELLOWS’ FESTIVAL.

Thursday (I4th) was quite a Gala day, as far as the Odd Fellows and their friends and admirers of the Auckland Districts were concerned. Upon that occasion, they held high festival for the second time, the members assembling at their Hull in Queen-street at 9 o’clock. Owing to unforseen causes many were unable to attend, so that it was half-past 10 o’clock before the procession was in a position to set forth. By that hour, however, all was in order, and the movement commenced, headed by the Band of the Auckland Rifle Volunteers who played those thrilling strains “The Irish Emigrant,” “The Old Folks at Home,” and other airs of a kindred and kindly character.

The line of march was directed towards the domain, and once arrived there the members formed a ring, giving, in due form and with becoming emphasis, the honours of the Order, the Band performing the National Anthem. After this, each party had recourse to their favourite games, such as Cricket, Quoits, and Foot Ball, whilst some with their Rifles made practice at the target.

At 2 p.m. the dinner bugle was sounded, and the brethren sat down to a substantial repast, provided by brother Roberts. This reflection over, the sports were resumed and carried on until 5 pun.: when the bugle once more sounded, and the ranks, now swelled by many members, (at first unable to attend) were reformed and inarched homewards, the band playing “ Willie we have missed you” “Annie Laurie”—“ Auld Lang Syne”—and other similar airs—until they arrived at the Hall, where they dismissed—but only to re-assemble between 8 and 9 o’clock—for the purpose of the dance which was kept up with unflagging spirit until the small hours of the following morning, not less than eighty couples being present. The whole of the arrangements were of the most satisfactory kind, and the attention of the Stewards in catering for the wants of their friends and visitors was the theme of general commendation.

BAND OF HOPE FESTIVAL.

On Wednesday, Gth ult„ according to previous announcement, the Auckland Band of Hope celebrated their first anniversary by a grand b estival. The proceedings of the day commenced about ,|-past 9 a.in., with the assembling of the children in the Odd Fellows’ Hall, kindly lent for the occasion, where each child was provided with a rosette. At 10 a procession of about 700 started from the Hall, with the Band of the Auckland Bifle Volunteers at its head, and with a large quantity of banners, bearing appropriate mottos and devices, and gail} r jlecorated with flowers, &(}.■, distributed along the whole of the vast column, formed such a spectacle as had never before been seen in Auckland. The happy faces of the children, the stirring music of the Band, the banners and pennons of almost all the hues of the rainbow shining in the sun, and the good order with which everything was carried out, altogether tended to procure from the numerous spectators their warmest approbation. The procession advanced along Queen-street, up Short-laud-street, through Princes-street, to the Government Domain, where refreshments, both ample and various, and amusements of almost every conceivable description, were provided for their entertainment. At intervals during the day the Band considerably increased the approbation which has hitherto marked their short, yet honourable, career, by the spirited and correct manner in which they performed various choice selections of music. A great many of the tradesmen of the town closed^ their places of business, and joined their children and friends in the course of the day. The weather, though rather threatening in the morning, cleared up, and was all that could be desired. At G p.m. the procession re-formed, and returned to the Albert Barracks, where they sang some temperance melodies ere

dispersing. Altogether it was a great*^T and we think that the highest commendation** 1 due to all—to the ladies for making *** decorating the banners, and assisting i n for the children,—to the Band of Hope Comn?* l for making.and carrying out the arrangement** and to. the Band for their invaluable service I ''' the occasion, We trust that this useful Sort will go on. and prosper,, and that the resoS** their second year’s engagements may fc e * more encouraging, if it be possible, than A*? first year’s have been. This is a noble work j we heartily wish them “ God speed.’* * an *

ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBbifta rtA THE MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE, the Annual Meeting of Members of this t-m. tute took place in the Hall Pn the 7ifi aip*— W. Gisborne Esq, in the Chair. The Mech* i°i Institute; we are happy to find, continued gress in its useful career. It lias taken it£ as one of the uiost practical arid profitable fi ■ literary sense) establishments in Auckland ‘ f we are therefore gratified to. learn that altiloif? tilery has been a trifling decrease in the nu ° ££ of subscribers, that that deficiency has fieen fun compensated by an increase in the sources of * venue. The Financial Report exhibits an inenm 1 of £406 13s. 4d., and an expenditure of leaving a balance of £T 3s. 4d. to the credit f the Institute. By reference to last year’s recort and comparing it with this year’s, which we suh join, but little perceptible difference will hj found. The following gentlemen were elected Officer! and Committee for the ensuing year” Patron—His Excellency the Governor, President —Mr. Wm. Gisborne, Vice-Presidents —Mr, W. Rattray, Mr. P. A Philtu Treasurer —Mr. J. C. McDowell. Secretary —Mr. David Balderston. Committee of Management — Messrs. J. C. Putin R Edmonds; C- Sanderson; .1. P. Leighton; Henrv Potter; John Varty; Hugh Reid; John Mathesoie J. W. Carr; James George; James Smart- RioV,J Taylor; Fred. L. Jones; A. A. Melvin; John tray. Auditors—Messrs. W. C. Ualdy; R. Ridings; £ j Cox.

REPORT. la again presenting to the Members the Anuuil Report, the Committee of Management regret thev are not in a position to present so satisfactory a statement as they could have wished. The ' dolmas and depression in commercial affairs throughout tb Province for sonic time hUs Been found rdatcnnlh to affect the Financial position of the Institute. Ym Committee are, however, of opinion that on inspection you will find that the Institution has in no ©cam deteriorated in usefulness, or in the intellectual benefit! it offers,—and they trust that when the present unhappy war shall have ceased, the Institute will again thrire with renewed vigour. Members. The number of members on the roll is ogj. of which number 228 pay 20s, and 57 loj annual!}'. This show's a falling off, according to las* Annual Report, of 100 members. Your Committee however, are of opinion that there must have beea inadvertently, some error in last years’ statement ©4 that the actual number of members less at the present time would not exceed fifty, as they find the decreas of income from that sum is only £25. The large amount of emigration that has been going on this year would easily account for this falling off.

Liabilities. The present liabilities of the Institute amount to about £136 10s. 3d.

While there has been a falling off in Subscribers it is satisfactory to find that our Annual income ha suffered little deminution, there being a considerable • increase for hire of Hall, and which there is every prp Lability of a continuance,—while in comparison with the previous year a decrease in expenditure on many items will he found, your Committee having used the strictest economy consistent with necessary requiremeats. The present Secretary’s salary is' £IOO pfer annum; instead of £125 paid to Mr. Boyle. Lectures. The following lectures have been delivered daring the season : One on Phonography, by Mr. Brabazoa; three oa Astronomy, by Rev. T. Hamer; one on CardinalWof sey, by J. T. Mandeno ; one on British India, by J, Y. 'I Johnston ; one on Elements of Chemistry, by Mr.- m Heulc; one on Familiar Geology of the Auckland District, by Mr. Heaphy ; one on - Tenure of jfciarive Land, by John White.' Your Committee regret to have again to make the same remark as last year regarding the apathy exhibited in their non attendance. This causes great difficult? in getting gentlemen of ability to come forward, and they trust this appeal during the ensuing year will be found not in vain. Library. During the year 183 volumes of new works have been purchased and added to the Library, namely 83 of Fiction, 12 of History', and 8 of Science. Your Committee have aimed at adding works of interest and attraction, and only regret that the cramped state of the finances prevented their making a much larger addition. During the year the Library was partially culled of old and useless books and the proceeds invested in new works. The total number of volumes now existing are 1483, classified as follows Science and Art, 182; History and Travels, 245; General Literature, 984.

The circulation during the year has been 6000 volumes, an average of 116 volumes weekly. The average number of readers are 212 or threefourths of the members. The following books have been presented daring the year:—

Rambles at the Antipodes, by James Smart; Ham Lorriquer, by J. L. Franklin; The Science of Gunnery, by James George ; The Story of New Zealand, 2 volumes, by Dr. Thomson ; * Gibbons’ Homan Empire, 8 volumes, by Messrs Ridgway; The Imperial Gazetteer, 2 volumes, by do.; Buckle’s History of Civilization in England, do. ; Larduer’s Museum of Science and Art, 6 volumes, do.; Maunder’s Treasuiy of History, do. ; Maunder’s Natural History, do; Memorials of John Mclntosh, do.; Taylor’s Picture of Palestine, do ; The Exiles of Florida, do. i Ceylon, Past and Present, do. ; Knight’s Knowledge is Power, do. ; Success in Life, do Lectures on Pilgrim’s Progress, do.; The Student’s Bkckstohe, do.} Joyce’s Scientific Dialogues, do. ; Mechanics’ Guide, by do. ; Thomson’s Story of New Zealand, by do. ; The Earth aud the Word, do; Elements of Practical Agriculture, J. N. S. Geles, Let®* of Queen Henrietta Maria, by Mr. Maberly, A Religious to the East, do., Masters and Workmen, do., Lectures to Young Men, do., Railway Economy, do., Thoughts on Man, do., A Sentimental Journey, do., The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table, do., My Note Book, do., To Cuba and Back, do., Shelly Memorials, do., Nuggets from the old Diggings* do., Business as it is and as it ought to be, do., Copy of the Statistics of New Zealand, presented by The hon. Mr. Stafford, through Mr. Gisborne, The Scottish Chiefs, by P. W. Phillips, Conferences on Homepathy, Dr. Fisher, Travels in Siberia, Jas. George.

Reading Room. The Reading Room continues to be well fif tended, and in order to suit the comfort of J“ e Members, duplicate copies of the most popular works arc now received. The attendance daily is between 40 and 50. The following is a list of the papers anil periodicals which are received regularly by cveij mail:—

The London Times, The Illustrated London News* The Economist, The Home News,, Leeds Mercury Scotsman, Loudon Weekly Despatch, Dublin Warder, New York Herald, Sydney Morning Herald, Melbourne Argus, Adelaide Observer, Morcton Bay Cornier) Hobart Town Daily Mercury, Wellington Indcpenden, New Zealand Advertiser, Hawke’s Bay Herald, Nelson Examiner, Taranaki Herald, Lyttelton Times, Otago Witness, New Zealander, Southern Cross, and Aue • land Register, Edinburgh Quarterly, North British, ana North American Reviews, The' Saturday EeyiW* Blackwood’s Dublin University, Fraser’s Cornhill an United Service Magazines, Builder, Athena#®* Practical Mechanics Journal, Nautical Magazine, A the Year Round, Chamber’s Journal, Family He l ®* * Punch, Family Friend and Journal of the Society* l Arts. The following works of reference have been added during the year;— , London Directory, for 1860, Chapman’s Almanack, 1801.

Your Committee have made two applications to the Provincial Government for a grant to be placed on tW Estimates for the benefit of the Institute, but tW regret to say without success. On the first apphea® while the benefits the Institute were acknowledges* and its claim to public support recognized, ‘‘ The tun , 1 would not admit.” On the second application an was made that if the Institute would build a and undertake the chre of it, the Govermaeat

vacant* by the resignation of Mr. Boyle. Your Committee proceeded in the usual course to advertise, and the election resulted in the appointment of Mr. David juuSSS to that office, and your Committee request ,l rr(sSnltarinT?h C “ “ '2 and pressing want added to the Institute viz., a deep SSCS3U sunk and a proper place tor stowing Committee have had in view the compiling of a catalogue, but waited in hopes of making a rge addition to the Library and a greater necessitj to the “TSoiree took place on the Queen's birth night arid tery successful; upwards ot £2O bemg added td the concitiding this report your Codmittcc must dgnin reiterate their, previous remarks, that vffiilc, the condition of the Institute is not so prosperous m many in S ccs as they could desire,-yet du ring , the next K months there are a large amount of subscriptions alie, and they hope by rpnewed exertions on the part if the Members , themselves, .and also redoubled exertions on.the part of the Committee you may . elect ffl evening,; that the /liabilities will soon be reduced, and largo additions made to tiip Library, enabling th Institute to maintain that position which it now undoubtedlV holds in Auckland. ■ t • •■ 1 Your Committee in yielding up their office can crity assure von that no efforts have been wanting to advance the interests of the Institute us well as the convenience and comfort of its members.