WAKEFIELD ITEMS.

Colonist, Volume XLIV, Issue 10104, 22 May 1901, Page 2

WAKEFIELD ITEMS.

[FBOM OUB OWN COBBESPONDEST.I Tge local Lodge of Oddfellows held its usual monthly meeting last Saturday evening, when there was a large attendance of members to meet the two brothers, Sergeant W. Stevens and Trooper E. Kerr; who have just returned from South Africa. After the usual business had been transacted, P.P.G.M. Bro. James Thomas gave them a hearty welcome on behalf of the Lodge, and feelingly expressed the pleasure they all felt at having them back again safe and sound. The enlarged photograph of the late brother, Trooper Jennings, of the Nelson Lodge, was hung in the hall, and after alluding to it, the speaker went on to tell them that had anything happened to either or both of them, they would not have been forgotten, as the Wakefield Lodge would have done aa the Nelson Lodge had for their deceased brother, but that he and all the members were much better pleased to be able to welcome them as they now did. Their health was then given with musical honors, and also the honor 3 of the Order were enthusiastically presented to them, ifter a song or two, Bros. Sergeant Stevens rad Trooper Kerr entertained the members with reminiscences from the seat of' war, md related some of their experiences, all of vhich were listened to with much pleasure, they promised to entertain the members in t, similar fashion at some future date. Uthough they had been splendidly received

and feasted nil along their homeward journey, yet their receptions in Nelson and since then had been more thoroughly enjoyed, as they were at home and among their personal friends. The honors of the Order vere also conveyed to the visitors from the Howard and General Cameron Lodges. Light refreshments were handed round, and the Lodge closed in due form. The National Anthem, "God Save the King," was then sung in the Lodge for the first time, thus bringing to a close one of the happiest meetings held in the hall for a long time. The young people are looking forward to the Oddfellows' anniversary ball, to be held on the 24 tb. The Ladies' Guild is progressing much better than was at first anticipated.- There was a very large attendance last Wednesday. The Waimea South Athletic Association is getting on well with the cycle traok in the Becreation Ground. The Bishop's visit has been postponed until the 23rd June. Wakefield, 20th May, 1901,