ODD FELLOWS.

Auckland Chronicle and New Zealand Colonist, Volume 2, Issue 37, 18 April 1844, Page 2

ODD FELLOWS.

The nature and prospects of Odd Fellowship have of late been so frequentlydwelt upon, that it is almost impossible to advance any thing in the shape of novelty with respect to it; and, in fact, the limits of onr pages will not allow of any lengthened disquisition on the subject. The progress which the Order has made during the last few years, is altogether unparlelled by that of any other similar Society ; and it has become so much a matter of interest and curiosity with the pubiic at large, that persons of all rankg (we perceive by the English papers) are eagerly pressing forward tp join its banw ners. As a Benefit Society,* most certainly there is no other Institution in existence which can for a moment be placed in comparison with theirs ; nor is there another which affords the same means of making the leizure hours of an agreeable and pleasing character. There cannot be an employment which is calculated to give more pleasure to the mind than that of relieving the distresses and administering to the wants of our fellowcreatures. There cannot be any meetings imagined of a more delightful and gratifying kind than those which are composed of men of congenial sentiments and habits, assembling for the best and most praiseworthy purposes. The Lodge is always considered as sacred ground, and no sooner do those, who in any other place might meet together as enemies, enter into its precints, than their bad feelings seem to vanish as if by magic, and in their stead the desire to promote the well-being and happiness of all reigns predominant. There must then, be some great and moral principle among them by the aid of which they can accomplish all this ; there must be some powerful influence connected with the Order, which neither the slanders of the malicious, the arguments of the prejudiced, or the sneers of the ignorant can prevent from having a vast and beneficial effect upon the destinies of mankind. That they have continued to go on in a course of prosperity and harmony, for such a length of time, is a proof that their constitution, healthful one, and that the laws for their government have been judiciously constructed. We hear of men of all nations and creeds and of every grade of politics, and all behaving in a respectful and friendly manner to each other. We are led to pen these remarks from the Order flourishing so in this Town, the members are upwards of thirty in number, and seven weeks has scarcely elapsed so watchful are the officers of its interest. Mr. Mac Farlane is compelled to erect a more extensive Lodge Room for the convenience of the Brethren which is to be commenced forthwith, and doubt* less in a very few months the “ Fountain of Friendship Lodge” of Auckland, will be able to number as many members as most of the Eowns in England, Galia Spes Salutis, or in other words-— Hope is the Helmet of Salvation.