Orangeism.

Southland Times, Issue 14100, 13 July 1898, Page 3

Orangeism.

The Twelfth of July was commemorated yesterday evening by the local Orange Lodge in Hanan’s Hall by a soiree and concert. A large number of country visitors were present, and both events were well patronised. The proceedings throughout were conducted in a broad spirit, and the speakers’ remarks were of a tolerant and conciliatory nature, standing out in bold relief against the usual fiery and bigoted epeeches which are so often delivered on similar occasions in some parts of AusThe Rev. J, A. Luxford occupied the chair, and having read apologies for absence from the Ven. Archdeacon Stocker, and Revs. T. A. Pybus and Allon Poole, said that on this day Orangemen were always in a very happy mood; they had happy memories and could look back to a bit of history that was very interesting to them, and which it was well they should remember. This meeting was-a sort of memorial of a very importvnt event in history—the Battle of theßoyne. Buthe would notdeprive the succeeding speakers of their subject,so he would not enter into the subject, but as true Orangemen—believing in their Bible and remaining loyal to their Queen— although they would protest against errors, they were still going to love their neighbours, The Rev. J. Guy said that during the past 40 years great changes had taken place. The spirit of tolerance was abroad in the community. Some thought that they had been misinterpreting this spirit of tolerance. They seemed to thiuk that they wprn nnh In.bi.a with the same interest on the principles that were fought for at the Reformation. These people made a mistake, for they were still holding by the principles that were then to nobly gained. The right of private judgment in religion was denied previous to the Reformation. How much that was in jeopardy now was not [for him to say, but it was for them to sustain it and very important to keep before them not to surrender it. Another great principle laid down was the supreme authority of the Scriptures, which they accepted as a revelation from God, laying down principles for them to apply to everyday life. As one who stood outside the Order he would not enter into details, but merely wished to point out wherein he agreed with them, and to express his sympathy in the good work they were carrying out in the community.

A long and interesting programme was rendered. Recitations were • given with much effect by Messrs D. Farnie, Martin, and \V. V. Robb; cornet solo by Mr J. Glennie. Mr Gladstone sang “ The Roll Call;” Miss Stevens, “ The Brook ;” Mr W. Smith, “Afton Water;” Miss Thomson, “ The Flower Girl,” “ Better bide a wee,” and “ Tit for tat Miss McChesney, “ The Island of Dreams,” “ I am or 1 am not,” and “ Scot ish Blue Bells Miss Lister, “ Killarney Mr R. G. Needham, “ The Carnival” and “The Yoeman’s Weddiug ;” Mr R. Jenkins, “Tommy Atkins,” Miss Mar. shall contributed a violin solo, and a pleasant evening was brought to a conclusion by performers and audience singing the National Anthem. Mr R, D. Nimrno was an efficient accompanist.