Odd Fellows' Anniversary Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2156, 1 December 1875, Page 2

Odd Fellows' Anniversary Soiree.

At the conclusion of the Odd Fellows' Demonstration at Tarartt most of the brethren returned to the Academy of Music, Grahainstown, where they found a very invitingjspread provided for them by Host Curtis, of the Pacific. After the tea was over, a meeting was held,presided over by Mr Bagnall, the Provincial G. M. There were also on the platform, or to speak correctly, the stagel, the following _ representatives of Friendly So> cieties—T. Vowles, P. G.; J. Grant, P. G. 5 G. McCowatt, N. G.; C. Moore, V. G.; and C. Ahier, Permanent Secretary, all of the Loyal Waikato Lodge.

W. H. Jenkins, P. G.; J. J. Foy, G. M.; J. B. Teasdale, N. G.; and W. Carthew, P. Gh, of the Charles Bruce Lodge. J. Bobinson, C. E. Court Pride of Parnell; F. W. Paul, P. C. B. Court Pride of th& North; J. JSTodder, P. C. B. Eechabitesf; W. O'Sullivan, V. P. Hibernians.; vT : fcos Kitchen, W. M. Protestant Alliaiipe; and; W. Culpit, P. G. Fountain of E^iendishi]^ Lodge. . ,||| i;'i\ p The chairman in addressing the meeting, stated that in making out programin.es the custom of commencing with a chairman's address had now-a-days become stereotyped. The difficulty ,was, tp ..find, what to say that would be interesting to everyone; what would most likely interest Odd Fellows might not prove so entertaining to the ladieS/'" "One matter struck him, it was that while demonstraI tions formerly consisted of banquets, now they had nothing but soirees. They seemed to have gained the ascendancy. Whether tastes were altered or not, or whether it was a good or a bad-omen he could not say, but he thought the reason was that at banquets they had not the society of the ladies, and so they had given place to the more enjoyable soirees. He went on further to say that many Friendly, Societies have certain fables which date back to the time of Adam and Eve. Odd Fellows try to prove, that Adam was an Odd Fellow^ but he thought it was not so ieasily; proved that he was a Forester. All must be aware of the objects of Friendly Societies. During his connection with them he had seen numerous benefits accrue to members belonging to them; they had at their command medical /advice without haying to pay the enormous bills usually paid for such. On the Thames Goldfied the number of members belonging. to Friendly Societies was more than in Auckland; he believed their financial stability :was greater, and also that they are. better worked than; mi Auckland-; .this going far to prove that the Thames people know how to manage these affairs, and further, that they also know how to' manage their own affairs without any help from Auckland. A song by Mr Billings, with a chorus, followed. ,■■'*. ;

Mr Vowles, P.G., then addressed the, meeting. He said in the history of every man's life there was always some event of which he might be proud. He was one of the founders of Loyal Waikato Lodge, and he was very proud to stand there to say so. In 1866 the lodge was established in the Waikato, but the numbers gradually decreased until a very few Were left, when he and a few others obtained a dispensation to remove it to the Thames Goldfield, where it was estab-; lished in 1869. Since that it has progressed very favorably, until at the present time it numbers 250 members,and its funds amount tp^ £1400. He, thought no young man had an excuse for not belonging to some lodge, as on the Thames they had their choice; Mr Robinson, C.R., in a few remarks, stated the Court Pride of Parnell, was the first friendly society on the Thameshaving been established in 1869. ; He urgd all young men to join some benefit society, and concluded by thanking the Odd Fellows of the Waikato Lodge for the kind invitation. Song—" Old Simon the Cellerer," Mr Wiseman.

The Chairman then called on Mr Culpit, P.G-., as a representative of the Fountain of Friendship Lodge to address the meeting, which he did very briefly. He said his lodge was the first opened in Auckland, and further, that great benefits had been derived from, societies on the Thames, particularly in cases of accident. Mr Carfchew then made a few remarks, and was followed by Mr Vowles, with a song and chorus. Mr Nodder next addressed the meeting on behalf of the Rechabites. He thought anniversaries were very nice holidays, they had a procession, sports, a short meeting, and he supposed they would have a long dance. His society could date to the days of Rechab, and it would be more pleasing if, all Odd Fellows were teetotallers. The Rechabites go in for two objects, benefit and total abstinence, and as they went in for reform, all right-thinking men would uphold them. He was glad to see such a cordial spirit manifested among the friendly societies on the Thames, he hoped there would be more anniversaries and more soirees. , • :

Mr Paul, P.C.R., came next; lie said i although his lodge was the youngest on the field they already numbered 50 members. He strongly recommended all in every station of life to join a benefit society. People are not always prosperous, and should sicbnesss overtake them they could demand help if they needed it. Song: MrTargett. Mr O'Sullivan returned thanks on behalf of the Hibernian Society. Then came a song by Mr Reid on Oddfellowship, which took amazingly, and that gentleman had to return for an encore, when he substituted another on Forestry—with both'songs he was very funny and very happy. Mr Kitchen, W.M. Protestant Alliance, next made a few remarks. He said his society was increasing fast, he had just received a letter from Sydney stating that there they had just celebrated their anniversary. They had had a procession one mile long, and 6000 persons wera present at their meeting in the. evening. Their emblem was a Bible, which was. their standard, and a crown to show their loyalty. Mr White then sang, "Thy voice is near me."

Mr Grant proposed a vote of thanks to the gentlemen who had so materially assisted in producing the harmony of the meeting, and to the joint committees who had worked so hard all day, which, on being put to the meeting by the chairman, was carried by acclamation. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought this part of the proceedings to a close, after which the room was cleared for dancing, w^iich waskept up with great spirit and- enjoyment Jtill;; a,n early hour this morning. '". ]