THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5628, 29 November 1879, Page 5

THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

The friendly beneficial societies at present in active operation in Auckland are fast becomiDg a power in our midst, there being in Auckland al>n« no less than nine different societies, each with its lodge and court. The following is a liefc of them as existing at the present time:—Foresters, four coarts ; Oddfellows, M.U., three lodges; Oddfellows, A.M., two lodges ; National Order of 0.F., two lodges; Loyal United Friends, tvpo loJges; Protestant Alliance, one lodge; Free Templars, one lodge; Hibernia A.C.B. Society, one lodge ; Reehabites, two lodges—lß in all. A meeting was called for yesterday evening, in the Albert Hall, of all members of the various friendly societies in Auckland to discuss the subject of getting a united grand demonstration o£ all the different orders. At half-past seven, the hour fixe 3, the hall was very well filled, with about 125 persons. The meeting waa called to order by Mr. Bakewell, who had been one of those most active in convening tbc meeting, and on bis motion, Mr. Joseph Dickaon was elected chairman. In returning thanks for the honor dona him, Mr. Dickson aaid, that the object of the; meeting \va3 to bring about a demonstration of all friendly societies, which, if successful, would resolve itself into an annual affair. In other colonies, as for instance Sydney and Melbourne, these demonstrations were very common, and highly successful in its results to the different orders takiDg part. Mr. Bakewell was unanimously elected secretary to the meeting. At the request of one or two of the gentlemen present, on the calling out, by the chairman, of tba names of every lodge and court of the various

orders in Auckland, it was Been, by a .show of hands, that with the exception of the Protestant Alliance, every one had some representatives present, so that, although a preliminary meeting, still every order and society was represented at it. During the callitijj out of their mrnes, a member , of ihe Natioaal Order of Ur,it»>.rl Brothers rose; ani\ said, that he was «-;VhoijUed to state that, if a demonstration -«y»« decided upon, his order, at present 100 3trong, would uurn out to a man. Upon the motion of Mr. French, seconded by Mr. C. B. Thorne, it was passc-d unanimously " That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable to hold a united demonstration of all the various friendly societies in Auckland." Mr. Wμ. McEvoy proposed; "Thsfctm, secretary should sena circular:; to ever_lodge, requesting them it send oue delegate for each lodge and court, as a committee to carry oat the demonstration." This was seconded by Mr. Thomas McCarthy. An amendment was made to this by Mr. j A. Conjtelly, and seconded, " That there ! sball be two delegates to eaoK lodge," on which Mr. McEvoy withs-"ow hrj motion. To this amendment the. , "; succeeded several other amendments, whir):;- rather perplesed the chairman, but beio;. .--t/norlied into , one by Mr. W. G. Coxxolw.. by Mr, IiOTCE, " That there 3houla be two delegateb to every lodge under 100, aud one for every addit onal 100 or fraction of 100," Sho latte.was put to the meeting and lost, and the tHe amendment of Mr. A. Connelly was carried by a large majority. The next question th:it was taken by up <;b-3 meeting was the form which the. demonstration, was to take, anr) during t.hs discussion the subject was mooted as to whether it was intended to include all friendly societies or merely friendly beneficial societies, everal gentlemen present expressed their hope tb»t it would embrace all societies, beneficial or otherwise ; as the cause in which they were about to engage was a grand one. requiring tor sncceS3 united action and the largest spirit of liberality and good fellowship.

The CHAiitirAN decided the point by remiudiug the meeting that the first motion which had been passed unanimously expressly stated that it was to bo a united demonstration of all the union friendly societies. Upon motion of Mr. Allan it was moved that the secretary send circuiavs to every lodge in Auokland, requesting them to send two delegates to a meeting to be held this night fortnight, hour and place to be lefc to the discretion of the chairmau and secretary of the present meeting. After a gooJ deal o£ discussion, and various amendments v.-hich fell through, the above was seconded and agreed to. There being no further business, the i jeotin'g closed with a vote of tbari!"" - i" th. gentlemen who had been mainly i.jptr.; mental in getting it up—Messrs. Bltii-s-.Tc':), Dickaon, French, and one or two other?, after wbich the meeting separated.