MOSGIEL.

Otago Witness, Issue 181, 6 August 1886, Page 16

MOSGIEL.

July 30. — The usual monthly parade of the East Taieri Rifles took t place in the Garrison Hall, Mosgiel on Wednesday evening. There were present — Captain C. L. Russell, Sub-lieutenant N. M'Lean, four sergeants, and 33 rank and file. The company were pub through several movements by Captain Russell, and were afterwards handed over to Staff-sergeant-major Towler. At the close of the drill the men were drawn up in line, and on Major Andrew appearing, Captain Russell, on behalf of the company, said they could not allow him to sever his connection with the company without a suitable recognition of his services. He had, therefore, much pleasure, on behalf of the company, in presenting him with a sword and belts. Major Andrew said he had been connected with the company for the last 21 years, and although recently promoted he could assure them he would not lose sight of his old company. If they acquitted themselves in the •future as they had done in the past, he felt, as their old captain, he would have much reason to be proud of them. He would do all he could to keep the blade as untarnished as it was at that present moment. He thanked them for it most heartily. Before dismissing the company, Captain Russell intimated that he would remit the fines standing against members, but for the future he would strictly insist upon their being enforced.

The Port Chalmers Naval Artillery celebrated their 24th anniversary by a ball, which was held in the Foresters' Hall on Wednesday night. ♦ The hall was very tastefully decorated with evergreens, flags, and various devices. There were upwards of 60 couples present ; among the visitors being Lieutenant-colonel Stavely ; Commandant Golder ; Captain Smith, D.N.A. ; Captain Beal, of the Engineers ; Captain Thomson, P.C.N. A. ; Captain Mitchell, local Fire Brigade ; Lieutenant Jacobs, D.NiA. ; Pettyofficer Grant, Torpedo Instructor; and the Mayor of Port Chalmers. Mr Payton's string band provided the music, which was all that could be desired. The refreshments, of which there was an abundant supply, were excellent. Lieut. M'Donald and Petty-officer Crawford were the M.C's.

M.U.1.0.0.F. — Anew building, erected by the Oddfellows, has just been completed in Mosgiel. The structure is a very substantial-looking one, built in brick, the outside dimensions being 43ft by 25f b. There are three rooms in the building — a spacious hall, 29ft by 23ft ; and two smaller rooms, each measuring 10ft by 6ft. The building has been erected at a cost of £315, and, together with the furnishings and the section on which it has been erected, has involved an expenditure of £450. Mr J. A. Burnside was the architect for the building, and Messrs Foote and Pollock, of Maori Hill, were the contractors. The opening of the large room in the building, which is to be used as an Oddfellows' hall, was celebrated last Friday evening by a supper and ball, given by the Loyal Mosgiel Lodge. Shortly after 7 o'clock about 45 persons sat down to an excellent spread, provided by MrVannini, in the room before referred to. MrP.Dey,Mayor of Mosgiel, presided in the absence of P.P.G.M. Fish, who was expected to be present but was unable to attend. After the material wants of all present had been thoroughly satisfied, a number of toasts were proposed and several vocal selections were contributed. The first toast, " The Queen and the Manchester Unity Order," was allotted to the chairman, and was drunk with musical honours. V.G. Bro. Boon then proposed " Success to the Mosgiel Lodge." < In replying to this toast G.M. Bro. Smellie "said it was six and a half years ago since the lodge was opened- in the old schoolhouse nexb to the factory. The total" number of members was then 23, and he was pleased to say that, with the exception of one, they had all remained true to the Mosgiel Lodge. The receipts received on the first evening for initiation fees were £34 10s. Since then the brethren found the schoolhouse unsuitable for their purpose, and so they applied to the county council for the use of their building. The application was granted ; but the time came when they were forced to erect a suitable building for themselves, so they built the hall in which they were assembled that night. _ The lodge had now a membership of 88, and a sick and funeral fund of £637 odd. Considering the lodge had only bee,n in existence six and a-half years, he thought that was very^ good, and that before many years the Mosgiel Lodge would be the premier lodge of the country districts. He might mention that it was intended to erect a tablet in the new hall in memory of P.G. John Smith, who died last year in Paramatta, but time did not pormit of this being done yet. Money for the tablet was subscribed wholly by members of the . lodge, who wished to show their esteem for their late brother, who, like many in their midst, was reared in the Taieri. Bro. J . C. Hodge proposed the " Borough and County Council,", and Bro. Carnoross " Kindred Societies." A number of

other toasts having been proposed and duly responded to, an adjournment was made to the Volunteer Hall, where a dance was held, about 35 couples being present. The music was supplied by Messrs A. D. Vannini (piano), A. Haigh (violin), and W. Weir (cornet), and the refreshments by Mr T. Robertson.