CELEBRATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ODD FELLOWSHIP IN WELLINGTON.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1729, 30 May 1862, Page 3

CELEBRATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ODD FELLOWSHIP IN WELLINGTON.

On Saturday last, tbe 24th instant, !>eiug the Queen's Birthday, ihe Officers aud Brethren of the Willington District, Odd Fellows, M. U., and their friends, celebrated the establishment of the Order in Wellington, and the opening of the Hall. The Hall was tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens, which hud a very pretty effect, and was brilliantly lighted. At 5 o'clock, about 120 of the Brotherhood sat down to an excellent dinner provided by Mr. Freeman consisting of all the delicacies of the .-season. A lull band was in attendance, and discoursed sweet music during dinner. P.G.M, McKenzie occupied the chair, and D.P.G.M, Bell, and P.C.S. Bannister, filled the vice chairs. Among the invited guests we noticed His Honor MV. Justice Johuston, R. Hart, Esq. J.P., C. R., Carter, Esq., M.H.R , &c, &c. Ample justice having been done to a most excellent repast, and thanks offered up, the business of the meeting commenced. The Chaibuan said — the tiist toast he would intiuduce to their notice was one which it was unusual, as he was sure it was unnecessary, to say one word in its favour, to recommend it to d company of Britons. It was the health of our beloved Sovereign the Queen. But he thought the peculiar circuinstauces under which they met on that occasion, would permit of a slight departure from that rule. Since they last had the honor of driuking her Majesty's health, on. this her natal day, she had sustained a great and irreparable loss ; a loss which was deeply felt by a whole nation, and had illicited- the warmest sympathy on behalf of Her Majesty wherever the painful intelligence had reached. Although at the antipodes of Great Britain, yet they laid claim to be not the least loyal of her Majesty's subject's. If any doubt existed as to the loyalty and devotion ol her subjects in New Zealand, it would have been speedily removed if they could only have witnessed the heart-felt sorrow, the deep sympathy expressed by the settlers in this distant region, on the receipt of t the intelligence of the death of her illustrious i Cousort, Prince Albeit. Every heart veavued towards her, aud the universal expression on every lip was, that God would preserve and bless the Queen,and comfoither in her deep affliction. The toast was drunk with nine times nine, the company singiug the National anthem, accompanied by the Band. The Chairman said — that he could not help observing, that the toast which they had been accustomed to drink for so many years, as second only to the one they had so heartily responded to, had now been removed from the list,— he alluded to the late Prince Albert, — the illustrious Consort of the Queen, and a Brother of that Order. It had pleased Divine Providence to remove this wise, good, and great Prince from amongst us ; and although his voice would no more be heard in an earthly Lodge, nor should we be assisted by his counsels and advice ; yet let us hope that we may meet in anothe; and a better Lodge, where there will be no more pain nor distress. Al though they deeply regretted his removal from amongst us, yet he felt confident, that they would heartily respon d to the toast he was about to submit to them, it was that of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, the future King of England, and the rest of the Royal Family. All he hoped was, that the Prince would follow the good example of bis lather, and they might then rest assured, that he would have a prosperous reign, over a happy and contented, people. Drank with three times three, the Band playing Rule Britannia. The Chaiiuun observed, — in introducing the next toast, — that it was unnecessary to refer to the glorious deeds performed by our army in the Crimea, where Sir Colin Campbell with his " thin red line," repulsed the hordes of Russian horse, a thing unparalelled in history ;— to the gallant Havelock, who, with a ihaudful of men, in nine days marched 129 miles under the scorching rays of an Indian July sun, fought four actions against over whelming odds, avenged the butcheries of Cawnpore, relieved the beleaguered city of Lucknow, and held that portion of India until succour arrived. No, they could look nearer home ; and were ever ready to acknowledge the great and many obligations they were under to her Majesty's forces in these Islands. They had v debt of gratitude imposed upon them by the gallant men, who had shown themselves ever ready to spill their blood in defence of cur hearths aud homes, which they could not readily forget. The uncomplaining manuer in which the hardships of a New Zealand campaign were submitted to, were wortby of all praise. Nor must he forget to make special mention of the gallant navy, which had rendered such important services during the late war, both ashore and afloat ; those brave tais who were ever ready " to uphold the trampled rights of man," and assert England's supremacy ou the seas. The toast of •' the army and*navy " was then drunk- with enthusiasm, the Band playing- the air— Red White and Blue. Mr. Marriott sung " The Sea is Englaud's glory," which was loudly encored. The Chairman had much pleasure in introducing the next toast, and was. confident that it would meet with a hearty response froniall pver

sent. It was the health of His Excellency Sir G. Grey, the Governor of New Zealand (loud cheers.) Sir George was once more residing amongst them, and they all felt happy and glad that their old friend had returned. Sir George had left a more important and lucrative appointment at the Cape to come to New Zealand, and such was the high opinion entertained of him, that he was considered the most fitting man in the whole of the British dominions to Ineet the great emergency wf this Colony. And they all know that this confideuce was not misplaced. When Sir George came to New Zealand in 1844, he found the colony in a state of anarchy and confusion, the natives being in open rebellion ; when he left it in 1853, he left it at peace, and in a high state of prosperity. He had again returned amongst us to find a large pToport'on of the native population of this Island in a state of disaffection to the Queen and Government ; and let us hope, by the wise measures he may introduce, be will be equally successful on this, as he was on a former occasion ; and that peace and prosperity may again return to these shores. He felt confident that all present wished him success in his arduous undertaking, and were prepared to render him all the assist tance in their power in the accomplishment of his task, (loud cheers.) . The toast was drank with the greatest enthusiasm.

Air— Band— "Auld Lang Syne." Song — "Henry of Navarre," by J.H.Mai, liott.

The Chairman was confident that the next toast would meet with a most cordial reception, it was that of His Honor the Superintendent, (cheers.) His Honor had been invited to be present on that occasion, and had sent the following lettei to the secretary. Wellington, May 24, 1862. My dear Sir,— l am very much gratified by your kind invitation, which a previous engagement prevents me accepting. I feel that I ought long before this tor have taken my seat amongst you as an Odd Fellow. This I hope very shortly to do. Believe me, my deai Sir, Your's truly, I. E. Featherston. Mr. R. Ken I, Secretary Committee. His Honor had ever been a warm supporter of Odd Fellowship, and the Order was under many and lastiug obligations to him. The probability was, thut they would not then have had an opportunity of meeting in their noble hall if it had not been tor the interest taken by the Superintendent in procuring them the land on which it was built, (cheers.) 'lbe toast was theu drank in the most hearty manner. Air -Band - " Weel may the Keel Row." Song — " The Red Cross Banner, 1 Mr. Kershaw. The Chairman said that the next toast on the List was "The Members of the General Assembly aud Provincial Council." He was sorry to see so few of them at the diuner that evening | but presumed they were otherwise engaged. The toast was then drank with three times three. Air, — "Cheer boys cheer." Song — " Boy in Blue," Ly Mr. Lewis. Mr. Carter returned thanks on behalf of the Members of the General Assembly; arid Mr. Fawcett for the Provincial Council. The Chairman was quite sure. that the next toast would meet with a hearty response from all present. It was that of a gentleman who had honoured them that evening with his 'company, and whom he felt confident they would all be delighted to honour. Since he had been amongst them he had taken the greatest interest in the advancement of our social institutions. He was glad to see him present on this occasion] aud thought that his presence would give a tone to the meeting which would have a very beneficial effect. He considered that New Zealaud had been particularly fortunate in having able and impartial men to sit on the Bench. la Eisg'and the purity of the Bench was watched with the greatest jealousy ; and the independence and uusullied character of the Judges who were above suspicion, was the pride and boast of the country. The poorest man might now depend upon receiving equal justice with the richest in the land, so far as the administration of the law was concerned. We were all grealy indebted tv the Bar, for having on many occasions stood up for the rights and liberties of the people. He proposed Mr. Justice Johnson, and the Bar. The toast was drank with the greatest enthusiasm. Air — "Let us be hippy together," Song—" Mary May," by Mr. Bell. Mr. Justice Johnston in returning thanks expressed his belief that England might attribute her pre-eminent liberty and true greatness not more to the victories of the Army and ifavy than to the independence of her Judges and Bar. He wtrald not detain them then, as he would have another opportunity of addressing a fewwords to them. Mr. Hart had much pleasure in proposing the next toast, it was that of the Board of Directors of the Manchester Unity, (cheers.) This Society had now become a most extensive one, and he was glad to state that those who had the management of its affairs at home, bad adopted means to legalise the Order, so that members might now rest assured that their money would be applied to the purposes for which it was contributed, (cheers.) Drank with Lodge honors. Air — "Old Folks at Home." Song — " Dublin Bay," by Mr. Kershair. The Chaieman said that as Provincial Grand Master of the Wellington District, the pleasing • duty had devolved upon him of returning thanks on behalf of the Board of "Directors, for the kind and cordial manner in wbich they, bad drunk their health. It could not be supposed t'.iat the gentlemen whose, healths they bad just drunk, were known to the company, but their works spoke for them. The Grand Master and Board of Directors had the management of the largest Provident Institution in the world ; and, consequently, under Providence, had the missiou of conferring the most social goud upon the human family. There were between four and five thousand Lodges spread over the civilized world. The number of members belonging to the Manchester Unity of Independent Order of Odd Fellows in July last was upwards of 327,000, and it was steadily in« creasing. The number of members initiated during the year 1860, was no less than 26,841. The number of deaths for the year 1860, was 3,634 brethren ; and if you multiply this number by £15, (that being the amount given oa the death of a Member in this district) it will be seen that the large sum of £54,510 has been expended for this purpose. The number of members' wives who died during the same period, was 2,549, which multiplied by £lO t (the amount allowed by this district oa the death of a brother's wife) gives £25,490 as the ameunt expended for this purpose. If you add both amounts together, you have the munificent sum of £80,000 annually expended by this society in Funeral Donations alone. The average number of sick men whom the society

supports is 10,000 annually. The amount allowed members in sickness varies from 10s. to 20s. per week ; if we take tbe lowest suro, it gives a total of £260,000 per annum expended for the relief of the sick and distressed of our Order. There are other sums expended by ihe society, such as the payment of medical attendant, travelling reliefs, &c. Allowing 4s. a head per annum for the payment of the Mcdi cal attendant, (a very model ate sum indeed) upwards, of £65,000 is expended for this purpose. Adding the three items together, i. c Funeial Donations, Sick and Distressed, and payment of Medical Attendant, you have the 'large sum of £405,400 expended for these purposes. This is independent of amounts disbursed for the management expenses, which , were at least 12 per cent more. He considered * that the society had peculiar claims upon] tbe Government, and that the Government ought to render (as, he was glad to acknowledge, it hitherto had done) all the assistance in its power in furthering the objects of Odd Fellowship. If it had not been for the establishment of this society, the probability was, that the Government would have had to provide annually for tbe 10,000 sick men that were now cared for by our noble institution — it would have to provide the means of burial for upwards of 6,000 persons, and the sum of £405,400, now voluntarily contributed for benevolent purposes, would, in all probability, have to be provided for by the State, But it was not so much iv a monetary point of view that the Institution was to fee admired, as for the prudential habits it engenders, and tbe feeling of independence it placed in a man's breast. The relief afforded in sickness was not looked upon in the light of a charitable dcnation, but as the result of. a member's prudence and forethought. He considered that it must be a consolation to any man to know, when on a bed of sickness, that if it should please divine Providence to remove him from this eaythly abode, that those he holds most dear in this life, in the persons of his wife and children, will not be left friendless ; that there are those left behind who will soothe the ■widow's grief, and dry the orphan's tear. The Board of Directors were engaged in the management of this great Institution, and in developing its principles ; and we could not but Wish them every success. He again thanked them for tbe cordial manner they had responded to the toast, (applause.) Air — Band Mb. Justice Johnston rose to propose the toast, " Success to the three Wellington Lodges of the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows ;" and spoke as follows : — It gives me great satisfaction to be permitted to propose a toast which enables me to testify, as I do very sincerely, my reapect for your excellent society, and to offer my hearty wishes for its prosperity and progress. When I had the pleasure of meeting you for the first time, two years since, on the occasion of the opening of this building, I ventured to express the hope that its erection might be instrumental in bringing the inhabitants of this town and Province more frequently together on common ground, in developing, increasing and strengthening their social sympathies — aud in practically reminding them how : few and insignificant are the subjects on which any substantial difference of feeling or opinion exists among them, as compared with the variety, extent and importance of those respecting which they have common interests, entertain unanimous opinions, and feel hearty sympathy. Already in the short space of time which has elapsed since the opening of this Hall — a structure, by the bye, which is admitted by all visitors to be nofc merely a credit to the Province, but one of the very best buildings for general purposes to be found in the Australian Colonies ; — the uses to which it has been applied, have in a great measure fulfilled my expectation ; and I hope I shall not be deemed to exaggerate the importance of small social phenomena, if I suggest that the progress and success, though limited and unambitious, of a private society, in which I feel an especial interest — which haa been founded since the building was completed and which could scarcely have hoped for success without the use of it, — may well be taken as a wholesome symptom of a fuller and deeper harmony among our population, in matters more important and vital, — destined we may hope, under God'a Providence, to knit us altogether by firmer bonds of fellow-feeling, and to prompt us to more vigorous combined action for the general social welfare of the country of our adoption. I cannot but recollect that when I addressed you before in this place, I congratulated you on the circumstance that the day . selected for the opening of the Hall was one of the happiest auspiced in the estimation of every loyal Englishman — every worthy subject of our gracious Sovereign. But alas ! gentlemen, what feelings of sorrow, regret, and respectful but profound compassion, must to-day, be associated with the return of this anni- j versary, through the vast Empire of Queen Victoria!. Think you, gentlemen, that any monarch of ancient or modem times, from one end of the great globe to the other, — ever received such tribute as this day ,has been paid to England's widowed Queen. No ! gentlemen, — " The morning'drum beat, which" to use the words of the great American orator, — ." following the sun, and keeping company with the hours, circles the Earth daily with one continued and unbroken strain of the martial airs of England," has awakened this day throughout that vast circle, not merely outbursts of loyal and patriotic enthusiasm, less loud than deep — such for sincerity and vigour as no nation on the earth could equal — but . a genfciment of unspeakable sympathy and respect — a yearning desire in millions and millions of human hearts to be able by word or deed to prove their devotion to their Sovereign, and to alleviate^— were it but to the minutest extent — the vast sorrow of the noblest and most afflicted Lady of all the world. But there is one source of comfort to. Her whose loss is the greatest, and to all survivors, one far more enduring and prolific of - good than any feelings or expressions of regret « and. kindness— and it is to be found in the exam,- -' pie. of life, and the [legacy of wisdom left behind ; him by the departed One. ' ".We have lost him; he is gone — " We, know him now ; all narro w jealousies " Are silent ; and we see him as he moved, " How modest, kindly, all-accomplished, wise, " With what sublime repression of himself — living, for us, labouring for us, and for the cause of human progress and happiness, of truth and virtue. Those of us who, in other days, may have too willingly, perhaps eagerly, listened to j the paltry tales of jealousy and malignity, with which narrow mindedness, incapable of appreciating his large excellencies, strove to over shadow his august career, must feel humbled and rebuked now, when we see the lustrous purity of hta life, left like a wake of glory behind, and the catholic comprehensiveness of his mind, and his untiring labours, made manifest since it pleased the Almighty to remove him. Among societies like yours, of which the immediate purposes, indeed, are the supply of material assistance and medical care in the hours of sickness and grief, but whose certain effects are not merely to cultivate habits of prudence; self-respect, honeßt and manly independence, and neighbourly fellow feeling among the members, but also to improve and maintain the moral tone of society, and to prevent the blighting influence of pauperism upon the whole body politic— among such societies, as well as those dedicated to the progress of knowledge and truth, and the cultivation of the arts which adorn life, and refine the tastes and habits of a people the spirit of the departed one, of him Whose household name will be, ' Hereafter, through all times "Albert the Good." will oft be present, for in such societies, he recognised'and encouraged a development of the noblest tendencies Qt mod.e.rfli civUisaUpn, He

was, as you have been reminded by your worthy Grand Master — one of yourselves. Let me read to you a few short words of his which have struck me very forcibly — words free from all rhetorical ornament, or adventitious aid of art ; simple, earnest, vigorous, and suggestive. " I conceive," said Prince Albert, on a memorable occasion, " I conceive it to be the duty of every educated person closely to watch and study the time in which he lives, and as far as in him lies, to add his humble mite of individual exertion to further the accomplishment of what ho believes Providence to have ordained." Noble words, worthy to be written in letters of gold in all places to which men in multitudes resort, — in each man's private chamber — aye in his heart. Words too which have no remote or untelligible special bearing upon societies such as yours. " Nobody," continued the sagacious princo, " who haa paid any attention to the peculiar features of our present era, will doubt for a moment that we are living at a period of most wonderful transition which tends rapidly to I accomplish that great end to which, indeed, all History points — the realization of the unity of mankind." I must express to you my firm conviction that, societies like yours, tending, as they do to draw men out of the cold isolation of selfishness into the more genial atmosphere of sympathetic combined action for common good, must — in proportion to the extent of their respective spheres, the soundness of the principles on which they are based, and the prudence with which they are managed, — materially conduce, under God's blessing towards that great consummation which the late lost but long to be mourned Consort of our beloved Queen so emphatically indieatad, and towards which bis life and labours so largely contributed. The* toast was then drank with Lodge honors. P. D. G. Mr. Bell returned thanks on behalf of the Britannia, and P. C. S. Bannister on behalf of the Antipodean Lodges. P. P. D. G. M. Mariott proposed the next toast, and in doing so reviewed the rise and progress of Odd Fellowship iv this District. He concluded by proposing '* Success to the Rose of the Valley, anJ other Lodges in the District." Drank with Lodge honors. Song — " Tom Bowling," by Mr. Kershaw. P. C. S. Bannister in an appropriate address proposed '-The Widow and Orphans' Fund:" which was drauk with all the honours. Air — Band — "Angle's Whisper." Song — "Orphan Boy." C. E. Carter, Esq. proposed " The Commercial, Pastoral, and Agricultural interests of the Coloni," in a neat und appropriate speech, amd the toast was responded to iv the most hearty manner. Air — Band Song — "Bay of Biscay," by Mr. Bell. Mr. Owen proposed tbe Ladies, which was duly responded to. D. P. G. M. Bell proposed tbe health of the Chairman, ana congmtulßted the meeting on the satisfactory manner in which the entertainment had passed off. This brought the business of the evening to to a close. The company separated at about half-past 1 1 o'clock. Previous to doing so, however, all present sang "God save the Queen," accompanied by the Organ and full Band.