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Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1994, 1 February 1907, Page 2

Tho detailed report of Mr. Marchant as to the outer harbor scheme is not likely to be to band until the end of February or during March. Entries for Poverty Bay Turf Club events close to-night at 9.30 o’clock with the Secretary, Mr. D. R. Do Costa, at the Masonic Hotel. At Patutabi a few days ago Mr. B. R. Taylor made use of the air treatment on a valuable cow affected with milk fever. Within four hours of tho treatment tho cow was on her feet again. Nominations close at noon on Monday next for the four seats on the Harbor Board filled by elective members Those who retire-are: Messrs. W. D. Lysnar and D. Hepburn for the county, and Messrs. A. J. Harding and J. Whinray for the town. It is understood that these members will all sbek re-election, but no new names have yet been definitely mentioned.

A quantity of river shingle is now being brought in daily by the railway The shingle is taken from the river bed and is of better quantity than that obtainable from the pit. A regular supply of about three trucks daily is being kept up. This is much less than could be put to immediate use, but it is being turned to good account, and if the supply is maintained a great change for the better will bo made in some of the newlyformed roads that have had to be left in a sandy condition.

The Cty Band gave a most enjoyable open-air concert last night, and the collection taken up resulted in £5 10s being obtained towards the contest fund. The Band marched from the belfry, playing the quickstep test 1 march “Minor and Major.” A j>osition was then taken up at the Trafalgar rotunda, where ,iu addition to a varied programme, the two testselections were played, and warmly applauded. During the evening an appeal on behalf of the fund was made by the Mayor, who pointed out that no up-to-date town was now' without a band, and that the band was what the people made it, according to the support afforded. He commented on the reluctance of many who could well afford it to assist the band with their subscriptions. These contests enabled a band to attain greater efficiency, and tlie one to be held at Christchurch would be much ahead of those generally held for imparting instruction and appealed for assistance to the band in encouraging the players, tie strongly the worthy object. As tbe fund stands at present about £7O more is required to enable the band to leave for Christchurch. If that difficulty is overcome, they leave on Wednesday next.

At’ the Police Court yesterday, before Mr Barton, S.M., Ada Hansen alias Mabel Miller, was charged with having been drunk in Kaliutia street on the 20th January. There were previous convictions in the case, and defendant was therefore committed to prison for 14 days with hard labor. The accused, in answer to the Magistiate, said she was willing that a prohibition order should ho mado out against her. James Miller, a middle aged man, was charged with having been drunk in Lowe street on loth January. He pleaded guilty, and was fined os and costs, in default 21 hours’ imprisonment.—Raiha Tatu, a midle-aged Maori woman, was charged with being drunk. Slio pleaded guilty, and was fined 5s and costs, in default 24 hours’ imprisonment, She was further charged with disgraceful behaviour on a public highway. To this charge sho pleaded not guilty. Mr. Coleman appeared on her behalf, and, alter the police evidence had been beard, he contended that the accused ought not to he convicted because she did not know what she was doing. His Worship sentenced the defendant to three months’ hard labor.—John James Pritchard, a young man, was charged with committing a similar office in Palmerston road. He pleaded guilty. ■ Mr. Coleman, appeared on His. behalf, addressed the Court in mitigation of penalty. The accused was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment with hard labor.—John Grant was charged with a like offence in Grey street. Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr. Coleman spoke on behalf of the accused. His Worship imposed the same punishment- in this case also —three months’ hard labor. Ho remarked of these three cases of indecency that they were the worst that had come before him. -

FORESTER’S ANNUAL DINNER. Last night tho thirtieth annual diimor of the Court William Gladstone, Ancient Order of Foresters, was hold in Dustin’s Rooms. About fifty niombors sat down to an excellent and well-served repast, Amongst the company wore:—P.C.R. and Trustco Bro. C. F. Lewis (in the chair), Bro. M. Cox (Manchester Unity), Bro. Graham (Hibernian Society), Bro. It. ltobb (Star of Gisborne Am. Order Oddfellows), Bro. Dnrton, Bro. W. L. Clayton,, Bro. S. Mil's, Bro. Do Costa (Druids), Bros. File (2), Bro. Bushnoll, Bro. S. C. Nicol, Bro. A. J. Nichol, Bro. Sparrow, Bro. D. Hepburn, Bro. Lawton, Bro. W. Cole, Bro. J. Morgan, Bro. W. Poole, Bro. Uridgo, Bro. A. Robertson, Bro. Withers, Bro. D. Trent', Bro. F. File, Bro. Goo. Mackio, Bro. McPherson, and many others.

Tho loyal toasts having been honored, Bro. Trent favored the company with a song. The chairman proposed “Kindred Lodges,” Ho was sorry they had not' a largo gathering. They cordially welcomed tho members of olier lodges. It was only by unanimity that they could hope to achieve any success. They all had ono common aim. Ho would couple with the toast, tho names of Bros. Cox, of tho Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, Bro. W. L. Clayton, representing tho Druids, Bro. Graham tho Hibornians, and Bro. Robb, tho American Order of Oddfellows.. Tho representative of tho Rochabitos was not present, hut they hoped to see him later. Nevertheless they were included in the toast. The toast was drunk with musical honors. Song: Bro. H. Do Costa.

Bro. Cox first responded. He thanked the company for tho cordial manner in which they had boon received. Ho was a strong advocate of all young men above 18 years of ago joining some friendly society Bro. W. L. Clayton responded on behalf of the Druids in a felicitous speech. He wished to echo tho words of Bro. Cox that every young man should become a member of a friendly society, as it was an encouragement to thrift and providence. No man should be allowed to marry until he became a member of a friendly society. Ho did not wish to imply by that that ho was contemplating matrimony. He should bo very pleased to; but ho had not had the hick yet. But he had taken the first step by joining a friendly society. (Applause.) Bro. Graham also returned thanks, endorsing the remarks of the previous speakers, and speaking of the advantage of being a member of a friendly society. Bro. Robb said it must be a great pleasure to look back upon the 30 years during which Foresters’ Lodges had existed in Gisborne. It was a pity that more of the young men did not see the advantages of belonging to a friendly society, because, ns Bro. Clayton had said, it tended to make them in all respects better members of society. Song: Bro. File . Bro. File proposed “The Friendly Societies’ Conference,” coupled with the name of Bro. Wade.

Tho chairman read the following letter he had received from Bro. Wade:— Gisborne, Jan. 31, 07. Mr. C. F. Lewis, Dear Sir and Bro., I regrot that owing to illness I shall bo unable to be present at your 30t'h anniversary banquet this evening, more so as I believe my name is to be collided with the toast of “The Friendly Societies’ Conference,” of which I have the honor to bo this year’s President. I would like to say that tho position of tho Conference is better this year than it has been at any other period ,aml that with unanimity on the part of delegates, the aims anil objects of tlio Conference will be made more manifest as time goes on. Believe me, my best endeavours will be for tho benefit of friendly societies in general. Wishing you a successful gathering and a closer cementing of fraternal feeling.—Yours sincerely,

ARTHUR WADE, President F.S. Conference. Recitation : Bro. Nicliol. Bro. Sparrow submitted “The liealtli of Dr. Cole,” tlie Lodge doctor, in complimentary terms. They were all quite satisfied with tlieir surgeon. He (Bro. Sparrow) would soonev have him than any surgeon. Tlio toast was heartily drunk. The chairman read the -following letter he had received from Dr. Cole:— Gladstone Road, January 31, 1907. To the Hon. Sec. Banquet Com.,

Dear Sr, — Will you please apologise for my being unable to be present, in answer to your kind invitation to the celebration of your 30th anniversary. What a vast amount of relief must have been given to the sick and needy during the 30 years of your organisation. For 23 years I have been connected with your Order; the latter twelve as Court surgeon of the Gisborne branch, and I can only add my duties have been of the pleasantest amongst you, owing in great part to the kindly sentiments animating your members. Please accept my best wishes, and believe me to remain.— Faithfully yours, GEORGE W. CODE, Court Surgeon.

The chairman said that Dr. Cole would have been with them that evening had ho not been called away; but he was with them in spirit. XXX

Song: The chairman. Bro. Robb proposed the toast of the evening, “The Ancient Order of Foresters,” coupled with the names of Bros. C. F. Lewis and S. C. Nicliol. He said that the amount of good the Foresters had done during the thirty years of their life in Gisborne was incalculable. Such a society as theirs was a great factor in such a town as Gisborne. The friendly societies represented every commercial industry and walk of life.

Song: Mr. Trent. The chairman said lie heartily thanked them for the way they had drunk the toast. He thought ho could say on behalf of his Lodge that they had the most fraternal feeling towards the other Lodges of the town. He could say conscientiously that his motto was never to take a member away from any of the other Lodges. He did his best to get' new members, but he did not ask any man to join if ho knew ho was a member of another society. Ho did not believe in speaking disparagingly of ally other Lodge. The aim of these societies was to encourage thrift and to make themselves independent of cold charity; to stimulate one another to play the man in all respects. Bro. Bobb had referred to tile great principles taught in their ritual. It was for them to practice what they preach, to practice _ unity, benevolence, and concord. (Applause.) Brother Nichol also responded. He trusted the time would soon come when the Foresters would bring a juvenile lodge into existence. He again returned thanks for the kind remarks concerning the Foresters’ Lodge . Bro. Cox proposed “The Ladies,” coupled with the name of Mr Do Costa. Song, Bro. Trent. Bro. DeCosta said it was a bit of a surprise to him to have to respond to the toast. Personally ho never had anything to do with the ladies. (A voice: Then you ought to.) Bro. Clayton was quite as capable of responding as ho yas—(Bro,. Clayton h

No,, no.) 110 thanked-thorn nil for tho cordial manner in which they had received tho toast.

Bro. Uridgo submitted tho toast of “Commercial Interests.” Ho remarked that as a commercial traveller ho had always got on well with membors of friendly societies. Ho coupled with tho toast tlio name of Bro. W. L. Clayton. Song: Bro. DoCosta. Bro. W. L. Clayton, in responding to tho toast, said ho folt exceptionally pleased that tho proposer had associated the farmers with commercial interests, beeauso tho farmers’ interests woro indissolubly bound up with tho commercial interests of tho town. Ho had boon a fanner for ton years—to his sorrow. Ho had beeomo a commercial man, and thus had experience of both branches. That was why, ho presumed, he was called upon to respond to tho toast. Ho thought that tho commercial interests of this rising town and district needed thoir earnest attention. Ho felt exceptionally pleased in being asked to respond to ono of tho most important toasts of tho evening. When they looked upon that town and tho groat progess it had made during tho last fow years they felt that tho public of Gisborne had reason to congratulate themselves. The population of the town had increased by 2700 since tho last census, and the population of that locality and the Cook County had increased by 3000 Ho thought, therefore, they had reason to be proud of the progress they woro working. Messrs Common, Shelton and Co. had given a return of tho exports of that district—of tho mutton, wool, and other produce. Ho (Mr Clayton) would not weary them with figures, but would only say that tho progress, as shown by tlio return, had been enormous. He felt satisfied that Gisborne was going to be ono of tho largest towns in the North Island. Wore they doing all they could to further tho interests of tho town? Were they taking an active interest in local politics? Were they taking an active interest in tho approaching Harbor Board election? He was perfectly certain that the progress of the town was indissolubly bound up in a decent harbor. Ho thought it was time that the bulk of the people of this district rose to the occasion, and took a certain amount or interest in tho forthcoming election. He wanted to see everybody take an interest in it. If this district was to go ahead they must have a good harbor. That was a most important tiling to look for. It was an argument for a railway. If they had a good harbor they would have more imports and exports, and more tourists would come here. Commercial men were apt to avoid Gisborne because they never knew when they would bo able to get away. If they had a good harbor there was not tho slighest doubt that there would bo a great influx of visiters bringing wealth into the town. At present the railway track dragged itself away towards Motu. If they had a good harbor no Government could afford to leave it unnoticed. With a decent harbor the railway would bo pushed on to Motu and probably to Opotiki, and at no distant period Gisborne would be tlio greatest port between Wellington and Auckland. With a good harbor and the railwaypushed forward, they would have the whole trade of Opotiki coming through this district. He was proud of tho progress they had made, but they should not stop. If they would only put their shoulders to the wheel the district would go on making enormous progress; but he was satisfied that in order to attain this prosperity they must have a good harbor. (Applause.)

Recitation: Mr A. J. Nicliol. Bro. Lawson proposed “Tho Press,” which was drunk with musical honors . Whistling solo : Bro. Clayton. Ho was loudly encored, and responded. Song: The Chairman. Mr Macdonald responded to tho toast of “The Press” in a humorous speech. Tho Chairman now informed the gathering that the lion. Captain Tucker had assured him that morning that tile words ho had used at a meeting of the Hospital Trustees did not refer to any member of a Friendly Society. Captain Tucker had told him that ho would write to the Press and state distinctly that the word “cabal” did not include any Friendly Society member. Bro. Graham proposed “ Tho Chairman.” They did a wise thing in placing their Chairman on the Hospital Conference. Ho asked them to fill their glasses full' and drink a bumper to their chairman. Songs: Bro. File and Bro. Uridgo. The Chairman thanked the company for the very hearty manner in which they had received the toast. Whatever he had done at the Hospital Conference had been done not merely for the good of his own society, but of all the Friendly Societies of the district. (Applause.)

Tho company separated about 12 o’clock, after joining hands and singing “Auld Lang Syne.”