STAR OF OAMARU LODGE LOIREE AND CONCERT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XV, Issue 4724, 19 July 1890, Page 3

STAR OF OAMARU LODGE LOIREE AND CONCERT.

The foorth annua! anniversary of the Star of Oamaru Lodge No. 13, Protestant Allianc?, F.S.A., c-ioiistiog of a soiree sod concert hm bold last night In St. George's Hall. The soiree was annonncid to take place at 6 30, aod at that hoar the plentifully loaded tables were filled to overflowing. The tables were presided over by Mrs Chriateson, Mrs Familton, Mrs Frith, Mr* Smith, Mrs Oliver and Mrs Irvine, assisted by M-adamea Pas?©, Smith, Frith, aod Homer, and their by no means easy task of dispensing a bounteous repast was successfully performed. After ample justice had been done to the good things provided, the evening's entertainment was proceeded with. The Hbairmin, W.G.M. Bm. C. A. Arnold, of the Trlnmph Lidgo, Danedin, gave a abort addreas traversing the status of the Society throoghoot Anstralia. From the last report of the Federal Council it woaid bo found that there were 18,351 members, with a gross credit of LGI,6S9, or an individual sum of L 8 13i 9J. There were 11 lodee3 in Naw Zealand, 57 in New Sjutb Wales, 25 in Victoria, 34 in Queensland, and 9 oieswhere, a grand total of 136 lodges. The benefits of the Lodae wore also spoken of, and the meeting congra'.nlated on Its apparent fraternity. Mr Browolee, of the M.U.L0.0.F., a's? addressed the meeting, and wished the Star of Oimaru Ladge every prosperity on behalf of the Lodge be represented.

Mr Oliver, Secretary, read the annual report, which was received. The report set forth that there had been an increase from 62 working members and five hon. members last year to 82 working members this year. During tho last eight months LSO bad been paid in sick money. The >ick fund had increased from LOS 11a at the beaioning of the year to L 203 15a BJ. LB4 8j bad been paid away, aod there was a credit balance at tbo disposal of the lodge of Lll9 11a 81. Out of fze geueral management fund L 127 10j 21 bad been emended, leaving a credit balance of L2016)10d. The W.G.M. bad tho previous eveolog conferred the second degree upon 21 members, and it was worthy of note that this was the first meeting in the second degree held in the South Island. During the course of the evening the choir, led by Mr Frith and accompanied by Miss Oliver, sang fonr gleea. " The Fisherman's Glee," to judge from the extra applause It received, was the most appreciated, and indeed, the delicate rendering of light and shade in it were admirable. Sirs Oliver and Mr S*inard sang a duet " The Pilot brave," which »ss a capable effort. Mr Frith sang " A Friar of Orders Grey," Bod had to respond to a most vociferous encore, «nd Mr Slater, for his rendering of "Plymouth Sound," had also to respond to an encore. The Past Master's collar was presented to Mr A. Famllton by the chairman, in recognition of his services during the year past. Mr Famllton suitably replied, and thanked tbo members for the honor conferred upon him. After the interval a clever minstrel entertainment was given by local Tbo mlos'rels submitted an admirable programme, the usual songs being interspersed with the customary jjkes and dialogue;, many of the latter bearing a freshness and originality which formed do mean feature in the entertiinment. A special word of praise is duo to Mr A. Avery for his admirable effort 3 to make the minstrels a vast success, although indeed all worked bard to accomplish that end. Mr W. S. King presided at the piano, rendering efficient accompaniments to the various songs. Votes of tbanks to the cbair, the performers, and all who ssabted in making tho aontveraary • aoccasa closed the proceedings.