THE M.U.I.O.O. FETE.

Evening Star, Volume III, Issue 829, 2 January 1866, Page 2

THE M.U.1.0.0. FETE.

"Vauxhall Gardens was the scene of a very happy reunion yesterday, and there could hardly have been less than a couple of thousand persons present in the afternoon. Some little difficulty in reaching the Gardens was experienced in the morning, the high south-westerly wind keeping the tide out, and preventing the Golden Age from coming alongside the jetty until about one o'clock. As soon, however, as it came alongside a rush took place, and from that time until dusk there was no lack of passengers. Malthus, had he been in the flesh and present, would have been dreadfully disgusted at the crowd of chubby children, with cheeks as ruddy as the strawberries a good few of them were actively engaged in causing to disappear. The shrill whistle of the boat was accompanied by a sympathetic squall from the throats of about a hundred babies, and it required the whole of the time occupied in crossing the bay, coupled with certain maternal attentions of many solicitous mammas, to induce quietude. Once landed and deposited upon the grassy heights, the youngters, aye, and the old folks too, were—to use an expressive but not very refined colonial expression— "all there.'' Baskets and bags were unpacked, and huge pockets disgorged cakes, puddings, and fruit, imtil the gardens were studded with al fresco banquets, varying in quantity and quality according to the tastes and means of the " founders of the feast." If the supplies fell short, there were means at hand to replenish them, and the pastry stall was repeatedly cleared, until the rapid appearance of fresh mountains of tarts suggested the idea that the Wizard Jacobs had entered into partnership with\the purveyor. The brilliant regalia of the various orders/of Oddfellows present lent an unusual brilliancy to the scene, and the tasteful scarfs of gentlemen entitled to affix half the letters of the alphabet to their names looked remarkably isvell whirling round the rotunda, where an excellent band " discoursed most excellent music." BarloW was there too, and great Was the merriment which his oddities created. No one could fail to understand the homely pathos of the old ''' gude wife's" song, " Creep afore ye gang" ; and " Slapbang ! here we are again," was delightful to the ears of all the young bloods bent on fun and frolic. Then there was a lottery, and, —through a fatality or not we are of course unaware, —all the gentlemen who ventured, won brooches, and all the ladies " meerschaumwashed pipes." It was, however, gratifying to notice that the damsels and their swains immediately resorted to the old system of barter, and from the gratified expression of their countenances after each transaction, we indulged in the idea that there was a strong probability of both prizes becoming, sooner or later, "joint-stock," with an " unlimited liability," In the afternoon about thirty of the leading officers of the various Lodges present adjourned to a pavilion, whese a very r6.che.rch6 luncheon, provided by Mr John Grey, was laid. The Chairman (Pro. G, M, [Br. Bellamy) was supported by Mr John Hughes, M.P,C, and the vice-chair was filled by Pro. G. S, Bro. C. Grey. After the repast the Chairman briefly proposed the toast of "The Queen," "The Prince and Princess of Wales," and " His Excellency the Governor," all of which were enthusiastically drank in that loyal manner which the Friendly Societies of Great Britain always conserve. lix proposing the health of his Honor the Superintendent, the Chairman regretted the absence of that gentleman, and would couple with the toast that of the Provincial Council, and the name of the gentleman (Mr Hughes) who he had the honor of seeing on his right. Mr Hughes responded to the toast amidst great cheers. He said that being almost a stranger to the gentlemen present, and certainly one to their "mystic rites," although he hoped soon to become acquainted "with the latter—he had great pleasure in thanking all present for drinking the toast so earnestly. He felt sure that circumstances beyond the control of his Honor were the cause of that gentleman's absence, inasmuch as in a conversation with him on Saturday, the latter had expressed his intention to be present. As regarded the Provincial Council he (Mr Hughes) believed that the members -were very desirous to foster every order -which, like that of the Odd Fellows, was calculated to confer benefits upon society. The honorable gentlemen then passed a high eulogium upon the United Orders of Oddfellows, and referred in a telling manner to the great improvements they had been enabled to effect in their laws and regulations since they had received the guiding counsels of such men as Tidd Pratt, Charles Hardwick and others ; and proposed the toast of "The Manchester Unity of Oddfollcrvrs,"

The Viee-Chairman (Brother C. Grey) responded in appropriate terras, and informed the brethren that the nett proceeds of each annual Fete like, the present were legitimately expended under the control of a Committee; Last year they had realised about £9O, and every farthing had been, judiciously distributed, and been the means of alleviating great distresses. Brother Hudson, N G.A.1.0., gave the toast of "The Mayor and Corporation," which was drunk with the usual honors. The Chairman proposed " The Army, Navy, and Volunteers," which was acknowledged. Bro. Spedding gave the toast of '' The Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade," which Bro. <J. Rees responded to. . '• The "Kindred Societies," proposed by Bro. Rogers, P.G., was acknowledged in a neat speech by Bro. Street, P.G.A.1.0. The toast of '' The Ladies," entrusted to Bro. Sturdy, was acknowledged by Bro. Burt., P.G. '' The Press" was next proposed by Bro. Rees, and replied to by the representative of the Evening Star, after which Mr <L Hughes gave the "Provincial Grand Master of the M.U.1.0.0.F., Otago District." In doing so he complimented that gentleman upon the honorable position he held in the Order ; and the toast having been drank, the Chairman briefly responded, when the party broke up and joined their fairer companions, who by this time were anxiously waiting for companions to "form their sets" of quadrilles, &c. The moonlight induced many to remain to enjoy the Ball, until nearly midnight, and we are glad to be able to add that no mention of any accident or contretemps has reached us.

Both. Theatres Were well attended, and the performances both of the Dramatic Company and " Jacobs " were highly successful. This evening, at the Princes Theatre the successful competitors at the late Volountser Fate at Vauxhall will be presented with their trophies on the stage.