LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF AN ODD-FELLOWS' HALL, AT MOTUEKA.

Colonist, Volume VII, Issue 709, 12 August 1864, Page 2

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF AN ODD-FELLOWS' HALL, AT MOTUEKA.

This ceremony was performed at Motueka on Thursday (July 14), the stone being laid by His Honor the Superintendent. A little before noon, the brethren assembled at their lodge-room, and, headed by a band of music, flags, &c, proceeded iv procession, attended by His Honor the Superintendent, the resident Clergyman of the Parish, Rev. S. Poole, the Representatives of tho District in the Provincial Council, Messrs. 0. Parker, and B. Macmahon, &c. &c. The procession having arrived upon the ground given for a site for tho hall, formed a circle round the stone, the Conductor, Mr. Thomas Sullivan, called upon C.S. It. SutclifFe to state to tho people present the object for which they were assembled.

Mr. Sntcliffe briefly stated, that the Odd-Fellows of Motueka had requested tlnir friends to join them that day to assist iv doing honor to the occasion of laying the foundation stone of a hall in which the members of their order could hold their meetings. The want of a hall had for years been felt a great drawback to their institution; and one of the strongest if not the only objection raised by many persons was their having to hold their meetings in connection with public houses. That objection now was about to be removed, and before His Honor the Superintendent proceeded to lay the stone, ho would read to them a copy of the document enclosed in the bottle that was about to be deposited in the cavity below the stone.

"The Foundation Stone of this Hall was laid by His Honor John Perry Robinson, Esq., Superintendent of the Province of Nelson, on Thursday, the fourteenth day of July, 1564, in the presence of the Brethren of the Order iv full regalia, assembled with their friends, upon this piece of land, given bjEdward Fearon, Esq., of Motueka, as a site fora hall for the use and benefit of the Mombera of the Motueka District of the Independent Order of OddFellows, Manchester Unity ; the whole proceedings being under the control and management of Past Provincial Grand Master Thomas Sullivan, Conductor, tho Rev. Samuel Poole, chaplain for the occasion. Mr. Charles Parker, M.P.C., Architect and Builder; Provincial Grand Master Henry Fry, Provincial Deputy Grand Master W. Askew, and Provincial Corresponding Secretary Richard Sutcliffe, Trustees."

His Honor the Superintendent, having formally laid the stone, and declared it " well and truly laid," briefly addressed those present. He congratulated the members of the Odd-Fellows society and the inhabitants of Motueka on the prospect of their having within a short time a building for the especial I use and benefit of one of the most benevolent, and useful institutions which our fatherlaud possessed. Among the many excellent institutions for alleviating suffering humanity, and elevating the social condition of the laboring population, for which England stands distinguished, no one, so far as he was aware, had greater claims to our support than that which is known as the Odd-Fellows' society. He had for many years noticed the operation of different societies established for the purpose of attaining the same objects a3 those aimed at by the Odd-Fellows. Some of these had been successful and had conferred great benefits on their members, while others he was aware had become failures, and brought great and severe disappointment and loss on their members, occasioned chiefiy by their bein<* governed by iU-digested and unsound laws. And to so great an extent did the losses and sufferings reach that the Imperial Parliament deemed it to be its duty to legislate on the subject, and to pass a law for the management of benefit societies. The necessity for this proceeding was made apparent by the evidence produced, which went to show that thousands of poor men, who had with difficulty and by the exercise of great frugality, set apart from their hard earnings their periodical contributions while they were in the youth and vigor of life, were, when sickness, accident, or old age fell upon them, unable to obtain the assistance they had a right to look for, and were obliged to seek that aid from the workhouse, against which their sense of self respect revolted, and from which they had fondly | hoped their frugality through life would have preserved them. Among the strongest exceptions to mismngement he could with confidence uame tho Odd-Fellows' Society. The experience of many years had shown that it was based on more correct principles than those societies to which he had alluded, and although he was not prepared to admit that their laws were entirely faultless, yet he believed, so little fault could be found with them, that to a great extent they had, he understood, been exempted from the operation of the Act. He was glad to hear the remark of the Treasurer of the Society, Mr. Sutclitie, that they had been 'induced to commence the building, the foundation stone of which lie had just l;iid, to avoid meeting at public-houses; that feeling was highly creditable to them, aud one that met witli his hearty concurrence, and it was with pleasure he heard of young men in Motueka refusing to join the soci'-'ty wbile it held its meetings at such places. lie was certain that every right-minded person would approve of their conduct, an.l that a branch of tho Odd-Fellows' Society formed of persons so actuated could not fail to meet the approval and support of the inhabitants generally. (Applause.)

The Rev. S. Poole then delivered a short address, remarking on the benefits arising from a society like this, when well conducted. He then read the exxxm Psalm, and olfered up a short and appropriate prayer.

Mr. Settcliffe conveyed the thanks of the brethren to his Honor the Superintendent, and the numerous friends, who had assembled to witness and take part in the interesting ceremony. The procession then re-formed and returned to the Lodge-room. At two o'clock about fifty sat down to luncheon at the Motueka Hotel. In the afternoon, the juveniles of Motueka engaged in foot-races and other sports, and in the evenin"- a ball in aid of the building fund took place in the Motueka Institute. Ihe day was one to be remembered, for all the ceremonies and enjoyments passed off most satisfactorily.

Odd-Fellowship.—The Members of the Loyal Good Intention Lodge, Riwaka, held their anniversary dinner at the Riwaka Inn, on Monday, 11th July. About thirty brethren attended, and partook of an excellent dinner, provided by Host Dodson. P.C.S. R. Sutcliffo presided, and A.S. T. Hilpin occupied the vice-chair. The evening was spent in a most convivial manner, —toasts, interspersed with songs, recitations, &c, filling up one of those agreeable evenings for which these gatherings of Odd-Fellows are celebrated.

Sheep in Canterbury.—The following return for the year ending June 30, furnished by Mr. Boullon, the Sheep Inspector, lias been published in the Canterbury Press: — "Number of Sheep in the Province—l.3oo,ooo. Importation of Sheep in the year —By sea, 12,520; By land (Nelson), 38,050; By laud (Otago), 10,850: Total, 61,420. Scabby sheep cleaned in the year —Northern District, 114,550; Central District, 48,700 ; Southern District, 23,000 : Total, 183,250. Number of Scabby Sheep remaining on June 30—Northern District, 3000 ; Central District, 13,500: Total, 16,500. Fines paid under the Sheep Ordinance for the year ending June 30— Northern District, £3,600 ; Central District, £245 • Total, £3,8-15." '

Christ's College Grammar School.—Mr. E. A. Lingard was appointed Assistant Master of this'institution at a meeting of tho Governing Body held on the 13th July. Mr. Lingard lias recently hold the post of Head Master of tho Bishop's School at Nelson.— Canterbury Press.

Panga Totara School Committee. At tho annual meeting of the ratepayers for- the purpose of electing a committee for the current year for the Panga Totara School, Messrs. Jennings, Chiunbevkin, and Taylor retired by rotatation. Thl new committee consists of Messrs. Douglas, Parkcs, Chamberlain, S. L. Saxon, Captains Horncman and Wright.

Sudden Death at Sprtng Grove.—Thursday, July 21st, Mrs. Thomason, wife of Esmy Thomason, residing at Spring Grove, died very suddenly. Wliile milking the cow Mrs. Thomason felt unwell, and went and sat down in a chair in the verandah, and before Dr. Dalters, who resides close by, could arrive, she had breathed her last. Wo believe' deceased has' left a family of ten children.

A Queer Address.—Among the unclaimed, letters in the Lyttelton Post office appears one bearing the following ourioua inscription ;—« From E. W. Canel to liis dearest Mother, In car© of Thomas Kelly, for

Municipal Institutions and Municipal Cloth-ing-.—We perceive that an attempt has been made to establish a livery for the worshipful members of the Launceston Municipal Council: —" On Monday last, says the Launceston Examiner of the 25th of May, a report signed by the Mayor and two of the Aldermen was brought up, recommending that the members should dress themselves up in the following fashion : —' Single breasted black coat, with stand-up collar— flaps at the side pockets—and edging and black buttons on the breast and cuffd. The Mayor's coat to be distinguished by steel buttons. The waistcoat to be black, single-breasted with small stand-up collar, and flaps at the pockets. Trousers, black —the usual evening dress. Neck-tie, white. On public occasions the Mayor (if he shall think fit) to wear the robes of office, and cocked hat, with white gloves. The other members to have black hats and white gloves.' After some discussion, during which considerable merriment was made of the proposed costume, tho report was rejected by a majority of votes."

Waijiea Ho ad Board. —At the yearly meeting of ratepayers held at the Richmond Institution on Monday, July 4th, to elect members of the Board, to supply vacancies caused by the retiring in rotation of two members, Mr. C. P. Kcarns was called to tho chair, and after rending such portions of the Road Acts as referred to the proceedings called for a nomination of candidate?. The retiring members— Messrs. M'Rae and Andrews, and Mr. J. Gk Miles having been duly proposed and seconded, the Chairman declared the show of hands to be —seven for Mr. M'Rae. and four each for the other candidates, and gave his casting vote for Mr Andrews. A poll was then demanded on behalf of Mi*. Miles, which, in accordance with previous arrangements took place on Monday, the 11th, at the four different places in this large road district, and the result was announced at Richmond at 5.30 p.m. tho same day, the numbers being— Miles 79 M'Rae 75 Andrews... ... ... 32 Whereupon, the Chairman declared the two first named gentlemen duly elected to serve for the two ensuing years.—A vote of thanks to the Chairman, for his highly upright and impartial conduct, closed the proceedings.

Revising Court. —Mr. Connell, the Revising O fllccr, held a Court yesterday for the Revision of the Electoral Roll of the City of Nelson. Of the new applicants twelve were about to be struck off in consequence of insufficient description, the name of the street only being given without the number of the town section. The Secretary of the Board of Works being present procured sufficient information from the assessment as to cause the reinstatement of nine out of the twelve. This plan might be adopted by Secretary of Country Road Boards so as to prevent persons being struck off by inadvertency.— Colonist, July 15.

Dr. Hector's Opinion on the Gold-fields of Auckland. —The New Zealand Herald says : —" The eminent geologist, Dr. Hector, having paid a visit to tho Coromandel Gold-fielcb, gives it as liis opinion, that they will never yield enough to make the digging remunerative to any individual or company, and that the whole of the precious metal there is massed principally at the point. Tho Doctor may bo true, "but experience has proved that some claims are remunerative, and that to a very considerable degree."

The Marlhorough Press says that " the Bank of New Zealand had intimated to the public that, all notes issued by any other bank would be subject to a commission of two and a half per cent., or sixpence in the pound. This was frit by all classes to be a very heavy loss, as the notes of the Union Bank, the Banks of New South Wales, Australasia, and other banking establishments were current in receipt as payment for ordinary business transactions. We are now happy to state that the impost has been removed, the several banks have arranged to receive all notes at par. Persons receiving notes issued by banks other than those of the Bank of New Zealand, are not now call -d on to charge the commission, which, had not the arrangements v>e have mentioned been entered into, they would have been compelled to make."

The Buller and Gret Coal Fields.—Mr. Burnett, in pursuance of the resolution of the Council, to send to England samples of coal from the Buller and the Grey, has gone to the Grey to make arrangements for obtaining the necessary quantity for sample. lie went Monday by the Nelson, and it is expected that about a month hence, the coal will be ready for transporting to Nelson. Progress is also making at the Buller.coal-field. A road fit for packing has been cut, all the way from the beach to the spot where boring operations are now in progress, hut when last advices were received the boring was not very far advanced, the preliminary -work of cutting a road having occupied the time hitherto. The rock to be gone through appears to be hard. Mr. Burnett will, of course, also visit the Buller, and arrange for conveying to the port the requisite quantity for shipment to England.— Colonist, July 19th.

Permanent BtnxDixa Society.-Oii July 18th, there were 37 shares disposed of iv this Society, at bonuses varying from £3 10s. to £-L per £20 share.

Departure of the Steadier Nelson toe the Grey.—Ou July 18th, the Nelson left this port on her first trip. She goes to the West Coast calling at Motucka and Colliugwood on the way.- She took "with her about GO passengers, fully five-sixtli3 of whom were diggers', who ni%e going to give the Grey district a trial. Certain reports of successful prospecting on the Canterbury side of the Grey were lately circulated in Nelson, and had no doubt some foundation, as some good gold of a kind similar to that found at the c:irlv diggings of the Bailer was produced by the prospecting parties, and found its way to "Westport at the Duller. Tho most of the diggers wlio have gone to the Grey are men well acquainted with their business, not led astray by any sanguine expectations, but being for the most part doing nothing here, resolved to try the Grey, which they could easily do as the Nelson lias taken with her about 30 tons of provisions of dilferent lands. The diggings on the Grey are on the Canterbury side of the river; but if gold exists in quantity there, there is no reason why it should not be found on the Nelson side also. The Nelson has 40 tons of coal on board, which, we understand is equal to live entire days steaming at eight tons per Pay.

Katie Bitid. —"We have seen what we have been given to understand is a rarity amongst tho feathered tribe here, and one that appears to be little known, and difficult of classification. In shape and size it i 3 somewhat similar to the native cuckoo, but much lighter in color, being what may be called (for want of a better term) of a lavender-grey color on the body and head, and shading off at the wing pinions and upper side of the tail feathers to a much darker color, which takes a somewhat maculated (spotted) appoarancc towards the extremities ofthe Aviugs. The beak is strong and straight, having a small tuft of dark feathers springing from its base and inclining backwards, though lying close to the side of the head. The bird has a delicate rather than showy appearance, and has a graceful shape, with feathers of fine texture. This specimen was procured by Mr. "\Y". Giblin, of Motncka, where it was shot, and presented to the Nelson Museum, and is now in the hands of Mr. Gomolka, of CollingYrood-strect, for stuffing and mounting before being deposited.

Volunteer Prize Firing in Wanganui and Taranaki—Tnu Hichest Scores.—The hopes entertained that Nelson would, for tho third time retain the Champion Belt have been frustrate;!. The highest score of Nelson was 39, made by J. Tunnicliff. Wanganui and Taranald hare both bealen this. The Wanganui Chronicle says : —'• That our riflemen have not entirely lost their skill from want of practice, is evident from tho scores that a few of the Cavalry Volunteers made yesterday morning, the highest of which was forty, made by Lieut. w!"T. Owen of the Wanganui troop, who has, as far as is yet known here, made the best score in the colony. His shooting was, however, surpassed yesterday by Mr. Summorville, who gained the third prize of a former year, and who, in practising yesterday, made forty-four. Whether he will be equally successful in firing for the prizes remains to be seen." The TavanaJci Herald of lGth insl, under the head " Prize Firing," has the following : —"The firing for the Government prizes was begun this week. We have no room for details, but the highest score made was that of Corporal W. Humphries, of No. 3 Bushrangers, who yesterday made no less than 40 points out of the 15 shots—(l3 at 300 yards, 14 at 400, and 13 at 500). This looks well for the Champion Belt ; but in any event, we may congratulate Mr. Humphries on having made a splendid score. The second here as yet is Mr, ]?, Hursthouse of the §we company, whfi aiftdo 31,"

How Otago works yon its Coal.—The 3fail has the following paragraph : —" A seam of coal which promises to be of great value to llio province was recently discovered on the north bank of the Waikava. A lease was applied for and granted on Wednesday last to the prospectors, and we understand they will commence mining operations immediately. The coal is of excellent quality ; and what is more, there are great facilities for shipping it close to the pit's mouth." —This little fact ought to make our Provincial Council and the Government blush for shame when they consider the years of wrangling, temporising, and divided opinion which have characterised their proceedings with respect to Nelson coal, nnd how year after year absurd and contradictory legislation and obstructive movements, have taken place, while repeated pretensions of a desire, and indeed an outcry to favor private enterprise have been sneered at by some, and been permitted to fall away into large and costly general schemes, of which the success is far from certain, and will certainly be long delayed. Cheap Imported Beef and Mutton in Maryborough:—The Press o? July 16th says.-" The Wanganui, which arrived here yesterday morning, brought, as a part of its freight, a large number of cari cases and quarters of fine beef, together with several carcasses of sheep, and about one hundred alive. It was a most welcome shipment. The whole was disposed of off hand to the butchers at an average of from fourpence-halfpenuy to fivepencc per pound. We presume the public will in consequence reap tho benefit, by a reduction upon late prices. The butchers inform us, that they can purchase imported carcass sheep, landed on Picton Wharf, at four shillings per head cheaper than they can obtain them on the stations in Marlborough." [Is there no means by which the unconsionably high prices which rule in Nelson for butchers meat, could be reduced ? Stock dealers inform us that (sinking the oflal) 4£d. to sd. per lb. is the highest price they enn obtaiu from the butchers, and yet the public pays 9d. and lOd. per lb.]

Young- Men's Christian Association.—A social tea gathering of the members and friends of the above institution washeld on Tuesday evening, July 19, in the society's Room in Bridge-street. An excellent tea was provided, of which about seventy persons partook. After the tables were cleared a public meeting was held, when Mr. W. Biss was called to the chair, and the following gentlemen look part in the proceedings of the evening, Messrs. Whiting, Fittall, Wallace, Smart, Hill, Johns, Andrews, Costall, and Cresswell. The Wesleyan choir kindly gave their services on the occasion. From the report, which was read by the Secretary, Mr. Lucas, we learnt that "the Nelson Young Men's Christian Association commenced its operations in a store kindly lent by Messrs. Nash and Scaife, in the year 1860. The committee finding that the association was to some extent appreciated by a number of young men, appealed to the public of Nelson for subscriptions, and met with a kind response which enabled them to build the neat room winch they now occupy. The expenses incurred in carrying out the objects of the association amounted to £32, whilst the income for the past year was £17, leaving a deficiency of about £15." The objects of this societythe spiritual and mental improvement of young men —are such as claim the active support of the religious community of Nelson; and it is to be hoped that the number of its active members will be increased, and its financial condition improved.— Communicated.

The Stbamkk .Scotia.—Attempts to Float Heb. —It was some time since announced that the hull, engines, cables, anchors, boats. &c, of this vessel were sold to a company of merchant traders for £290. Should she be floated off the purchasers, it is calcu-

lated will make fiom £15,000 to £20,000 by their

venture. We hear now ihat every effort, is to be made to float off the vessel, and sanguine hopes of being able to do so are entertained. Should they prove successful the purchasers will indeed have made a splendid bargain. The Southland News says that some experiments have been made in the manufacture of air-tight bags, to ha hereafter used in floating the steamer Scotia. A small bag of canvas was prepared, the seams having been covered with varnish ; the bug, after being saturated with water, was then inflated by means of a common bellows, and when so inflated it was found to possess considerable buoyancy and lifting power. The experiments are being continued on a large scale, and will be applied to the vessel at the earliest opportunity.