ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE LOYAL WOODVILLE LODGE, I.O.O.F.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3139, 20 July 1881, Page 4

ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE LOYAL WOODVILLE LODGE, 1.0.0. F.

The first anniversary of the above lodge of Oddfellows was celebrated on Saturday evening by a dinner provided by Host Murphy in a very creditable style, and to which ample justice was done. Owing no doubt to the very threatening aspect of the weather, and the darkness of the night, several wero detained who would otherwise bave been present. Nevertheless about sixteen sat down. After the cloth had been moved, Bro. Moore, N.G., presided, and Bro. Wilson, G-.M., took the vice-chair. The chairman re-capitulated the working of the lodge during the first year of its existence, and shewed the unmistakable progress that had been made during that period, and said the members had every reason to believe that their numbers would be more than doubled during the next year. He (the chairman) had no hesitation in saying that societies like tho oddfellows tended to raise the moral and social position of mankind, and to carry out the two all-important duties of life, viz., Our duty to God and our duty to our fellowmen. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were then given from the chair and responded to. Mr Fountain, in a brief speech, proposed the " Governor and Parliament assembled," which was drunk with musical honors. Mr Murphy proposed the " Army and Navy" and said that they were the source of Britain's greatness, and although the army had done a great deal and achieved many victories he thought the navy had done more. Mr Jackson responded in a short but humorous speech. The " Hawke's Bay District, 1.0.0. F.," was proposed by the -ice-chairuian, and drunk with lodge honors. The " Loyal Woodville Lodge," proposed by Mr G-. A. King in a neat speech with brevity and good sense, brought a brief response from the chairman. MrPeeble proposed "Kindred Societies," to which Mr King responded on behalf of the Foresters. " The Ladies," proposed by Mr Motley, was drunk with enthusiasm, and responded to by Mr King. The " Host and Hostess" was proposed by Mr Diaper. The following gentlemen sang songs during the evening :—Messrs Carver (who also presided at the piano), Ware, Elmbranch, King, Wilson, Motley, and Diaper. About 10 o'clock the Rational Anthem was sung by the company, all standing, and after a cordial vote of thanks to the chairman the very agreeable meeting was brought to a close.