INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS, A.C.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7898, 17 March 1887, Page 5

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS, A.C.

BANQUET TO GRAND LODGE. A complimentary banquet was tendered last evening by the Loyal Star of Auckland Lodge, No. 26, I. 0.0. New Zealand, to the Grand Lodge, which has just closed its sittings in Auckland. The banquet took place at Robson's Rooms, and was carried out by Mr. Robson in first-class style. There was a large attendance. Brother N.G. Bowring presided, supported on his right by G.M. Napthali, Deputy G.M. Medley, P.G.M. Gourlay, and on his left by P.G.M. H. S. Williams, Grand Seoretary Keid, and Grand Treasurer Alexander. Atthe right table representative Williams presided, supported by Grand Warden Cole, of Dunedin, and P.G. E. W. Morrison centre table, .vicechair occupied by V.G, Pigott. supported by Brother Leahy, and D.D.G. KeesingJ while at left table presided P.G. Falconer, supported by representative Maofarlahe, of Invercargill, and P.G. Armiger. After dinner; The Chairman proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were duly honoured. He then gave the toast of " Our Sovereign Lodge." It was spreading over the globe, giving a fraternal hand to kindred societies. Past Grand Master Williams responded. The Sovereign Grand Lodge wis- . represented in this hemisphere, 'as it had delegated its powers to the Grand Lodge of Australasia. He thought the latter should be represented in the Sovereign Grand Lodge, as it would have averted many difficulties which had arisen. The Sovereign Lodge had under its jurisdiction 532,467 members, with funds amounting to over five millions sterling, and expended annually £456,000 in relief. He thanked them for the way in which they had received the toast. Brother V.G. Pigott proposed, "The G.M. and Elective Officers of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand." He spoke in very eulogistic terms of the past services of the new Grand Master Napthali, and also of the past services of Grand Seoretary Reid and Grand Treasurer Alexander. On behalf of the Star of Auckland Lodge, he wished the G.M. and bis officers every prosperity in their new term of office. The toast was heartily drunk. Grand Master NAf-THALi responded. He referred to the progress of the Order in the Australian colonies, and stated that in New Zealand they had now 1200 members. Four lodges had recently been establishedtwo in Southland, one in Napier, and one in the Auckland district. Their funds amounted to £11,999, showing an increase in the year of £1034, and an increase of members of 250. Ho thanked the Star of Auckland Lodge for the hospitable manner in which the Grand Lodge had been received and entertained. Grand Secretary Reid and Grand Treasurer Alexander endorsed the sentiments of Grand Master Napthali, and thanked the Star of Auckland Lodge for their fraternal welcome. P.G. Keesing proposed "The Retiring Grand Lodge Officers " in a neat speech, in which he referred to valuable services rendered to the Order by P.G.M. Williams, P.G.M. Williams responded in appropriate terms. G.M. Napthali said it had been determined to present Past Grand blaster Williams with a souvenir indicative of their appreciation of the way in which he had fulfilled his duty during his term of office. Brother Keesing had eloquently referred to the services Brother Williams had rendered, therefore it was unnecessary to enlarge. The gift was purchased out of the management fund, so that every member bad contributed to it. On behalf of the Grand Lodge he had much pleasure in presenting to Past Grand Master Williams a gold watch and locket as a mark of their respect and esteem, and hoped he might live long to wear them. The watch, which was in a morocco case, lined with velvet, bore the following inscription :— "Presented to H. G. Williams, by the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, 1.0. F., as a token of respeot and esteem on the completion of his four years' of office as grand Master. March 13, 1887." On the looket was the Grand Master's monogram 4 The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. P.G.M. Williams, on responding, was received with cheers. After acknowledging presentation in felicitous terms, he delivered an able and exhaustive address on the working of the Order in the colony, and referred to the reforms already effected as well as those which were foreshadowed—the centralisation of the sick fund and establishment of superannuation fund, towards which they had already, as a nucleus, £1450. Their memento would always remind him of the happy days he had spent among them. (Cheers.) G.M. Napthali proposed, "The Star of Auckland Lodge " in complimentary terms. P.G. Keesing responded in an appropriate speech. Grand Marshal Hamilton proposed "Kindred Societies," in a few brief remarks. The toast was responded to by Bros. Leahy (1.0.F..M.U.). Garrett (A.0.F.), WHITE (H.A.C.8.), Wigley (N.1.0.0.F.), and Foster (Rechabites). Bro. Matthews proposed "The Mayor and Corporation," and Councillor Garrett responded ; P.G. Morrison, "Our Guests," to which Representative Macdonald, of Oamaru Lodge responded, giving them a hearty welcome to Oamaru at next biennial session; "The Press," proposed by Bro. Cornish, responded to by representatives present; The Ladies," proposed by V.G. Pigott, Bro. Jones responding on behalf of the ladies. Songs were contributed by Bros. Harvey, Medley, Cole, Gamier, Knight and Leahy, and a recitation by Bro. Garrett. Apologies for non-attendance were t read by the chairman, which had been forwarded by the representatives of various friendly societies.