LOYAL CROMWELL LODGE, M.U.I.O.O.F.

Cromwell Argus, Volume II, Issue 104, 7 November 1871, Page 5

LOYAL CROMWELL LODGE, M.U.1.0.0.F.

FIRST ANNIVERSARY BALL. StewardsG.M. Crombie, N.G. Brown, Y.G. Talboys, Bro. Howe, Bro. Connellan, Bro. Barnes, E.S. Wright. On Friday night last the first anniversary of the above Lodge was celebrated by a ball and supper at'Kidd’s Concert Hall. Celebrations of this kind usually create much interest in this town and district, and bring together largo assemblages of the members of the Order of Oddfellows and kindred Societies. The ladies also muster pretty strongly. The present occasion was no exception to the rule, and the ball and supper were, in consequence, a success. The Concert Hall was nicely ornamented, —the emblems and mottoes of the Order being displayed, as well as the Dispensation granted to the Loyal Cromwell Lodge by the Grand Lodge. The music il department was entrusted to Mr G. Robinson, pianist; Mr Sargison, violinist; and Mr W. 11. v\ better, cornet. Mr J. Grindley, of course, officiated as Master of the Ceremonies, an I by his tact and knowledge of the mysteries of the dance contributed in no small degree to the pleasurable character of the affair. The night was tine, and there was a large attendance, —between, we should think, 70 and 80 ladies and gentlemen. Our friends at Clyde and Alexandra were, however, conspicuous by their absence. The programme for the ball was divided into two parts,—each containing twelve dances. The first part opened with a march and polka at about 9 p.ra., and dancing was kept up till past 7 a.m. on Saturday, The scene was a gay one, the elegant dresses of the ladies and the distinctive decorations ot the members and officers of the Lodge contributing to a generally pleasing sifact. The music was good, and dance followed dance in rapid succession, the first part being disposed of soon after midnight, when the hall was cleared and supper laid ’there were tsvo long tables, one down each side of the building. In due course the company wore seated, and the viands and wines provided by the caterers were discussed. The supper appeared to give much satisfaction, Mr Kidd’s reputation being fully sustained on this occasion.

The Noble Grand (Mr Robert Brown) presided at the bead of one table, Vice-Grand Talbnys presided at the other ; Host Howe and Elective Secretary Chas. W. Wright acting as croupiers. After refreshments had been disposed of, the customary ceremony of proposing toasts was proceeded with. N.G. Brown proposed “The Queen and the Manchester Unity,” making a few appropi iate remarks. Loyalty to the throne had always characterised the Order, and the name of their Lodge—the “Loyal” Cromwell—was an indication of the patriotic sentiments of its members. The toast was drunk with much cnthnsi ism. G.M. Crombie proposed “Prosperity to the Lodges of the United Otago District,” remarking Hi at although the Loyal Cromwell Lodge had only been in existence twelve mouths, it was already in a highly prosperous condition, —in fact, quite a success. They had now idoo t> the credit of the Sick and Funeral Fund, and hid 4 5 linaneial numbers. There were in the United Ota ;o District 11 Id members of the Order, in 27 Lodges,—all of which were in a prosperous state. He tele great pleasure in proposing the t >ast. it was received with applause, and the i.siul honours.

V.O. Talboys proposed Ci Kindred S icieties ile reinarkea tnat though there were dirt'ereme; in the constitutions of the Orders of Oddfellows and Foresters, yet each in its own way endeavoured to do its b-st, —working towards the same end, viz., the mutual benefit of their brethren. It was only those who had been initiated that knew the virtues of the Order, or could fully understand the beuelits of being a Brother, either in Forestry or Oddfellowship. Me desired the guests to drink prosperity to Kindred docietus. (A pplause.) 0.11. Freer responded on behalf of the Court Star of Cromwell, A.O.F. Tuough under different constitutions, they had the same object in view, and he hj tped that the harmony which had hitherto characterise I the working of the v.iiioas Lo l;es of F ires ers and Oddfellows would long c.miuuc. (Applause.) C.il. Behrens, Court Royal Oak of Kawariu. A.U. F,, acknowledge.! the toast on behalf of that Court.

L.S. Wright propose;! the health of the Ladier, an! dilate! upon tha importance of their influence and co-operation iu securing success and pie isiiru in undertakings such as they were all that night engaged in. The 101st vvas received with applause and musical honours. Mr J. 'Taylor, Mayor of Cromwell, being a bachelor, was called upon to rospon 1. He was un lersfcood to siy tine his heart was m >st pleasurably alfcclc I by beholding such an a sembligaof the youth and beauty of the district. If is feelings, in f act, ware too deep to find aleqnate expression ; mi l he subfile I amid t applause and laughter, after briefly returning

Bro. Howe proposed the toast of “ The Press,” remarking that the Oiljjiwell A nous hid always done its hast to forward the interns s of the Or le- generally, an I of tha L >yal Cr unwell Lo Ige in particular. i Mr J. J. Williams reipon.lel, on behalf of the | proprianra of the Aa-uw, asiuriug the assembly | that that j nirnal would at all times fee! a pln- | sure in giving i s support to die interests of the ; Lodge whose first anniversary was then being ! celebrate I. The members must consi ier that I they were laying the foundati ms of an institu- | tiou which avoul I emtinue Co ovist when. they. I ]i ui all departed hence, ihe seed they wore now , sowing would yield a harvest of mutual bcnc.it ; to this and to succeeding generations ; and the promulgation of the principles of the. Order,j Friendship, Love, Truth, —Faith,' Hope, and

Charity, —would be permanently beiieiloi.il to the community. N.(J. Brown then proposed “The Host and Hostess,” which was duly responded to by Mr llobert Kidd. This concluded the list of toasts, ami thermal was speedily cleated, and the dancing resumed. The second parr, of the program me opened witn a quadrille, and concluded with thao favouiita old dance of Bir Roger do Cover ley. The company appeared to enjoy themselves thoroughly, and the arrangements of the Stewards gave complete satisfaction.