THE RANGIORA ODDFELLOWS AT RHODES’ BAY.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 728, 19 October 1876, Page 2

THE RANGIORA ODDFELLOWS AT RHODES’ BAY.

The Rangiora Oddfellows celebrated their fifteenth anniversary yesterday with a picnic to Hhodes’ Bay, Hitherto they have contented themselves with celebrating their yearly festival in the district, but at the annual meeting it was resolved to depart from the previous rule, and the fete we are chronicling is the result. The arrangements were left in the hands of the G-. M. Brother Gulliver, N.G. Brother Haldrcll, V.G. Bro \rcher, P. G. Bro Dudding, Bros Hunnibell imd Sklaark, and P.G. Bro Aherne, secretary :o the Lodge. These gentlemen deserve the very highest credit for the exceedingly able nanner in which they carried out their arrangements, which w re so managed that ia case of adverse weather the fete could •lave been postponed to another day. However, the elements were propitious. The narty left Rangiora at 9 am., additional •arriages being provided for their accommo • lation, and from Christchurch to Port they Mine by special train, arriving at the latter Mace shortly after 11 a.m. Messrs Cameron Bros’ pa. Titan and their lighter the bovelty were at the Watermens’ steps ready o convey the holiday-makers to their destination, and both were soon crowded, ihe ladies being principally accommodated aboard Saturn’s brother, while the gentle

men, as Novelty. Button’s Cavalry Band were aboard the Titan, and discoursed sweet music with plenty of big drum, as the steamer, with the Novelty in tow, steamed away. The embarkation was admirably managed without any undue crowding. When within a short distance of the jetty the Titan stuck fast, but the powerful twin screw steamer Lyttelton came to the fore and illustrated the meaning of the words “Here’s a nibble” to the satisfaction of her gallant commander, Captain Agar, as well as to all concerned, all the travellers being conveyed safely to the jetty by her aid and that of some boats that were in attendance. No better spot than Rhodes’ Bay could have been selected by the committee ; spite the earliness in spring this sheltered spot is even more beautiful than at a later period of the year. Rhodes’ Bay is going ahead, the new road to the jetty being already nearly finished, while the Church Gully road, which now communicates with the Port Victoria road, gives direct carriage communication with Christchurch. The catering had been left to Mr Pierce, of the British Hotel, Lyttelton, and right well was it attended to. He was assisted by Mr Walters, of Rhodes’ Bay, in whose paddock were erected the necessary buildings, A capital bar, a spacious marquee for a luncheon room, and a good booth for confectionary, amply sufficed for the wants of the visitors. The luncheon was admirable, and a very moderate sum was charged. Mr Wm, Pierce, who was the acting member of the firm, did a roaring trade, and showed as usual the greatest courtesy to all, and we hope he was well repaid for his trouble. Many of the people brought provisions with them, At two the real fun commenced ; those who had not wandered away on exploring expeditions played at “ kiss in the ring,” and other games, while dancing was indulged in on the elastic turf to the music of Button’s band. There were at least 800 people on the ground, for, besides the 520 that came down by the special train, a great many of the Lyttelton people made capital of the occasion, Agar’s steam launch Lyttelton, which kept running between the port and the bay, being well patronised. Mr Walters was kind enough to give the use of a portion of his house for the ladies to rest in. All sorts of sports, athletic and otherwise, were gone into with a hearty spirit, that did honor to Jtiangiora, and Mr Aherne, who did nearly all the work, deserves the very highest credit. The Titan succeeded in getting up to the wharf at 4,30 p.m., and nearly all the Oddfellows returned by her. Altogether a very happy day was spent.