Page 4 Advertisements Column 1

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1884, 17 March 1874, Page 4

Fbiendly Societies' Rkgalia. — The Melbourne Argun, of Match 6, remarks : — lt is a matter for congratulation that at a recent meeting the Order of St Andrew made some alterations in its general laws, .one of which abolisheß regalia as a general rule, leaving it to the individual lodges to decide the question for themßolves. Everyone, we think, will admit that benefit societies are admirable institutions in themselves, calculated to foßtc habits of providence, and to promote th r virtues attending independence amongst the working classes. But it appears to ub to be a sad. misuse of hard-earned money to expend it in a lot of Brummagem jewels, useless aprons, tawdry scarfs, wooden axes, and other absurd paraphernalia by which so many of these associations succeed in rendering themselves ridiculous. All these gewgaws, together with paas-words, secret meetings, &c, are tnere imitations of Masonic customs. These latter have something to recommend them, if it is only their ancient origin and world-wide use ; but it would bo totally contrary to the genius of the ago to inaugurate euch mystic rites and ceremonies at the present day. The attempt would only rightly expose those engaged in it to ridicule. Ac our benefit societies — such as the Oddfellows, Free Gardeners, Druids, Foresters, and so forth — tire all creations of a inodarn dute, let them be carried on in a modern way. Who would think of getting up a Lord Mayor's show if the ceremonial attending the installation of the chief magistrate of London hud to be Ecltled now-adays ? We liavo only to glance over the address delivered by the Grand Master of the Order of St. Andrew, which appeared in our issue of Tuesday, to see that the society has plenty of wayß oi expending itß funds without squandering J.hem over tinsel trappings.