THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES’ DEMONSTRATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLV, Issue 7624, 6 November 1885, Page 6

THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES’ DEMONSTRATION.

THE MORNING PROCESSION. Though the weather bore a very threatening aspect up to midnight, and even for a couple of hoars afterward, the buq shone out brilliantly.on Thursday morning, and all doubts were set at rest as to the success of the demonstration* The officers of the various orders were at their posts at an early hour in the morning, arranging for the day f a proceedings, so as to avoid any confusion* At about half-past 9 o’clock tbs Ancient Order of Druids and Independent Order of Kechabitea, with their banners and decorated lorries, assembled at the Fire Brigade Station, Manners-street, and headed by Gray’s Private Band, marched along to the reclaimed land near the Government Railway Station, where all the other societies were being marshalled. As soon as the contingents from the Wairarapa and Hutt districts arrived and bad taken their places, the procession moved along in the following order toward the Basin Reserve Wellington Garrison Baud. British United Order of Oddfellows. Protestant Alliance Friendly Society. Loyal United Friends (Masterton). United Ancient Order of Druids. Grey’s Private Band* American Order of Oddfellows. Independent Order of Rechabites. Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society. Ancient Order of Foresters. Wanganui Garrison Band. Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows. Some idea of the extent of the procession may be gathered from the fact that, with the Societies marching four abrtast, the first portion bad only commenced turning the coruer of Willis-street when the end was In front of the Government Buildings. Excellent order was kept all the way, and Mr Smith, the manager of the Tramway Company, ordered the cars to go round by way of Courtenay* place, so as not to interfere with the procession. Every point of vantage ground along the line of route was occupied. Windows and balconies were crowded, and at the Empire and Albert Hotels, Willis-street, the strength of the balconies must have been well tested. At the corner of Wilds street and Lambtou-quay a large crowd collected, aud ttill larger numbers congregated at the corner of Willis-street and Boulcott-atreets, at the corner of Manners and Caba-streets, and on the hill at the rear of the Mount Cook A.G. Barracks. With the exception of the Banks land fruiterers' aud cigar shops l , nearly every place business was closed. The display of banting was very meagre. There were very few flags flying ; and whilst the Societies did everything possible to m»ke the demonstration picturesque and imposing, they received very scant assistance from the citizens. There were, however, a few exceptions, which ought to be noted. Flags were hung between St. George's Hall and the National Hotel, Lamb-ton-quay; streamers went across Cuba-atreet from Mr Barber's to Mr Baillie's ; and across Tory-street from the Prince of Wales Hotel. The ingenious Flocktcn held out a " Welcome ” in very large letters, with £IO,OOO, money-bags at either end of it. When the first part of the procession baited at the gate of the cricket ground, the Utter portion was only just emerging from Cuba-street, and half an hour elapsed before they h%d all passed into the Basin Reserve. It was almost impossible to arrive at o, correct estimate of the numbers, for Mr W. I£. Bishop, the marshal, and bis nine deputies, were so busily engaged in organising the procession that no returns were famished* Roughly speaking, the numbers may be set down at about 2500, distributed as follows :

These numbers, though only an approximate estimate, will be found tolerably correct, ai the procession was counted more than onc%. They do not include those who were engaged in the tableaux on the various lorries, lot which about 100 more would have to be added. Tbe processionists, came from different parts of the Colony—from. Westport, Christ* churchy Blenheim, Nelson, Napier, Wanganui, Wairaxapa, the Hntt, Patone, tc. The members of the various Orders inter, mingled with each other and to some extent the loial lodges lost their identity. One of the oldest Foresters in Canterbury, who was in the procession, informed our reporter that he never saw, during his twentyseven years’ connection with the Order, such a turn-out of Foresters, and stated that the whole affair reflected tbe greatest credit ou the members of the Order iu Wellington. Some of the oldest Oddfellows in New Zealand expressed similar opinions with regard to their own body. There was a very fine display of banners, some of them being very artistic, and of course bearing appropriate The Foresters had banners from' Nelson, Blenheim, and Wanganui, in addition to those belonging to the local lodges. They had three lorries, in which there were tableau* representing the spread of the Order all over the globe, the unity of the F a beba and Maori races ; whilst the Ancient Order of Shepherds (the higher branch of Forestry) bad a tableau \vith four shepherds, and a lamb. Tbs Druids had two. ferries, in one of which there wa,g a very neat and artistic tableau symbolical of tbe Chief Bard, supported on either side by Justice and Benevolence, Tbe Oddfellows' lorries were prettily decorated, and the tableaux were appropriate. Two very fine banners belonging to the Loyal Westport Lodge and tbe Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., were carried in the procession, in addition to those owned by tbe local lodges. The Rechabites had one lorry, in which decorative screens and evergreens were neatly combined. The delegates attending the Hibernian-Aos-tralasUn Catholic Benefit Society from various parts of the Colony marched at the head of their Order, their fine banner, with its Oeltio cross and round tower, being much admired. Amongst the special features of tbe procession were the Juvenile Foresters and Oddfellows, some of them being very yonng indeed, Master Pike, who headed the Juvenile Foresters, riding on the little pony which usually trcti nwil the town with a

r big boot on either aide of its tiny ~ carriage, was quite a centre of attraction. 7 The Chief Rangers, Maid Marion, Robin 7 Hood, and Friar Tuck, in picturesque garb, ' also rode in the procession, which will be long ? remembered by those who bad the pleasure of witn9**ing it. The way everything passed I (iff redacts grjat credit on the Committee of MaQHgemeat, who worked untiringly to render the procession worthy of the Friendly Societies and of the capital of the Colony. Mr F. H, Fraser, the Chairman of the Committee, was at his post at 5 o'clock in the morning, although be only got home at 2 o’clock, after arranging for the business of the day ; whilst Mr \V, K. Bishop, and the two Christchurch delegates, Messrs Sellar and Penfold, were up nearly all night looking after the distribution of the visitors amongst the various hotels and boarding-honses. Of course, other gentlemen were equally indefatigable, and had it not bstn so, the procession could not have eventuated so successfully. The following gentlemen acted as deputymarshalsMr J. T. Webber, A.O.F, ; Mr I. Clark, M.tLLO.O.F. ; Mr W. Higgiabottom, 8.U.1 0.0. F, ; Mr P. H( skins, H.A.8.0.5. ; Mr A. L. Fraser, 1.0. R ; Mr J. J. Hamilton, American Order of Oddfellows ; Protestant Alliance, Mr F. A. Arrowsmith ; Druids, Messrs T. G. Boon and 6. F. Bates. Toe following gentlemen acted as Committee of Management of the Demonstration M.U.L0.0.F, —Messrs D. Loaeby, I. Clark, J, Jacobs, A. Murray, T, Madely, G. Astridge, and M. Maxtoo. AO.F.—Messrs J. T. Boris, J, Webber, 0. Gillespie, and P. Fauvel. o.AO.D.—Messrs W. K. Bishop, E. Jones, and H. T. Price. Hibernians—Messrs P. Hoskins, P. Somers, and O, Bradley. Rechabites—Messrs F. 5. Fraser, H. Baillie, and A. L. Fraser. American Order of Oddfellows—Messrs J, J. Hamilton, W, E. Fuller, and W. J. Warn. Protestant Alliance —Mr F. A. Arrowamith. 8.U.1.0.0.F.—Mr W. Higgiabottom. Inspectors Shearman and Qoodall took every precaution for the public safety, and remained on the ground daring the day. The general sobriety of such a large concourse of people was a subject of general remark amongst the more thoughtful onlookers. Though there were from 8000 to 10,000 persona in and around the Basin Reserve during the day, there were not a dozen drunken men to be found, and our reporter saw only three or four who were the worse for liquor. There were four refreshment booths on the ground, but no Intoxicants were allowed to be sold. THE SPORTS. On the Basin reserve the attendance of spectators was very large. Indeed, it is generally admitted that the concourse was the largest that baa ever been seen on the reserve. Independent of the sports, entertainment was provided by means of all the customary attendant 41 side shows ” at such gatherings. There were swings, merry-go-rounds, shooting galleries, and many other similar institutions where any amount of fan could be obtained at a very moderate outlay. Then there were two bands on the ground—the Garrison Band, under Bandmaster Cimino, and Gray's Private Band, under the leadership of Mr George Gray. Altogether, the Basin was exceedingly gay, and the people present seemed, one and all, to enjoy themselves thoroughly. Although the management were unable, in consequence of previous delays, to begin the sports at eleven o'clock (the advertised time), once started the business of the day was kept going at a merry pace, great assistance being rendered by a number of police and Armed Constabulary, under Inspector Goodall, who kept the ground clear until lata In the afternoon. The pig-hunt then proved too great a fascination to be resisted, and the spectators fairly rushed the ground. The Committee of Management was comprised of representatives of various Lodges, and the manner in which the programme was carried out reflects great credit on the gentle* men concerned. Following are the particulars of the events : Boys' Baca, under 12 years of age. 220 yards. First priz*, 10s ; second prize, 6a. A field of about thirty youngsters started foe this event, Wilford winning rather easily, with Rose second. Friendly Societies' Handicap, open to all members of Friendly Societies, to be ran in regalia, 440 yards. First prize, silver cup, presented by R. Walker; second prize, Be© dock, presented by Littlejohn and Son ; third prize, silver bracelet, value 15s, presented by H. J. Freeman.—Atkinson, 16 yards, 1 ; T. Warwick, 15 yards, 2 ; Williamson, scratch, 3. This was rather an easy win for Atkinson, who made bis effort when the race was about half through, and won comfortably by half a dozen yards. Walking Match, handicap, 2 miles, open to all comers. First prize, an oleetro-plated and enamelled cup, value, £2 10s, presented by J. E. Hayes, and £1 cash ; second prize, ornamental clock, value, £1 5s presented by F. Grady, and half a sovereign In cash ; third prize, inkstand, value, 15s, presented by R, Burrett. —H. Hodge, 15yds, I; F. Mozart, scratch, 2; J. Bambry, 15 yards, 3. Twelve others started, Hodge went to the front very soon after the start, and getting a good lead kept it throughout. Bambry would doubtless have been closer at the finish had be not refrained from making his effort until the lost lap, when Hodge and Mozart were a Ion? distance ahead of him. The display of walking was not particularly good, moat of tb» competitors travelling at a pace which was a little more than walk and not loss than a run. Boys' Race, open to all members of Friendly Societies' Juvenile Lodges, 410 yards. First prize, 20s ; second prize, 10s,—F. Curtis* scratch, 1 \ McLellan, scratch, 2. AlKcomera’ Hurdle Handicap, 440 yards. Ifirst prize, ffcst-class electro-plated revolving cruet stand, value 40s, presented by H. Fielder ; second prize, 15a.—J. King, scratch) 1; H. Edwards, 10 yards, 2. Considerable interest was manifested iu this race, in consequence of R. Whiteside, the Auckland mao, being a competitor, be receiving 10 yards. Whiteside went away very smartly, and was upon the others when a very small distance had been traversed. Half-way round Kingbegan to go through his men very fast, and Whiteside coming to grief at the last hurdle but one, Edwards went off with a strong lead. Twenty yards from homo* however, King had him beaten, and finished first, full of running, by three yards.

Wheelbarrow Race, open to all comers, 440 yarss. First prize, £1 } second prize, 10j.— J. Lawrie, 1 ; Edwards, 2. Friendly Societies' Ifandicap, open to all members of Friendly Societies, 100 yards, to bo ran in regalia. First prize, pair of trousers, to measure, presented by Jones and Ashdown - second prize, ornamental cake, value 15s, presented by J. Godbar.—Smith and Warwick ran a dead heat for this eysnt, and in the runoff Warwick won fay an Inch or two. Girls’ Race, under 12 years of age, 140 yards. First prize, a handsome workbox, value £1 fig, presented by F. H. Fraser; second, prize, a pair of vases, presented by A* 4sher; third prize, Si—About fifty little I girls Started for this, the winner turning np in ; Ada Pearce, Annie Cook second, and Annie ■ Newman third. Tngof-War, Friendly Societies v. All Comers, ten a tide. First heat. Evening Post prize, cash £3 3s. Two Friendly Society teams, one all-oamm’ team.—A Pontke and an Armed Constabulary team entered for this event. The Armed Constabulary easily beat the Friendly Societies’ teams, and the contest ; was not continued, the entrance money being returned. “ One Mils Handicap, open to all-comers. First pair field glasses, value £2 ]os, presented'by H. J. Williams, and cash £2; second prize, 1 dozen Blank’s Hokitika wine, value 255, presented by W. F. Boss, and 20s in cash.—Nineteen started for this event, which was won easily by K. Bayne (26 yards), J, Laurie (40 yards), 2; and H. Hodge (2d yards), 3. Hopping Race, open to all-comers, 200 , yards.—First prize, frozen sheep, presented by ‘ the W.M. and R, Co.; eecond prize, 10s.— B. Whiteside, 1; W. Pike, 2. Friendly Societies Aged Members’ Dace for members over 60 years of age, 150 yards* First prize, £1 10s; second prize, pair of trousers, mads to order, presented by Shine Brothers. —H. Blair, 1; D, Reardon, 2. Sack Race, open to all-oomers, 100 yards. First prize, £1; second (prize, 10s. This was run in heats, the final being won by J. Lawrie. with A Jobss aeoood. Pig Hunt Prize, the pig, presented by Gear Meat Company, This event resulted in a not, and the name of the successful compehtor did not transpire. THE ILLUMINATED PROCESSION. ' Between six and seven o’clock in the evening members of the Societies began to assemble to the Basm Reserve, in order to get ready for the illuminated procession. Great pains and trouble had been taken durisg the past fortnight, and very elaborate arrangements had been made. The delegates of the various societies prophesied that the procession would be an unqualified success; but few of them could have anticipated anything Uke what was witnessed last night week, inch a , if eotaola was never In all probability, seen in any part of the Colony, and certainly there. iTZ“*”. r approaching it in WeiUngtonat any time previously. The proem.

Oddfellows, M.U.X.O.O.F. ... 500 do British United ... 80 do American Order ... ... 80 do Juveniles ... 40 Foresters ... 500. Foresters, Juveniles ... 50, Shepherds ... 60, Druids ... 250 Protestant Alliance ... 15) Rechabites ... 280, Hibernians ... ... 250 Leyal United Friends ... ... ao Wellington Garrison Band ... 28 Wanganui Garrison Band ... 25 Grey’s Private Band ... 12