ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2073, 15 October 1880, Page 3

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Opbkihs of the New Oddfbixows' Hall, Chkistchuboh. The celebration of opening the above hall, lately erected by B*o. P. Hyndman, contractor, took place last evening. P.P.G.M. Bro. Thos. Kent was in the ohair, supported by Bros. Drs. Deamer and Campbell, Bros. Alex. Webster (N.G. of the lodge), Thomas Ockford (N.G. of City of Norwioh Lodge, Lyttelton), and O. J. Wilkin (Prov. G.M.) were in the vice-chairs. Over two hundred members sat down to a substantial supper. The tables were tastefully laid out by Bro. E. G. Shave, assisted by the building committee. The company comprised representatives of the following lodges :—Volunteer, Benevolent, Star of Waltham, Perseverance, Phillipstown, Pride of the Valley, and Papanui, of the North Canterbury Distriot; City of Norwich Lodge, Lyttelton ; Bose of Kilburn, North London; Spring of Love, Derbyshire; Waikato, Thames, Auckland, &c, &c. When full justioe had been done to all the good things, the chairman, in a lengthy speech, gave an account of the lodge from its first start to the present time. He declared the lodge-room opened for the purpose of conducting the business of Oddfellowship. He then called on Fast Grands Pratt and Borland to unfurl the beautiful banner, just arrived from Mr G. Sutill, City Boad, London, which was done amidst continued oheering. The toast list oommenced with " Tho Queen and the Manchester Unity," given with the honors of the Order, after which the National Anthem was sung. The toast of " Grand Master and board of directors of the Manchester Unity," was responded to by P.P.G. Master Bro. Jenkins, of the Lyttelton distriot. " District officers and visiting brethren" was given by the chairman, who highly eulogised the district officers. Prov. G.M. Wilkin responded on behalf of the distriot officers and the representatives of the abovenamed lodges. " The City of Ohristohuroh Lodge," by D.P.G.M. O. Burns, of the Lyttelton distriot. N.G. Alex Webster responded, and called for three hearty cheers for the visitors, which were given. " The Trustees " was the next toast, given by Bro. Dr. Campbell. Bro. Bogers responded. The next toast was "The medical officers," proposed by P.P.G.M. T. G. Vennal. Drs. Deamer and Campbell responded. " The architect" (Mr J. C. Maddison) was proposed and suitably responded to. " The builder" and the " Building committee " wound up the toast list.

The first half-yearly meeting of the Ashley distriot of the Manchester Unity, was held on Wednesday in the Nil Desperandum Lodge-room, East Oxford. Tbe district officers, Prov. G.M. Bro. Aherne, D.P.G.M. Bro. Simpson, and OS. Bro. Bobinson, and delegates from Rangiora, Nil Desperandum, Leithfield, Oust, Oxford, Ohoka, Amberley, Sefton, and Waikari were presented. The Woodend Lodge was fined through not being represented. The Prov. G.M. delivered a statement treating generally of the business of the district, particularly the matter of union with other districts to obtain proper legislation for friendly societies, and then declared the meeting open for business. P.G. Truman proposed, P.P.G.M. Stephens seoonded—"That a vote of thanks be recorded to the Prov. G.M. for his address, and that the same be printed with the report of that meeting." Carried. The auditors' report and balance-sheet were adopted, the latter showed a balance in hand of £59 19s lOd. Accounts £46 15s 4d were passed. The meeting then went into committee to consider the by-laws of the distriot and lodges and on resuming the same were adopted, with a vote of thanks to the district officers for the manner in whioh thoy had compiled the same.

The Prov. G.M. explained to the delegates the aotion taken by the Ashley, North Canterbury, and Lyttelton districts to form a deputation to wait on the Hon. Bro. Bolleston in reference to desired amendments in the Friendly Societies Act. It was moved by P.G. Blaokett, seconded by P.P.G.M. Stephens—" That Bros. Aherne and Bobinson act as delegates of the Ashley distriot." Carried.

The officers nominated for the next year were—For Prov. GM., D.P.G.M. Simpson and P.O. Truman; for D. Prov. G.M.,P.G.'s F. Gulliver, Orampton, McKenzie, Truman, Rhodes, Ivory, Sedcole, and Gibbs; for the Prov. CO., P.O.S. Bobinson. In the evening a lodge of P.G.'s was held, when the following received the Past N.G. and V.G.'s degrees, as well as the purple degree : Bros. Fisher, Cooper, Bradley, Prestney, Williscraft, MoOutohon, Blackett, and Zwiebruck.

A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Bro. Taafe, P.P.G.M., an old district officer, for his attendance, for which he returned thanks in a suitable way. The meeting then adjourned.