THE NEW ODD FELLOWS’ HALL.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 181, 8 May 1872, Page 3

THE NEW ODD FELLOWS’ HALL.

Tun Loyal Waikato Lodge No. 5414 lias just completed the conversion of a buildin w- formerly used as an lndd, in Richmond street, near Pollen-street, into a most commodious hall. The buildnig stands on an allotment lti;s feet in depth, by 313 feet in breadth, and has at the rear a "cottage suitable for the residence of the liall-keiper. The ball is approached from Riehmond-streot by a vestibule four feet wide, with folding doors opening into the ball, which is 4(3 feet long by 26 feet broad, and 15 feet high, capable of containing 300 persons, ihe avails arc all kauri, packed, closed lined, and rendered sound nroof. There are three ventilators, which will afford at ail times a.good supple of fresh air, and llie windows afford good light. On either side of the vestibule is an ante-room 10ft. by 10ft., and on the western side a commodious passage runs the entire length of the building. Over the front entrance, which presents a neat appearance, is an inscription in gold letters, “ Odd Fellows Hall,” and underneath on the skylight over the front entrance, “Loyal Waikato Lodge, No. 5444.” The front is imitation of stone, in the English style, with •Corinthian cornices; and the whole edifice reflects great credit upon those concerned in its erection, and upon the members of the Lodge, whose enterprise has called it into existence. The whole cost, we understand, will not exceed £250, which is a very small sum considering how much has been done for the money, whicu wouul certainly not have gone so far if it had not been most judiciously laid out, and the utmost advantage taken of the old building. The property is, we are informed. freehold, obtained for the Society by Mr Jas. Maekay, jun., who is a member of the Loyal Waikato Lodge. This new ball is admirably adapted for the purpose for which it is designed, and also for balls, concerts, or public .meetings. This makes another addition to our public buildings, of which, we

shall, no doubt, have more as the place continues to progress. The Loyal Waikato Lodge is, we believe, in a nourishing condition, and will doubtless go on and prosper. It has been tli’o means of doing much good, and after paying all expenses for sick members and other contingencies has a handsome surplus. In a mining community,above all others,these friendly societies are especi illy calculated to he of service, and we a glad to hear that they are so thoroughly appreciated. The. architect of the new hall is Mr T. R. Jones. Mr Smith, contractor for the building, and Dir G. Sheppard, for the decorations: they may be congratulated upon the successful manner in which they have performed the work intrusted to their hands. Tho members of this Lodge may be proud of the new hall, which may be regarded as a substantial proof of the stability and progress of the great Society of Odd Fellows, of which this is a flourishing branch.