MURCHISON.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12757, 1 April 1910, Page 4

MURCHISON.

(From Our Own Correspondent.; Tlie Loyal Matakitaki Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., held their seventh annual anniversary ball on the evening of Easter Monday, in Downie' s Hall, under most favourable conditions. The deservedly high reputation of the Oddfellows annual ball, perfect weather and good roads, were all contributing factors in bringing about a very large assembly of people. The visiting otticers were: — Bros. W. H. Prebble, P.G.M., J. W. Hagen, D.P.G.M., 1. Tunnicliffe, P.P.G.M., W. Thompson, P.G., and Thomas Bell, P.G. . Provincial Grand --Master Probble gave a short and very instructive address, quoting figures to show that the M.U:, 1.0.0. F., was the most wealthy friendly society in the world, and the speaker pointed out that the Nelson District Lodge held the proud position of being perfectly solvent, as shown by figures- certified to by the Government actuar3 r . (Applause.) The advantages of being a member of the order were clearly and convincingly shown, especially' as regarded the widows' and orphans' fund, and instances were mentioned where widows had received | as much as £150 and £200 out of this fund. (Applause.) He" thanked his hearers for their presence, and hoped that evening's enjoyment would long linger a& a- pleasant memory. Bro W. Fauchelle had charge-" of the ball, and the total absence of those wearying ' delays between dances or hitch of any kind, again proved this gentleman's well known ability in the capacity of M.C. When it is stated that the dance music was entrusted to j tlie Misses Hunter, those who knew excellent quality of the music supplied by these talented ladies will realise at once that it was without fault, and they were ably assisted by Bros. Q'Rourke and J. Goodyer (cornets) and Joseph Goodyer (violin). Tho floor, was in excellent order, and so with good music, a good floor, and, above all, one of the good, dancers so plentiful at Murchison dances, one could not but spend a thoroughly enjoyable evening. If your -correspondent Jmew how to describe them, he could mention many striking dresses 1 among the ladies present, but this, and the question of who was the belle, cr.n be chronicled by some more competent pen. A sumptuous supper spread in bountiful quantity in the large supper room attached to the hall was provided under the capable management of Mesdames Watson . and Goodyer, whose valued services in this connection have long since been recognised as ' indispensable at all local- social gatherings. The Secretary (Mr John Downie); on whom so much depended Ito make or mar the success of the evening, might deservedly, feel proud of the gratifying result of his efforts, and the knowledge that the ball afforded so much pleasure to so many will, I feel sure, be accepted by him as an ample reward for his work.