FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2226, 16 April 1881, Page 3

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

On Thursday evening a banquet was given at the Canterbury Hotel, Lyttelton, by the Lyttelton Hearts of Oak Lodge, in celebration of their first anniversary, A most excellent spread was put on the tables by Mr Andrew Macdonald, the proprietor of the hotel, which was done ample justice to, and elicited many expressions of hearty approbation on the part of those present. There was a good muster of Christchurch brethren, the lodges represented being the Pioneer, Oak of Sydenham, Athelatan, and Mistletoe, Amongst the guests were the medical officers of the lodge, Drs, House and Macdonald, and Mr Harry All wright, M.H.R. The chair was filled by Bro. Gilles, A.D., and the vice chair by Bro. W. Lawson, Y.A. The company having done thorough justice to Host Macdonald’s catering, the Chairman gave the first toast, that of Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Boyal Family. The following toasts were then given, all being drank enthusiastically and with musical honors : “ The Governor of Now Zealand and members of the Upper and Lower Houses,” responded to by Mr Allwright, M.H.R. ; “ the Grand Lodge and Druids nil over the world,” to which Bro. Samuels, D.P., responded ; “ the Medical Officers of the Lodge,” acknowledged by Dr. House, (Dr. Macdonald was unavoidably called away from the room); “ Kindred Societies," responded to by Bro. Griffiths for the Oddfellows, and Bro. Wetherall for the Foresters | “Lyttelton Hearts of Oak Lodge,” acknowledged by the chairman ; “ the Lyttelton Harbor Board,” responded to by Mr Allwright; “ the Press,” acknowledged by Mr Leys for the Pbbss and Mr Lance for the "Lyttelton Times”; “the Mayor and members of the Lyttelton Borough Council,” acknowledged by Mr Allwright; “ the Ladies,” to which Bro. Holland replied ; “ Visiting Brethren,” responded to by Bro, Williams of the Pioneer Lodge, Christchurch; and “ the Host and Hostess,” after which the company broke up, the Christchurch brethren returning to town by the late train. Several excellent songs were given during the evening, which passed off very pleasantly indeed, all present having thoroughly enjoyed the celebration of the first anniversary of the lodge, which is in a most flourishing condition. A banquet was held at the Mitre Hotel, Lyttelton, on Thursday evening last, under the auspices of the Ancient Order of Foresters fete committee. The district officers and delegates having held their quarterly meeting at the Foresters’ Hall, Lyttelton, during the day, the committee kindly invited them to be present in the evening. The invitation having been accepted, all met at the above hotel, where a sumptuous spread had been prepared by the host, Mr James Hill. The tables were laid in excellent style. The chair was filled by his Worship the Mayor of Christchurch, who is the D. 0.8., or chairman of the executive of the order. He was supported by the officers of the district and members of the fete committee. The vicechair was occupied by the D. Treasurer, Bro. H. Crooks, P.D.0.R., supported by members of the kindred societies. The usual loyal toasts having been proposed by the Chairman, and heartily responded to, Bro. Williams, P.0.H., proposed that of “The Canterbury United District,” congratulating the officers in having the control of a district which is part of the largest and strongest order of friendly societies in the world, viz., the Ancient Order of Foresters. Bro. Wil-

Hams gave statistics proving the fact that the Foresters are the strongest, both financially and numerically, of all similar institutions in the world. Bro. Gapes, senr., in replying to to the toast, said it gave him very great pleasure to occupy the proud position in which they had placed him, proving; that the members had confidence in him, which he trusted would never be broken. He was also proud to bo associated with an institution such as the Ancient Order of Foresters, which did so much to alleviate distress and prevent poverty ; and these institutions were among the best in the world, and it behoved every one to support them by becoming members. Bro. Crookes also responded, giving statements of the flourishing financial position of the Order. Several other toasts were duly proposed, among which that of “ Court Star of Canterbury,” responded to by Bro. Watts, P. 0.8.; “Court Queen of the Isles,” by Bro. Ralph, senr.; “ Court Pride of Courtenay,’* by Bro. Bedfotd, D.B.C.R. ; “Kindred Societies,” replied to by Bros. Graham, Vogel, and others. “The Ladies,” and “ Host and Hostess.” Mr Hill was complimented on the excellent table he had prepared, &o. Ho replied on behalf of Mrs Hill and himself. Songs and recitations were interspersed throughout. The singing of the National Anthem, the so'o being sung by the chairman, brought a very pleasant evening to a close. The party returned to Christchurch by the late train.

The half-yearly district meeting was held on Thursday evening at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Montreal street. The officers present being—Bros. O. J. Wilkins, Provincial Grand Master (in the chair), W. G. Woodford, D.D.0.M. ; and J. Richardson, Pro. 0.8. The Lodges represented were—City of Christchurch, Benevolent, Volunteer, Perseverance, Phillipstown, Kaiapoi, Leeston, Pride of the Valley, Papanui, Southbridge delegates. Fine was recorded against Star of Waltham Lodge, the representative of that Lodge not being present. Some correspondence was read from the Registrar re Registration of District Laws. Bro. B. J. Leahy, P.G., then read the auditor’s report and balance-sheet, which were received and adopted. Accounts were passed as read, with a slight alteration. After a sharp discussion as to the advisability of shifting the district chambers, it was decided to accept the offer of the City of Christchurch Lodge. A voluminous report was read by Bro. W. Thin, P.G., one of the book examiners, on the state of all the books of the various lodges, pointing out any irregularities and giving some sound advice to the secretaries. The report was ultimately hold over till next district meeting, and the expenses attendant on the examination ware passed for payment. Correspondence was received from the Ashley district with reference to the memorsnda received from the Registrar of Friendly Societies re suggestions made hy the Oddfellows of Canterbury to the Hon. W. Rolleaton. P.P.G.M. Bro. R. Aherne, of the Ashley district, attended specially to give his views on the matter. It was decided to appoint P.P.G.M. Bro. Liddell and Prov. O. 8. Richardson to co-operate with the Ashley and Lyttelton districts. A report from a committee appointed to bring up suggestions to form a superannuation fund, was postponed till next meeting. It was decided to reinitiate Bro. Moses Saunders as a member of the Volunteer Lodge in accordance with general law 73. After the nominations for P.G.M., D.P. G.M. and Provincial 0.5., the chairman thanked the delegates for their close attention to the business, and closed the meeting in the usual impressive manner.