FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5395, 3 March 1879, Page 2

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

The anniversary supper and ball of the Auckland Bricklayers United Mutual Protection Society was held on Feb. 14, at the Oddfellows' Hall, Cook-street. There wa3 a good attendance, and everything passed off in a moat sa'isfactory manner, owing to the excellent arrangements of the committee. A good string band wag in attendance, and furnished some excellent music. The dancing continued until about half-past 11 o'clock, when the table was spread, and a bounteous Bupper provided. Afterwards, the usual patriotic toats were given. The toast of the " Bricklayers' Society" was proposed by Mr. C. Wright, and responded to in a few wellchosen aeatences by Mr. W. Gurd, after which the toasts, "Our Guests," and "The Ladies," were given. The latter was proposed by Mr. J. Hunter, and responded to by Mr. YV. Simpson. The toasts, "Our Host and Hostess," and "The Press" were proposed, the latter by Mr. J. Mell. Several excellent songs were sung. The dancing was then resumed.

The thirty-fifth anniversary of the Loyal Fountain of Friendship Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., was celebrated by a ball and supper, on Feb. 27, at the Lorne-street Hall. The music for the ball was provided by a string band, under the direction of Mr. Wright, and Mr. McEwan, of the City Buffet, who was caterer, provided a repast which gave infinite satisfaction. There was a large crowd present of both sexes. Besides the members of the Fountain of Friendship Lodge, there were representatives from the sister lodges of the Order and kindred societies. At the dinner, Mr. W. G. Connolly, N.G., presided, and Mr. A. Smith, V.G., was in th*e vice-chair. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were, proposed and honoured, the toast of "The Army, Navy, and Volunteers" being responded to by Lieutenant Mahon, Dr. Dawson, Mr. Leahy, and Mr. Gee. " The Government and Parliament of New Zealand" was proposed and responded to, after which the chairman proposed " The Mayor and Corporation of the City of Auckland." Councillor Fleming responded. Brother P.P.G.M. GeorgeLeahy then proposed the toast of " The Manchester Unity, the Grand Master and Board of Directors." He adverted to the position of the Order, and the benefits which it conferred.—Brother P.P.G.M. Fleming responded, and iu doing so said that in the Manchester Unity there were now half-a-million of -members, and the funds of the Unity were four millions. The increase of members during last year was 32,000. He concluded by saying he would like to see the Order in this district give a handsome donation towards the relief of those who were sufferers from the disaster at the ICaitangata coal mine. (Cheers.) —The toast of "The Auckland District of Oddfellows " was proposed by Brother P.P.G.M. Gee, and responded to by Brother Holland, P.G.M., and Brothers Mahon and Smith.— The toasts of " The Fountain of Friendship Ledge," " I'he Sister Lodges," and a number of others were proposed and responded to ; after which the compauy adjourned to the ball-room, and dancing was kept up till morning.