LOYAL ORANGE LODGE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 5961, 17 July 1912, Page 3

LOYAL ORANGE LODGE.

Tlio annual social of the above Lodge in celebration oi Ith-o 12th July, tho anniversary of tin; Rattle of tho Boyno, was held in the Presbyterian schoolroom on, Friday ovening last, when there was a very large attendance of brethren and friends. The W.M., Bro. J. Brooks, presided, and on the platform with him wore the executive officers of the Lodge, the "Ven. Archdeacon Itichards, the Grand Chaplain and organiser of the Institution (ttev. Bro. Little) and Mrs Little, who is a prominent member of the female branch of the Institution.

The Chairman in opening tin; proceedings expressed his gratification at seeing such a splendid gathering. It was very encouraging, lie said, when so many friends attendod to join with them in celebrating one of the great festivals of their Institution. That nigh I thousands upon thousand'; of their brethren in Parts of the world iwere commemorating that great victory of ll'lrc-tfstantism when King William" (Prince of Orange); was victorious in the -battle of theßoyne. They did not desire to celebrate this great event with any but the'most kindly feelings towards those who might differ from them in faith, but as their Loyal Orange • Institution stands (irmly for the Protestant faith it was fitting that they should remember those graft events of the past when men freely laid down their lives for political as well as vcligieus freedom, and it was also fitting that all Protestants should join with the brethren of this Order in thanksgiving for itho heritage that had been handed dowrj to them. ■After an opening song a.- > is t.y Mr Kirkpairick a nd company and :i solo by Mrs Blair, The Rev. Mr Little, Grand Chaplain and Organiser for the Institution, delivered a most interesting and impressive address. After some complimentary remarks, as to the vitality of the local lodge, the progress of tho Institution throughout New (Zealand a nd the world g<*n rally, and its objects, he touched upon the Hcauo Rule for Ireland question, 'Of this ho was nn uncompromising opponent on tho -ground that it would prov« a menace to the religious liberty of the Protectants in Ireland, and -he spoke in admiration of the united opposition tho Protestants of Ulster wore showing to this measure. In tho most favourable conditions it would yet be two years before this measure if carried by the Hcueo •! Commons could take clTcot, and lie predicted that More then there would be a revulsion of feeling in the- United Kingdom which would have the effect of killing the Bill. He expressed tho hope that their brethren in Ulster would-not havo to carry 'their threat of armed resistance into effeot, but if it was found necessary to do bo he hoped the 'brethren in New Zealand would give, practical testimony of their loyalty to their faith by rendering all the assistance in their power. The address, which was over half a n hour's duration, was listened to with great interest and appreciaj lion ,by all present and was fn<,-fluent-ly applauded.

The Yen. Archdeacon Richards also delivered an interesting address in the course of which ho impressed upon members the importance of living up to the articles of their constitution by a regular attendance at the public worship of God a nd a strict observance of the Lord's Day. It was, he reminded them, an easier thing for people (o die for their faith than to live for it, and ho earnestlv enjoined the brethren present and Protestants generally to set an example to their fellows iby showing in their daily life that they were living up to their faith and principles. After a liberal supply of refreshments had beer, served the (Rev. Bros Durward and Watson delivered short addresses appropriate to tho occasion.

The musical programme provided during the evening was an excellent one, all the items being .appreciatively received and encores demanded in nearly every 'instance. The vocalists were Mrs Blair, Misses (Falconer, Brown, 'and B. McCorkindale, ar.d Messrs Kirkpatrick , a nd Brooke.^ A comprehensive vote of thanks moved-by Bro. W, Anderson and, the singing of " God Save the Kipir," 'brought a most enjoyable evening to a conclusion shortly before 11 p.m.