SOCIETIES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4159, 19 August 1881, Page 3

SOCIETIES.

Tho newly-formed Loyal Waterton Lodge, 1.0.0.F,,M.U., was opened on Wednesday evening, in the Library Hall, when a large number of the Ashburton officers were present. The Lodge was opened by the Provincial C.S. Bro Bichardßon, from Christchurch. Thirty-two candidates were initiated, and then the Lodge waß dedicated in the usual way. After some other business, the officers of the new Lodge were elected as follows : — N.G. Bro T. Williams ; V.G. Bro O'Shannassy ; Bro Henry Hudson, Permanent Secretary ; Bro Bryant, E.S. ; Bro J. Davis, Treasurer; Bro Lambert, Warden. It was decided to hold the Lodge meetings on alternate Wednesdays in the Public Library Hall. After all the business had been transacted an adjournment was mado to the Waterton Hotel, where a substantial supper was served by the host. Ample justice was done by the brethren, and the evening was harmoniously spent.

"LYTTELTON TIMES" DBAMATIO SOOIETY." The membors of this Society are now actively engaged rehearsing the pieces they intend to produce afc their annual entertainment in aid of their Siok Fund. Two performances will be given, is last year, the dates being Friday and Saturday, Sept. 2 and 3. On the first night the programme will consist of Byron's well-known comedy ■' Our Girls," and a most amusing farce, new to Christchurch, " Hhould this Meet the Eye." Mr J. Hebden will appear in the well-known role of Captain Gingah, in whioh Johnnie Hall made so pronounced a hit three years ago. On the Saturday the pilce de resistance will be Tom Taylor's «« Contested Election," a comedy, the name of which sufficiently indicates its character. This pieoe, though well known in other towns, has, we believe, never been produced in Christchurch, and will, therefore, come almost as a complete novelty. Judging by the success which attended the efforts of the members when "Society," a kindred comedy, was played on a former occasion, " The Contested Election " will receive full justice at their hands. Mr E. T. Kitchin will sustain the principal character, that of a lawyer, who is presented in fche guise of an election agent. The amateurs will be assisted by, Mrs F. H. Digby, Mrs Walter Hill, and other ladies. Mrs Digby, it may be mentioned, will, on this occasion, undertake a line of character which has nofc hitherto been associated with her name — whafc is technically known as an "old woman." Looking at the substantiality of the programme provided, the Society has every reaeon to expect crowded houses. The tiokets now being sold, it is neceßßary to state, wili admit on either night.