ODDFELLOWSHIP

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1029, 23 October 1903, Page 3

ODDFELLOWSHIP

ANNIVERSARY BANQUET.

The Loyal Gisborne Lodgo, of the Manchester Unity of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, celebrated its twenty-ninth anniversary in the Masonic Hall last evening, when a splendid banquet was held. There was a large attendance of the brethren, Bro. P. Schwabe, Noble Grand, presiding. The tables had been nicely arranged for the occasion, and fairly groaned boneath tbe recherche spread provided. After full justice had been done to the inner man, toasts appropriated to the occasion were honored. Tbe first toast proposed was that of “ The King,” proposed by the Chairman, Bro. Schwabe, the toast being drunk with enthusiasm. The overture, “ March Flambeaux,” was played by Bro. Mszoy in finished style. The Chairman proposed the toast of “The Manchester Unity,” and in doing so roferred to tho sound financial and numerical position of the Order. The local branch was progressing, members being introduced at every meeting. Ho coupled with the toast the name of Bro. W. Morgan, Past Grand. Bro. G. Goldsmith sang “ Anchored ” in a manner that earned for him warm

applause. Bro. W. Morgan, Past Grand, replying to tho toast, said tho Unity was one of the oldest in the world, and he was proud to belong to such an Order, During his long apprenticeship to Oddfellowship, he had never felt a prouder moment than when he was that evening selected to reply to such an important toast. The otbor Orders were also doing good work in assisting brethren, helping the orphan, tho widow, and the distressed. In concluding his reply, Bro. Morgan urged all young men to join a friendly society in preference to life insurance, and adduced conclusive evidence to support his appeal. Bro. P. Schwabe rendered “ Funiculi Funicula ” in a pleasing manner. Bro. H. Williams, Past Grand (Good Intont Lodge Auckland), in a neat speech proposed the toast of “ The Gisborne Lodge," coupled with the name of Bro- 0. H. Ambridge, secretary. Bro. W. Roland recited “ The Lifeboat,” with much emphasis. Bro. C. H. Ambridgo, P.G , Secrotary of the Gisborne Lodge, in responding, said the Lodge started 29 years ago with no opposition, and had to guarantee the payment to a doctor in order to get him to reside in the district permanently. Tho Lodge passed through vicissitudes about fifteen years ago, when they paid ill a week for all time of sickness. The Auckland district, to which the Lodge belonged, was the only district in the colony that paid T 1 a week sick pay for a year and 10s for all timo of sickness. Some years ago a surplus appropriation was made, 30s a week and extra funeral donation boing given. Since that timo nothing but progress had followed tbe Lodge, and at the present timo it was one of the soundest in tho colony. The interest alone had been sufficient to meet all demands for sick pay

for some time past. The entranoe fee was the smallest ehargod by any Lodge in the colony, and he thought that the Lodge was so sound that now members should even pay a premium to enter such a concern. Bro. Ambridge also dwelt on the sick experience of tho Order. Tho song “ Tho Horse the Missus Dries the Clothes On,” was given by Bro. G. Goldsmith with great gusto. Bro. W. Cox, Past Grand, in an appropriate speech, proposed the toast of “ Sister Lodges,” coupled with the names of Bros. Morgan, Williams, and Griffiths. Bro. McKeague recited How We Beat the Favorite.”

Bro. W. Morgan, P.G. (Roxburgh Lodge, Otago), replied to the toast of the “ Sister Lodges.” Bro. H. Williams, P.G. (Good Intent Lodge, Auckland), and Bro. Grif.

fiths (Loyal Mosgiel Lodge) b!bo replied. Bro. P. Schwabe, with good voice, sang 11 The Gallants of England.” The toast of " The Kindred Societies,” was proposed by Bro. Ambridgo, and in doing so ho referred to the woik of the Friendly Societies’ Conference. The feeling between the societies was very cordial, and he hoped it would continue. He coupled with the toast the names of Bros. McConnell (Foresters), Kobb (American Oddfellows), McKeague (Druids), Boland (Reehabites), ann Dwyer (Hibernians). Bro. Griffiths sang 11 Good Old Jeff ” with good effect. Bros. McConnell, McKeague, Roland, Robb, Irnd Dwyer suitably responded to the toast of" The Kindred Societies.” Bro. Ambridgo sang ‘ Tar-a la la-lom.” Bro. H. Humphreys, P.G., proposed the toast of ■' Tho Press.” Bro. G. Goldsmith sang “ What I Have I Hold.” “ The Press ” was responded to by Mr Macdonald (Herald) and Bro. Nasmith, P.G. (Tunes). Bro. Schwabe proposed the toast of “ Tho Ladies,” to which Bros. B, Cox and M. Cox responded. A vote of thanks to the musician, Bro. Mazey, was heartily carried with musical honors in bumpers, Bro. Mazey replying. “ Auld Lang Syne ” closed the proceedings