ODDFELLOWS’ BANQUET.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1674, 2 July 1879, Page 3

ODDFELLOWS’ BANQUET.

The Aven Lodge of the T.0.0.P., American Constitution, gave a banquet last evening at Bro. Bourgeois’ cafe. Caabel street, to welcome 4ha E.W.G.M. of New Zealand, Bro. E. T. Wheeler, on his visit to Christchurch.

The spread was a very good one, and served in Mr Bourgeois’ best style. About forty gentlemen sat down, the cbair being occupied by N.G. Bro. A. Schwartz, who had on his right the guest of the evening, and P.G. Lczard (Loyal Avon Lodge), and on his left the D.D.G.M. Bro. Wallace (Loyal Star of Can. torbury Lodge, Timaru), P.G. Paterson (Loyal Avon Lodge), &o. The usual loyal and patriotic toats having been July honored, Bro. Adams rose to propose the toast of “ The Guest of the evening, Bro. Wheeler, the E.W.G.M. of New Zealand.” He believed that his name was known throughout New Zealand, wherever Oddfellowsbip was known, who was a walking" exposition of friendship, love, and truth. He trusted that this would not be the last time they would entertain Bro. Wheeler, and ha trusted that their B.W.G.M would often be amongst them. The toast was drunk with due honor. E.W.G.M. Wheeler, who on rising was received with applause, said that he had hardly anticipated that kindle reception which had met him in Christchurch. On the last occasion that ho came to Christchurch he came with the Deputy Grand Sire of America, who could have instituted a Supreme Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and one of Australia, It was determined, however, looking at the infancy of the provinces here, to constitute a Supreme Grand Lodge for Australia, and the New Zealand Lodges were now working under the charter which had been sent to him. The Supreme Grand Lodge of America had been so pleased with the reception of D.G. Sire Harmon, that they had passed a resolution which had been handsomely got up. Oddfellowsliip had sprung from a very small band, and the sixtieth anniversary had been celebrated lately. Here great steps had been made, over 1500 having been initiated in the past ten months. Six new lodges bad been instituted in New Zealand, and three of these he had opened. The Port Chalmers Lodge and the Auckland Lodge, which had recently been opened, now possessed some hundred members each. He thought that it was only right that Bro. Harmon’s name should be perpetuated in New Zealand, where he was so much valued by the naming of a lodge after him. He trusted that members would endeavour to spread the principles of Oddfellowsbip widely, and here in Christchurch they might do much in this direction. Ero. Ballance had mentioned to ■him that if the lodges would send in applications he would see that they got a piece of land so that all lodges might have a hall of their own. He trusted that when he came to Christchurch again he should find that the Christchurch Lodge bad a hall of its own. The resolution passed by the B. W. Grand Lodge of the United States, held at Baltimore, tendered its thanks to the Grand Lodge of Australia and Now Zealand and especially to the officers thereof, for their prompt and Intelligent action in furthering tho efforts of tho Special Commissioner Deputy Grand Sire Harmon. He trusted that their Grand Lodge meeting in Christchurch in September would be a happy time P.G. Paterson rose to propose the next tcust, “ The Grand Lodge of New Zealand,” coupled with the name of tho B.W. Grand Master, Bro. Wheeler. Tha E.W.G.M. responded, stating that sixteen lodges out of the twenty-throe in the jurisdiction had registered. D.D.G.M. Wallis proposed, “ Success to the Avon Lodge,” and trusted that it would improve greatly and grow. He coupled the toast with the name of P.G. Paterson. . P.G. Paterson responded briefly, tracing the rise of the Avon Lodge from the time of its institution in Canterbury. P.G. Lezard proposed “ Sister Lodges,” and eulogised the practice of the true principles of charity by the brethren of the sister lodges. He coupled tho name of Bro. Schwartz with .ihe toast, N.G. Bro. Schwartz responded briefly. Bro. John Goodman proposed tho “City Council.” In speaking of tho toast, he said he had much pleasure in proposing it, at' tho same time hoping that tho next one would bo a better one. He coupled the toast with the name of Cr. Lezard. Bro. Lczord_ responded briefly. There was great room for improvement in the City Council, and he trusted that when the ward system came in in September, they would have a better representation of the city. [Hoar, hear.] Bro. Adams proposed the next toast, that of tho “ Press,” coupled with the names of Messrs Browne and Hart, who briefly responded. Bro. Williams then gave the “ Ladies.” The toast was duly honored and responded to. Several other toasts were given, and during the evening some excellent songs, recitations, &0., were given by tho brethren present, and the meeting dispersed after spending a most enjoyable evening.