TEMPLARS’ SOIREE AND CONCERT.

Dunstan Times, Issue 649, 25 September 1874, Page 3

TEMPLARS’ SOIREE AND CONCERT.

—0 - • The first Soiree and Concert of the Order of Good Templars in tbe Cromwell district to celebrate the openin'’ of the Cromwell Lodge, No. 70, 1.0. G.T., was held on Fri* day evening last, at Kidd’s Concert Hall, and was a groat success in every particular. From th r ee o’clock in the afternoon unusual activity prevailed, and people were fast arriving from Bendigo, Garrick, and Bannockburn, while the Committee were to bo seen doing light porter work, carrying table boards, teapots, crockery, and small goods. The ladies, as usual, were not to be outdone, and a strong body took possession of tbe hall, and commenced operations upon cups, saucers, and plates, while a few gallants were privileged to do the lackey business, in carrying water, towels, &c. It was truly amusing to witness their tacit submission, and it was to any observer patent that, for the time being, petticoat government prevailed. The tables, three in number, extended the entire length of the room, were soon laid out, and reflected the highest credit upon all concerned. At half-past six o’clock the seats were filled, when the onslaught commenced, hut the supply was equal to the demand, if I except a temporary scarcity of tea, owing to tl e want of boiling water. Mr Lindsay’s forge (kindly placed at the disposal of the Committee) then became the scene of excitement, and coals being heaped on ad lih the bellows were not allowed to remain idle, willing and zealous volunteers being at hand. The water boiling, the infusion of the tea was but the work of a moment; bat fate did not smile, as one very eager person seizing the tea-pot by the spout instead of the handle suddenly let go and danced an amusing jig, whether from joy or grief 1 do not care to say, although it did seem unkind to “ leave him alone in his glory.” The tea new came in, and the wants of the thirsty were attended to. After the good things of this life had been disposed of the tables were removed, and the seats arranged in order, when the

CONCERT Was opened by the Cromwell Band playing a Grand March. The Chairman (Bro. Peach, D. 1). P.G.W.C.T.) delivered an ad dress, reviewing at considerable length the rise and progress of the' Templar movement, and in flattering terms alluded to theCrom well, Bendigo, and Golden Arrow Lodges, which though of recent birth hid fair to become lodges of credit and importance. He then referred to the progress the Order had mule in the British Isles, as from 18GS to 1373 there had been no less than 4000 lodges instituted in England alone, with a membership over 300,000; while in the Province of Otago there were no less than thirty lodges, and several applications for charters were now before the Provincial Grand Lodge. He then apologised for the absence of a pianist, and intimated that the respective performers would have to sing without any accompaniment. Bro. Stevens gave “Paddle yonr own Canoe;” which was followed by “ The Irish Mother’s Lament,” by Bro. Todd. Mr Snook was, as usual, quite at home in his part, and recited with considerable humor “A Woman of Mind.” Bro. Wiluaott followed with “Get up and bar the Door,” which apparently gave satisfaction. Sis. Corse and Bro. Peach sang “ What are the Wild Waves saying,” and at the conclusion received well-merited applause. An interval then ensued, and the second part was opened by the Band, after which Br~,

Stevens, junr., gave “Bow Bells” in a masterly manner, in fact it was a treat in

itself, as 1 have seldom heard it given better. Bro. Baird was applauded for his rendering of “ The Water Mill.” A duet between Sister Corse and Master Corse engaged the audience, and was the undoubted gem of the evening. The lady sustained the seconds remarkably well, and the silvery voice of Master Corse was heard to great advantage. Any critic would have a very indifferent ear for music if ho did not for sometime remember “Juanita.” A disappointment was felt through Miss Minnie n.cuy uenig unable to contribute owing to indisposition, as it. was generally thought, and perhaps not without good grounds, that this lady would have acquitted herself well. A word of special praise is due to Mi Campbell, of Bannockburn, miner, who, with his “Jock O’Hazeldean ” fairly established himself as a first favorite with the Cromwell folk, and in response to repeated calls had to surrender to an encore. Bros. Sansom, Edwardcs, and Aitchison acquitted themselves creditably, while Mr Snook, at the request of the Chairman, recited Goldsmith’s “Hermit” with taste and fervour. The programme being exhaused the Band played the National Anthem, when the seats were at once cleared , away, and the D.VNCK Bogan, and was kept up with vigor till 12 o’clock. This entertainment was highly creditable, and if any performer has escaped notice it was not through intention. The ladies wore most efficient at the tables, and svere we l ! supported by the Stewards, all of whom worked so well and cheerfully that it would be invidious to enter into fur thcr details, one thing being evident that one and all did their best. It is not the least agreeable privilege to be able to compliment the Band upon their marked improvement, ns their music was all in all. Mr and Mrs Kidd obliged the Committee in more ways than one. Amongst those present 1 noticed the Mayor and Lady, Mr Preshaw (Bank N.S. VV.), Mr Gudgeon (Bank N.Z.), Mr Campbell, Wauaka, Bro. Watkins, W.C.T., and other delegates from Tribune Lodge, 1.0.0. G.T. Letters of apology were received from the Golden Arrow, and Queenstown Lodges. Mr Scott, of Cromwell, was the caterer. I have been informed that a procession and picnic of all the lodges in the district will take place (D.V.) during the Christmas week. The Cromwell Lodge, though onlyformed some seven weeks, now numbers SO members ; but its numbers will doubtless be reduced by the constitution ("of another lodge at Bannockburn in the course of next week. The Templars may congratulate themselves upon the success attending their efforts in this district, as, if they go on increasing as at present Bacchanalians will, in the words of a well-known gentleman, experience difficulty in finding men “alamb,” a familiar phrase applied to those who have more spare cash for “ waipera ” than is.