Rechabite District Genera: Meeting.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 38, 14 February 1901, Page 3

Rechabite District Genera: Meeting.

VISIT OF DISTRICT OFFICERS AND REPRESENTATIVES.

A red-letter day for the Gisborne Tent of the Independent Order of Rechabites has come, the occasion being the visit of the officers and representatives of the

New Zealand Central District of the

Salford Unity. The visit should-result in great benefit to the local Tent, who are to be congratulated on securing the holding of the general meeting in Gisborne. The officers and representatives, thirtytwo in number, arrived by the Moura on Wednesday morning. They were met on arrival by P.C.E.’s Bros. A. Georgeson, H. Webb, Alf. Pool, and Chief Ruler Bro. 51. Nasmith, who welcomed them on behalf of the Tent. This Committee had made every arrangement for the boarding of the deiogates, and very soon all the representatives were located at their respective quarters. “At Home.”

Shortly after lunch the representatives assembled at the Victoria Belfry, where Mr Desßarres brakes were waiting, and the party were driven to Mr IV. Sievwright’s, “ Hjaltland,” where an “At Homo ” was given by Mr and Mrs Sievwright. A very enjoyable time was spent by the brethren, who were entertained in a lavish manner by the host and hostess. Before returning to town, D.C.R. W. J. Gaudin expressed the pleasure he and his fellow officers and delegates felt at the hospitality accorded them that afternoon, and thanked Mr and Mrs Sievwright for the heartiness of their reception and for the kindness shown them.

“For he's a jolly good fellow” was instantly struck up by the visitors, and cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Sievwright and the ladies. Mr Sievwright, in responding, said it had given Mrs Sievwright and himself great pleasure to entertain them, and he expressed a hope that they would meet

again. The party returned to town about 5.30. Tent Meeting. In the evening the Tent held its usual fortnightly meeting in the Wesley Schoolroom. The room had been lavishly decorated with bunting of all kinds for the occasion, the banner of the Juvenile being suspended from the top end of the hall, the decorations' -reflecting great credit on those engaged in the task. The Ballancc Tent (Juveniles) met at

7 o’clock, there being a largo attendance of the Juveniles, Bro. Bloomfield, C.R., presiding. There was a large attendance of the visiting delegates. • Three new members were initiated and three proposed. Bro. Fathers, D.5.J.8., gave an able address, urging the young brethren .to abide by their covenant to abstain from intoxicating liquors.. He'expressed pleasure at being present, and paid a warm tribute to Bro. Budd, for the work in the initial stages of the Tent. Ho hoped that the Tent, would continue to prosper, and wished them every success. Bro. Bell also spoke, conveying his good wishes to the Tent.

The District Chief Euler, Bro. W. J. Gaudin (of Wellington), after a felicitous speech, moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Juvenile Tent for the privilege of allowing the district representatives to be present. The motion was seconded by Bro. Pipor, and carried by acclamation. The meeting of the Gisborne Tent was then held, Bro. M. Nasmith, C.E., asking the District Chief Ruler, Past Chief Ruler, and Deputy Ruler to take the scats usually occupied by the local officers. Nearly all tho visiting representatives were present. A lot of correspondence was dealt with, and two members initiated. Past Chief Ruler, Bro. Piper, expressed the pleasure ho felt at being present: He complimented the Tent on the arrangements made for tho entertaining of the visitors, which arrangements would have done credit to a far larger Tent. When he had heard that Mr Budd had left the Tent ho trembled for the successful holding pf the district meeting hi Gisborne, for there were no brethren in the local Tent who knew tho routine of the district work. But it appeared to him that among the many young members of the Tent there scorned to be one or two who understood what work the holding of tho district meeting would necessitate, and also knew how to carry it out. He again complimented the Tent on the successful arrangements made.

Bro. W. Birch, treasurer, said that when it was understood that tho district meeting would be held. in Gisborne, he trembled for its success. But the younger members made no quiver; they stood unshaken, and the holding of the meeting would soon be an accomplished fact.

Bro. Johnson also complimented tho Tent on their successful efforts.

Bro. Goer also spoke, and hoped the district meeting would result in benefit to the local Tent.

Bro. Barnard, D.T., thought the speakers wore going a bit astray. They were a bit previous in passing enconiums on the local Tent, and should wait till the proper time, when the Tent would be given what was due to it. After transacting a little business the Tont closed. Recognition Meeting. After the closing of the Tent a recognition meeting was held, a very enjoyable time being spent. Songs were contributed by Miss Jcllyman, Bro. 8011, and others. Refreshments were handed round, and wore much appreciated, the good things being done full justice to. About 11.80 “Auld Lang Syne” was sung, and the delegates thus concluded them first, day in Gisborne. Invitation from N.Z.N.A. At the meeting of the Gisborne Tent, held last evening, a letter was received from the President 1 of the N.Z. Native Association, giving a hearty invitation to the delegates to make use of tho Association’s rooms during their stay in Gisborne. Many of the brethren have intimated their intention of availing themselves of the kind offer.