WAIKAKA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2428, 26 September 1900, Page 33

WAIKAKA.

September 20 —The Waikaka Oddfellows held their first annivcrsaiy supper and ball on Friday, 14th inst., m the Waikaka Public Hall. Despite the unfavouiable asiDect of the weather towards the evening of that day, when the time arrived to open the ball sufficient guests had arrived to immediately fill the building. Over 100 guests sat down to an excellent spread catered by Mr F. Shirley. Bio. W. H. Parsons, P. 0., occupied the seat oi honour, supported by Bro. John M'Giegor, V.G. The Tapanui Lodge was lepiesented by Bros. Charles Whelan, P.G. ; P. M'Cann, N.G.; R. Hayes, G.M. ; and R. Rodgers, V.G. After the good things had received due attention, Bro. Paisons briefly lef erred to the lodge, and said that just 12 months ago that night it had been opened with 19 members, and now it numbered 43. He expressed pleasure at the manner in which the lodge was recognised, as evidenced by the attendance that evening, and by the rapid increase in the membership. Lodges, no matter of what nature, were good for the community, and -he had no doubt much good would m ihe future result from the foimation of this one in Waikaka. He called upon those present to join in wishing a long life to her Majesty, "The Queen." The toast was duly honoured, all joining in singing a verse of the National Anthem. Bio. Kirby, N.G., proposed "Our Boys at the Front/ coupled with the name of Bro. R. Rodgers, V.G., Tapanui. Bro. Rodgers responded in an excellent speech, which proved his thoiough identity with true patriotism, and enthusiasm in the contingent movement. Bro. John M'Gregor, V.G., Waikaka, proposed '"The Visiting Members," to which Bro. Whelan, P.G., Tapanui, responded in his usual happy stylo. Various other toasts were duly honoured, and Bro. Parsons, P.G., called upon the company to do honour to the toast of "Our Host* and Hostess, ' Mr and Mrs Shirley, speaking in highly comphmentaiy terms of the manner m which they had catered for the guests. Songs were rendered between the toasts by Messrs Blue, "Friar of orders grey" ; Whelan, "Van Trornp" ; Blue and Archibald (duet), ''The minute gun" ; and Miss C. M'Leod, "Coniin' thio' the rye." A dance 'followed, 'vvhen some 40 couples took part in the Giand March. Messrs M'Gill and Middlemiss supplied excellent music and Mr J. O'Kane acted as M.C. in_ a manner that rendered things pleasant and agreeable all round. On the whole this was certainly the most successful function ever held in Waikaka, ond the members of the Loyal Waikaka Lodge cannot be too highly commended on the capital manner m which all arrangements were carried out, and the comfort and entertainment of the guests attended to. During an interval in the dance Mr D. Lamb, whose name will ever be associated with Waikaka, took the opportunity of thanking the Oddfellows on behalf of the -guests for the enjoyable evening spent. He lef erred to the recent progress of the dredging industry, and predicted a greater future for the place, and a steady but certain extension of dredging. He had always put implicit faith m the Waikpka as a nmiing field, and this faith v, as now being fully justified.