RAKAIA ODOFELLOWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2222, 10 September 1889, Page 2

RAKAIA ODOFELLOWS.

On Friday evening the eighih anniversary of the Bnkdia Oddfellows' Lodge, waa celebrated by a concert and dance. The weather waa everything that could be cleared, and there was a crowded hoUHO. Mr'Hordy acted as Oh airman, and hefore introducing the performers addressed th 9 audience briefly as to the benefits derived from Odd fellowship The first part of the programme commenced with an oveiture by Gates' band, and then Mi'bs Annie Gates, who was m excellent voice, eang "The Better Land." The Bey Mr Oolliua contributed "The Gauntlet." Mrs Broadbent and Mi'bb Roe, Bang " Friendship." Mr H. Gatas gave ' Pull, pall together," and was encored, A, recitation "The Sohool ßoard " by Mr btory, fairly brought down the houso. Misß B. Brnc9 eang " Tbe Angelua of Old," very nicely. Mr W. B. Dixon nang " Mary of Argyle," which was redemanded. Miaa Roe, who w»b m capital voice sang '* Auntie," nnd received a well merited encore Mr D. Miller concluded the firat portion of tbe programme with "Mib Houligan'n Xaias Onke," and another comic Bong. After a short interval them there was an overture by dates' band, ! followed by a trio by the Misses Gateß and Mr Gates, and Miss Annie Gates Bang "Barney take me home" m excellent style, and was called on to repeat it. Mr D. Miller contributed two more ooroio songs, which oonoluded the munloal part of the progamme. The accompaniments to some of the songs were played by Miss A. Hardy and Mr W. B. Dlxon, and deserve mention. Mr O. Tucker oo behalf of the Lodgo thaDked the large audience for attending, and specially thaDked three who had taken part m the coucart — some of whom oame from & considerable distance. He took tha liberty of mentioning that m a few weeks there would be another oonoert as gocd and probably better In aid of a very worthy cause "The Rakala Library," and he traated there would be another such houso on that occasion. The entertainment closed with a faros " Which sh»ll I marry," the principal parts being taken by Miss Hnigh (her first appearance at Rak&la), and Messrs D. Street and D. Bruoe. Tne oono9rt was one of the best ever given here, everything went off without a hitch, the Urrlklns were kept In order, and for a wonder there were no dogs admitted. Financially and otherwise It w«b a great ruocbbb, and reflect)) great credit act only on tbe performers but on the management, Tbe hall was cleared, and dancing was kept up till the small hours to dxoollent mnalo by Gates' band. There wbb a very large attendance, and everyone appeared to thoroughly enj :>y themselves. Mr D. Brace acted as M,O Tbe refreshments supplied by the Lodge were good and substantial, and it Is scarcely neoerstry to stale w^re thoroughly appreciated by the partakers.