ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Colonist, Issue 8, 17 November 1857, Page 1

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

In a late number of the Norfolk Chronicle we find tlie. following remarks upon the benefits of Od.dfellowship :— " We are glad to find that the Norwich district has, in a few years, increased to such an extent that it is described as second to none in the kingdom. It is but a few years since that five working men from Bradford first opened a lodge in this city —from such a small beginning its principles have spread throughout the county, and there are now in this district 53 lodges, having 5214 members enrolled. At this result we are not surprised, because we look upon agricultural counties as perhaps even more favorable to the spread of Oddfellowship than those depending upon manufactures. The peasantry have wonderfully increased in intelligence and self-respect during the last half century, and are easily induced to lay aside some portion of their limited incomes to provide against sickness, and to prevent them from becoming inmates of a union workhouse. Just at tlie time when the Manchester Unity first presented its claims, the laboring classes were becoming disgusted with the public-house clubs which existed in every village; they found the allowances from such institutions precarious and fluctuating, whilst they had no protection against managerial incompetency or dishonesty—they grew tired of the yearly, surplus, being swallowed up in the 'goose and gin' for the benefit of an individual who not unfrequently held the triple office of host, banker, and secretary. When, therefore, a friendly society was presented to them, based on a rational, equitable, and sound basis, it is no wonder that hundreds soon enrolled themselves. And we are persuaded that whether on the high ground of morality, or the low ground of expedienc}", it is the duty of tlie upper classes to promote, by every means in their power, the establishment of friendly societies in their respective districts. They directly foster habits of economy, self-denial, and independence, and the Manchester IJnity diminishes the poor-rates of this county to an amount little, if any, short of £120,000 per annum. And let those remember who object to the periodical meetings of the Unity being held in public-houses that it is not necessary they should be—nor is such custom even recommended by the society when other suitable places can be provided, and the members like them better. It is a pure matter of choice for each individual club to settle for "itself. No part of the money subscribed is spent for eating or drinking—nothing is paid for the accommodation supplied by the landlords of the houses where lodges meet—and they can be removed in a moment, without any objection being made by the society. But the society—we think wisely—does not object. to public-houses, because its laws prevent and punish intoxication, and because it would be impracticable in thousands of villages to have the meetings held in any other place than at a respectable inn. The .social element is just as strongly implanted in the breast of the sons of toil as in those of a more elevated sphere; convivial wine parties at private houses are denied them, and it is but natural they should seek for harmless, temperate, and friendly intercourse at places within their reach. The Manchester Unity, by teaching'men the distinction between the use and the abuse of pubiic-houses, often confers a great benefit, and sets a laudable example in localities where these are much needed."..