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Evening Star, Issue 3140, 13 March 1873, Page 2

Carl Whitting, the husband of the woman who drowned her two children in the Waikivi creek, in December last, has been committed to the Lunatic Asylum by the Invercargill Bench, as being “of unsound mind, and homicidal tendencies.”

The Port Chalmers Wesleyan Bazaar was opened yesterday afternoon. A short prayer was delivered by the Rev. Mr Shaw, of Port Chalmers, alter which the Mayor intimated that the proceeds were to go towards building a parsonage for their minister. The inclemency of the weather prevented a large attendance, so that business was limited; but as the bazaar remains open until Saturday night, there is little doubt that most of the articles will be disposed of. Stall No. 1 is presided over by Miss Randall and Mrs Asher ; No. 2, by Miss Brebuer and Mrs Jones; No. 3, by Mrs Johnstone, and Miss Forsyth, and the refreshment stall by Mesdames Swan and Thompson. The whole of the stalls are neatly arranged, and filled with a number of useful and ornamental articles.

A lecture was delivered by Bro, Dr Dunn, last evening, at the Friendly Societies’ Hall, on “Oddfellowship.” There was a good attendance, and P.G. Bro. R. T. Wheeler occupied the chair. The lecturer regretted that he would be compelled to disappoint his audience, and said that instead of giving them a lecture he would talk to them. He intended simply to give a brief outline of Oddfellowship, and the objects fer which they were banded together in a common brotherhood. The origin of the Order was very ancient; indeed, he had heard it stated that it was co-existent with the foundation of Christianity, although he was not prepared to endorse that statement. The idea of forming the Order was first conceived in the year 1788 by a number of poor marble cutters, who, in self-defence, through being ground down to the verge of starvation, initiated what is now known as Oddfcllowship. He repudiated the idea of their Order being considered as essentially secret in its character. There was no more secrecy in connection with it than in that of the business of a banking company, and it was founded on the broad principles of “Friendship, Love, and Truth.” He reprobated the practice of lodges meeting at hotels, as it might possibly tend to lead to bad habits. The practice in America in connection with their Order was that no liquor should be served in lodge-rooms. As he intended to return here two years from hence, he hoped to see by that time an encampment in Dunedin, as he looked upon it as the backbone of Oddfellowship. Some were under the impression that the bolding of an encampment would lead to a less degree of interest being taken in subordinate lodges ; but they would find that such would not be the case. Dr. Dunn then proceeded to explain the manner in which Oddfellowship is conducted in the United States, and stated that homes are provided for members of the Order who are incapacitated from working, and provision made for the maintenance of the widows and orphans of deceased brethren. Their motto should be “ Excelsior,” and they ought ever to bear in mind the principles of their Order, which, if properly carried out, would invoke upon them the blessing of God. The lecturer interspersed his discourse with several pertinent and well told anecdotes, and was listened to throughout with great attention. P.G.M. Bro. Michie proposed a cordial vote of thanks to Bro. Dr. Dunn, and P. G. Bro, Russell seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. After transacting some formal business, the lodge adjourned.

Dr. Dunn will lecture in the Queen’s Theatre on Sunday evening at 7 o’clock. The members of No, 1 Company will compete for their Champion Belt at the Anderson’s Bay Butts on Saturday next, 15th inst.

We notice that Miss Uric, the Scottish vocalist, who is spoken of as an old Australian favorite, assisted by several amateurs, will give a concert in the Queen’s Theatre on Saturday evening. A match will he played on Saturday next on the ground of the I). C. C., between members residing north and south of the Octagon, respectively. The following are the elevens chosen. North: Keade, Kettle, Macfarlan, Tait, D. Rhodes, H. Rhodes, Brown, M‘Donnell, Hawthorn, Turton, and Fulton. South : Allen, Morrison, Clarke, Vickerman, M‘Donald, Thomson, Andrew, Lambert, Muir, Towsoy, Holmes, Manisty, and Hendley.

“A tale readies us from Ireland, of a nobleman in disguise, who is roaming the country with a grinding organ, in a donkey cart. It is alleged that this singular excursion is the result qf a wager as to the sum of money to bo obtained in this special line of vagrancy. There is no accounting for taate,”— Muskal Standard,