ODDFELLOWS' ANNIVERSARY AT WAITAHUNA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 276, 15 May 1873, Page 6

ODDFELLOWS' ANNIVERSARY AT WAITAHUNA.

The seventh anniversary of the Loyal Waitahuna Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., was celobrated in the Waitahuna Athenaeum, on Friday evening last,- by a soiree, concert, aud ball. The weather was delightful, aud the attendance excellent. The occasion attracted a considerable number of ladies and gentlemen from Lawrence and the Blue Spur. The arrangements in connection with the soiiee, or first part of the programme, were carried out admirably, as these things always are at Waitahuna. Mrs. Cook, who seems to have the happy knack of knowing \ exactly what suits the tastes of those j who generally countenance these gatherings, catered on this occasion, to the entire satisfaction of all present. Ample justice having been done to "the cup that cheers but not inebriates," and to the many delicacies with which the tables were loaded, an interval of a few minutes occurred, to remove the tables and arrange the seats for the concert. This being done, Bro. Richard Hamilton, N.G. of the Lodge, took the chair. He was supported on his right by G.M. Bro. Hansen and P.S. Bro. Wilson, Waitahuua Lodge; N.G. Bro. Mills. Blue Spur Lodge ; N.G. Bro. Hay and P.G. Bro. Harrop, Tuapeka Piom er Lodge ; and on his left by P.G. Bro. Eadie and P.G. Bro. Phillips, Waitahuna Lodge ; and Bro. Costick, C.R>. of Court Havelock. N.G. Bro. Hamilton opened the proceedings by expressing his agreeable surprise at seeing such a large gathering present to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the Lodge. The attendance was considerably larger than he anticipated, and showed the increasing interest taken in these friendly societies, which were so instrumental in diffusing good feeling and tangible benefits amongst their members. He would not detain them with a speech, as it had been arranged to curtail this part of the programme in order that the dancing could commence at an early hour. He would call upon the Secretary to state the financial position of the Lodge. P.S. Bro. Wilson said that the statement he had to make was one composed I of figures from the accounts of theyear 1872, and was the same as that sent to head-quarters at Manchester. The balance to the credit of the Sick and Funeral Fund on the Ist January of this year was £182, and Lodge property, £15, making a total of £497. The addition to the fund during the year 1872 was £37; and payments from the fund as sick claims were £36. and £10 funeral expenses (District fund.) The numbers at present on the books are 61, of whom 59 are financial. The sum of <£lß4lls. of the Incidental Expense Fund had been disbursed during the year, of which ! £12>J ss. 9d. bad been paid for medicine and medical attendance to mem bers of the lodge and their families. In looking at the Expense Fund, they sometimes thought that it was very heavy, but they should not lose sight of the fact that medicine and medical attendance are included in thataccount, and for the supply of these the Lodge, to a great extent, had its existence. From such payments the members of the Lodge could see that it existed for some purpose. Another proof of the good working of the Lodge was to be found in the fact that it could induce a medical man to come amongst its members. This was a direct benefit to the community at large, as well as to the Lodge. They have always had a difficulty in getting medical attendance. For his part he hoped they would soon see the time when they would not only have a medical man, but a chemist also. Looking round him he was ola<3 to see such an assembly. As the most present were aware, he was one of the patriarchs of Waitahuna, and he could not help comparing the present celebration with those of the early times. He hoped they would have many such happy meetings. P.G. Bro. Eadie proposed "Kindred Societies," which was given with rnusi -al honors by P.G. Bro. Tranter. C.B. Bro. Contick responded on behalf of Court Havelock, which, he said,, was progressing favorably. Notwith standing the fact that their doctor's bill was so high, they had £130 to the good. They had thirty members good on the books, and hoped the number would continue to increase, so that the wide-spread blessings attending these societies might be enjoyed by the community. The toast was given, accompanied by Foresters' fire. G.M. Bro. Hansen proposed "Sister Lodges," coupled with the names of N.G. Bro. Hay and N.G-. Bro. Mills of the Tuapeka and Blue Spur Lodges respectively. N.Gk Bro. Hay, of the Tuapeka

Pioneer Lodge, said it gave him pleasure to respond to the toast. As a proof of the success of these friendly societies, he thought the present gathering was sufficient. He was glad to find all the lodges in a prosperous state. The Tuapeka Lodge numbered 90 members, which, he thought, was very encouraging. N.G. Bro. Mills, Blue Spur Lodge, also responded. He said the Lodge which he represented was prospering steadily, but surely, There were 48 members on the books, which was very fair, when the stnallness of the population was considered. Financially speaking, the Spur Lodge was not so healthy as some younger Lodges. This was partly owing to so many cases of accidents which fall upon it from time to time, owing to the dangerous workings of the Spur ; but it should be remembered that for thesn and like objects these societies were constituted. P.G. Bro. Phillips said he had a very agreeable duty to perform, and that was to present to the Lodge, on behalf of Bro. Henley, the beautifully illuminated coat of arms now hanging up before them. Bro. Henley, as they were aware, had been a patient in the Dunedin Hospital for the last two years, and had been on the sick funds of the Lodge for the last two years and a half; and he (Bro. Phillips) thought it very mindful of their sick brother, who showed by this presentation a tangible proof of his appreciation of the benefits of Oddfellowship. He hoped the members of the Lodge would receive it in the same spirit in which it was given. (Applause.) P.G. Bro. Black returned thanks on behalf of the ladies who had assisted at the tables. He had known them for as lengthened a period as anyone j present, and he always found them in readiness to make their contribution to these entertainments a complete sucl cess. (Cheers.) In the course of. the evening songs were sung by Mr. Bayliss, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Alex. Cameron, and Mr. Cromarty, and were highly appreciated by the audience, who insisted upon an encore for each song. The second part of the programme having now been finished, the hall was cleared for dancing, which commenced shortly after ten o'clock, and continued till five or six in the morning. The music was supplied by Mr. Bayliss and Mr. Broom. The seventh anniversary may be pronounced a great success.