REVIEW.

Evening Star, Issue 2917, 25 June 1872, Page 3

REVIEW.

The American Odd Fellow. New York American Odd Fellow Association. Jos, Braithwaite, Dunedin There are many very useful publications that aro scarcely known amongst us even in name, that if possessed, would afford amusement and instruction, render life more pleasant, and men more intelligent and genial-hearted. Amongst these must be classed the American Odd Felloto, a few numbers of which are before us. Odd Fellowship needs no commendation. It has taken deep root in the United States, at Home, and in Dunedin; but it has not achieved nearly the good that it is capable of effecting. Friendly societies, baaed upon common sympathies and common humanity knit men together, because of their unity of purpose. Excluding all that is special and consequently open to dispute, and depending for union merely upon the adoption of a bond of good will as evinced in a few generally accepted truisms, it must be plain that the utility of the Order dependsgupon the opening afforded for men of all shades of opinion on other subjects entering the Society. And on this principle a magazine must be conducted that is intended to be useful to it. Accordingly, while purity and morality of the highest order shine in every page of the magazine, what is merely doubtful or controversial is excluded. There is enough of information pertaining to the progress of the Order to interest members. The address delivered on the fiftieth anniversary of Columbia Lodge, No. 1, New York City, published in the magazine for February, contains very interesting historical details, and each number contains reports of what is doing by various lodges. To us in New Zealand there is much to interest, in proportion to our increasing intercourse with the United States. There are pleasant features of American life, racy aneodotes, witty sayings, illustrations of useful arts, descriptions of scenery, and short poems, hints and directions concerning what to do in eating, drinking, and living, in order to retain health and intellect. The articles are not too long, and they are written in a familiar and easy style, intended for the many, not merely for the few. Those who are Oddfellows will feel pleasure in reading the American Oddfellow, because of its connection with the Order, as well as on account of its intrinsic merits. Those who are not will read it because of the pleasure and instruction they derive.