ROSE OF THE VALLEY LODGE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 3646, 24 January 1899, Page 7

ROSE OF THE VALLEY LODGE.

JUBILEE BANQUET.

The Loyal Rose of the Valley Lodjre celebrated its jubilee by holding a banquet in the Oddfellows’ Hall,-Lower Hutt, ou Friday night. The hall was tastefully decorated, and the catering, which waa of unusual exoellacce, was in charge of Eoct Casey and his staff. The gathering was o: more than ore inary iimortance, apart from it being the jubilee of the lodge. Principal amongst the guests was Pro. VV. O. Williams, who had come all the way from the Lower Valley to bo present. ■ Though he will never see 70 again, he certainly looks good for another 50 years, ,and gives orfc the impression , that_ ia some. mysterious way ho has obtained possession of an , elixir f f longevity. Mr Williams was pro. l cot at the inauguration of the lodge in IS it). There were present , f.M. J, Cudby (loi years’ standing), l*,G. S. Smith (40 years), Bro. HaU (40 years), who had boon secretary of the lodge for 17 years and P.G. Bro Lawton (25 years). Bro. T. McKenzie, of Wellington, wrote apologising for his absence., Ee also took part in the opening of the lodge. Bro. C. W. Brown (P.P.G.M.) occupied the chair, having on his right W. O. Williams (P.G.) and on his left Bro. Ludwig (P.G.M.), the vicechair being occupied by Bro. G. Murfield (P.G). After the toast of “The Queen" had been honoured P.G. Bro. Allen proposed “The Manchester Unity, 1.0.0. F.” This was responded to by the P.C.S., Bro. ■Kershaw., P.G.M. Bro. Ludwig then presented Bro. . Williams with An Oddfellow’s medal on-behalf of the lodge, and an Oddfellow’s jewel on behalf of the order. In doing so, ho said it afforded him much pleasure to make the presentation to so old a member of the order, and ho trusted ho would enjoy "many more> years, of health and piness.Bro. 'Williams’ ihealth was drunk with musical honours. Oh rising to respond ho was greeted with rounds of applause. lie said ho. was unable to adequately express his feelings. Be was still a member of the order, and was proud of it. It was, in his opinion, one of the greatest blessings to humanity. Ee was the first tyler of the lodge and had filled all the offices.' Air Williams concluded an interesting speech amidst loud applause. > The other toasts were “Loyal Rose of .the Valley Lodge," proposed; by. P.P.G. Bro. M. B. Alothes; “Loyal Rose of Sharon” ■,(Upper Hutt), by P.G. Bro. Eoutlcy; “ Medical Profession,” .by’Bro. Ball, responded to by Dr Perry ; “Loyal Picton Lodge," proposed by P.G. Bro. G. Hall; " Kindred Societies," ' proposed by P.P.G.M. Bro. Ludwig, responded to by Bro. J. Austin, of Court Epuni- (Foresters) Pctone. “The Ladies," . “ The ;Press” and “Our Host " - concluded .a gathering,,of old identities that is not likely to be seen again for some time at .least, f Songs wore contributed by Bros. Kershaw and Murfield, recitations by Dr ; Purdy and Bro. G. Hall, graphophone selections by Dr Purdy, musical selections ■ byr Messrs G. Wood and AlcMouamin.