GOOD TEMPLARS’ ANNIVERSARY ATTINKERS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 768, 5 January 1877, Page 3

GOOD TEMPLARS’ ANNIVERSARY ATTINKERS.

o The Anniversary of Eureka Lodge, No. 108, T.0.G.T., was hold on Wednesday, 27th Decetnbei, 1870, at Thomson’s District School-house, and it proved a success beyond the most sanguine expectations. Tho weather was the very best that could be desired, no hot glaring sun, nor yet any wind, but calm and ,yet cool; indeed, from tho way the clerk of the weather behaved it would almost appear that he was himself a teetotaller, and that he was desirous to favor tlie cause, for h<Av would lie otherwise have sent such a splendid‘day in the midst of all the changeable, unsettled weather there has been lately. Directly after noon the visitors began to arrive, and tho ground soon assumed; tho most lively appearance. The fair sex and juveniles being in the majority throw a great charm over tho whole scene. The Alexandra Brass Band having played several times at Tinkers, then drove to Drybread and played some'there, arrived on the ground about 3 o’clock, and commenced playing, when dancing began and was kept up all the afternoon, whilst foot races, cricket, quoits, etc., were going on. The little girls played “ kiss-in-the-ring and even a large mob of cattle, attracted mo doubt by tho music, came scampering up the flat to see what was the matter. The dealers in fruit mustered in strong force, but owing to the weather not being-very hot, and the supply of refreshments served being of the most liberal kind, they did not seem to be very busy during the daytime, though it is likely that in the evening they may have done better. The number of people on the ground in the evening must have been nearly three hundred, which veryfsignificant of the hold the temperance question is taking of the public mind, for nothing else could have drawn together such a crowd. (In order to collect a concourse of people, uow-a days, it is necessary to provide cheap pleasure. Keep away strong drink and then success is certain, Raco committees would do well to ponder this, and see if they cannot conduct their meetings without the help of the Publican’s Booth.) All the evening the tables inside were spread g-oan-ing under the weight of the “igood things of this world,” whilst “the cup that cheers but not inebriates ” was banded around ad libitum ; and the'waiter at tho Stall served out oceans of ginger and nop beer to thirsty souls ; and tho best of it all was that, by reason of everybody being sober the greatest harmony and good fellowship prevailed. About 8 o’clock the tables were removed, the band went inside, and dancing began in good earnest-; though unfortunately the space at command was not sufficient to accommodate the number of people assembled, and the votaries of terpsichorc had often to dance under difficulties. The floor space will require to be'considerably enlarged for the next meeting. Songs and recitations- in tho intervals between the dances gave variety to the programme, and it soon became evident that ’there was considerable talent present, one gentleman in particular —a Mr Ivlunro—rendering a number of songs, both comic and sentimental in capital style. Thus ‘dancing and singing was kept up till daylight, when the music stopped. Mr Plew, on. behalf of the brethren, in a words thanked thecompany for their patronage ; and the gathering broke up, and the people departed for their homes after the most pleasant and successful entertainment that has ever been given in the district. A few words for the Alexandra Brass Band will not be out of place here. Nothing could exceed the patience with which they sat and played through all the afternoon and night, broken only by short intervals to partake of refreshment; they were evidently actuated by a desire to please, which is all the’more laudable seeing that the remuneration was but small. Tho district will do well to accord to them them patronage, for they deserve it. Another gentle, man deserving of special notice is the M.C. (Mr John Cormiok), from St. Bathans, The manner in which he conducted the “mazy dance,” in the limited space at command, was something marvellous, and ho succeeded though his patience was sorely tried sometimos. To conclude, there wore only three individuals with a suspicion of strong drink on them ; and in the morning was found ■about ’the premises one bottle labelled “ Dnnvillc’s Whisky,’’and having evidently very lately hold that liquid, and as those three individuals are notorious for their capacity of swallowing large quantities of it, their moderation of last night leaves room for hope that they may, some day, be induced to take an active part in tho cause of temperance.