OPENING OF THE NEW FORESTERS’ HALL, TORY-STREET.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 385, 28 June 1879, Page 19

OPENING OF THE NEW FORESTERS’ HALL, TORY-STREET.

The opening of the new Foresters’ Hall, in Tory-street (of which we gave a detailed description some time hack), was celebrated by a banquet on Wednesday, when about 140 members and tlieir friends were present, to do honor to the occasion. The dinner was provided by Mrs. Godber, of Cuba-street, and gave very general satisfaction, as there was an abundance of everything, and of the very best quality. The 13 th anniversary of the Ancient Order of Shepherds falling near the time appointed for celebrating the opening of the Hall, it was resolved that they should co-operate with Courts Robin Hood and Sir George Bowen in the celebration. Tim chair was occupied by D. C. R. Cooper, and the vice-chair by Pastor B. Bovis. The usual loyal, patriotic, and fraternal toast-* were .proposed from the chair, and were enthusiastically responded to, Mr. Foden pre-

sided at the piano, and played a suitable selection of airs between the toasts.

Brother Gillox proposed the toast of the “ Foresters of Wellington,” alluding to the good that members had received from the institution since its establishment here, and the advantage that persons would derive by joining the Order, coupling the names of the three Chief Rangers with the toast, viz.:—Brothers J. Adams, Court Sir George Grey ; Brother W. Dempsey, Court Robin Hood; and Brother H. D. Gunn, Court Sir George Bowen. The toast was heartily responded to. Song, “ Mary of Argyle,” Brother Page. Chief Ranger J. Adams returned thanks on behalf of Court Sir George Grey, and stated that the Court was in a most flourishing condition. The number of members good upon the books was 230, and the amount of its funds close upon £4OOO. In addition, there was a benevolent fund, amounting to £6O. The calls upon the finauces of the Court during the past year had been very slight indeed, aud therefore the funds had gone ou steadily augmenting. Chief Ranger W. Demtset, Court Robin Hood, returned thanks on behalf of his Court and gave a succinct account of its rise and progress Bince its establishment in Wellington. He was sorry to say that the calls upon the Court had been rather heavy during the year; but they had been able to meet all their engagements ; and that fact had shown the independence aud usefulness of the society. Chief Ranger Gunn responded on behalf of Court Sir George Boweu, stating that the Court had been started about ten years ago, that it numbered 200 strong, and that the amount of its funds was £IOOO.

At this part of the proceedings an illuminated address, in an elegant frame, was presented to D.C.R. Cooper, for services rendered. The testimonial was presented by C.R. Roger, on behalf of the Court Robin Hood, in an appropriate speech. D.C.R. F. Cooper, in a few well-chosen words, returned his sincere thanks to the Court for the honor they had conferred upon him in presenting him with such a flattering testimonial. He certainly had done all he could to advance the interests of the Order since he had been connected with it, and this kind acknowledgement would be an incentive to continue his efforts in the cause. It would also act as an inducement to younger members to follow his example. (Cheers.) Song, “ Faded flower,” Mr. Moore. P.D.C.R. Hutchens presented Brother Valentine, late treasurer of Court Sir George Bowen, with a handsome treasurer’s medal. In doing so, he alluded to the valuable services rendered the Court by Brother Valentine whilst he was treasurer. The testimonial consisted of a massive silver medal, the centre being embossed with the emblem of the Order in gold, aud covei’ed in glass. Brother Valentine returned his heartfelt thanks for the kind appreciation of his services, as exemplified by the handsome testimonial they had been pleased to present to him ; which he should al ways prize, and whiqh should be kept as au heir-loom in the family. (Applause.) Song, “ I’ll meet you in the rain when the clock Btrikes nine,” Mr. Parkhursfc. P.C.R. Whitkfokd proposed, “ The sanctuary Sir George Grey, Ancient Order of Shepherds,” which was heartily responded to. Song, “ Riding down to Woodford ” P.D.C.R. Bovis. P.P. Smith returned thanks on behalf of tho Order of Shepherds. He said that society was in a very flourishing condition both at Home and abroad. The Order had been established here 13 years, it numbered 45 members, had £l5O in its funds, and there had been only one death since its establishment in Wellington ; and it offered many inducements for Foresters

to join. P.C.R. Dobson proposed the next toast, “ The architect and builder,” Messrs. Toxward and Edwards. The speaker passed a high eulogium upon the architect, Mr. Toxward, for the handsome and commodious building he had designed ; and upon the builder, for the faithful manner in which he had performed his work. Tho toast was drank with enthusiasm. Mr. Toxward thanked them sincerely for the manner in which they had drank his and the builder’s health, and felt satisfied that the building would prove to he all that the committee had said about it.

The following toasts were also proposed and responded to :—“The Building Committee,” coupled with the names of P. C. R. Foley ; “ Dr. Harding “ Kindred Societies, coupling the name of Mr. McKenzie “ The Visitors;” “ The Press,” coupling the name of Mr. Anderson ; “Tho Ladies;” “The Caterers;” and “ The Chairman.” Everything passed off satisfactorily, and the company present thoroughly enjoyed themselves.