ORANGE DEMONSTRATION.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2680, 8 November 1882, Page 3

ORANGE DEMONSTRATION.

1 The completion of the Orange Hall, Leeston, was celebrated on Monday, 6th November, by a grand Orange demon stration on the agricultural show grounds. The Loyal Southbridge True Blue Lodge mustered at the Town Hall at 9 o’clock, and, headed by a drum and fife band, marched in procession to Leeston, whore they joined the other local lodges, and joined in the general procession, which marched to the railway station to meet the visiting lodges which arrived by special train from Christchurch shortly after 11 o’clock. The grand procession was then formed, the following lodges being represented:—Maiden City, Lyttelton ; Purple Star, Christchurch ; Canterbury True Blue, Christchurch; Courtenay True Blue, Courtenay; Mount Sinai Purple Star, Greendale ; Stai? of Sydenham, Sydenham ; True Blue, Southbridge ; and Star of Ellesmere, Leeston; besides about forty visiting brethren without banners. The procession was headed by the Protestant Band, and was in charge of the following officers : —G.M. Bro. Prudhoe, D.G.M. Bro. W. Gahbie ; G.T. Bro. Palmer; marshal. Bro. "Williams; deputy-marshal, Bro. Eoscoe. Prom the station the procession marched to the new Orange Hall,

where a halt was made, the band playing the “ National Anthem.”

The G.M. then formally opened the hall, and authorised the lodge to hold its meetings therein. A further move was then made for the show grounds, where luncheon had been provided in abundance. The senior officers of the various lodges ascended a platform which had been erected for the occasion.

The G.M. took the chair, and called on the Eev. Mr West to open proceedings with prayer.

A most impressive prayer having been offered up. The Chairman read apologies from the Eevs. Messrs Smalley, Field, and Cree. The Chairman then addressed the brethren. He said it gave him great pleasure to preside on this occasion. They would all remember that on the sth November last year they had met at Southbridge to lay the foundation stone of a new hall. That day, just twelve months later, they had celebrated the day by opening a new hall at Leeston. It seemed to him that a sort of principle had been established, that this day was to be welcomed each year by a new ball springing up. He heartily trusted that it might continue so, and trusted that the brethren would, by, their every day conduct at home and in public, prove themselves worthy of the name of Orangemen, and a credit to the lodges they were raising. Some few years ago a few sterling loyal Orangemen had formed the first lodge in Lyttelton, now they had no less than thirty-seven lodges, and to-day they had opened the tenth hall. The property in every instance was freehold, and in round numbers could be valued at from .£SOOO to .£6OOO, which spoke volumes for the energy and perseverance of members. The speaker then gave a brief review of the Leeston Lodge, and of the progress of Orangism, which was attentively listened to by the large concourse of brethren and others. He concluded by urging upon the brethren the necessity of being true to the principles of their noble institution; ever abstaining from all uncharitable words or actions towards their Eoman Catholic brethren. The glory of God, the welfare of man, the honor of their Sovereign, and the good of their countrymen should be the only motives of their actions.

Bro. Gabbie, who, on rising’, was received with great applause, gave a brief address, and moved the following resolution :—l. “ That this meeting resolves not to vote at general elections for the House of Representatives for-any man who will not strive his utmost to have the Bible read again in our day-schools, as it is a departure from Protestant principles, and likewise Protestant tuition.” 2. “ That by electing such men we are weakening th* British constitution and crownhead, as it is a breach of trust of the liberty wherewith we were endowed in the reign of William 111. of immortal memory, and has been handed down to his successors and to her Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, our present earthly head, and that we hereby pledge ourselves that we will support those who will allow our children the privilege that we ourselves enjoyed of reading God’s Word in our day schools.” 3. “ That we will use our best influence oh those around us who have not as yet taken a decided step in joining our noble cause that they will tender us their support in this great work of opening up the Scriptures to all and in all our schools throughout her Majesty’s dominions in this land of our adoption—yea, even from pole to pole.” The resolution was seconded, and carried amidst great applause. The Rev, Mr West delivered an eloquent address in favor of the resolution just passed, and sat down amidst immense applause. Bro. Anderson proposed a supplementary resolution. He thought the resolution just passed hardly went far enough. He would propose—“ That the Grand Lodge of the Middle Island communicate with the Grand Lodge of the RorthJlsland, that the latter should co-operate with thorn in the direction indicated.”

Bro. McFadden seconded the motion, which was carried.

Bro. Withell proposed a vote of thanks to the visiting brethren, which was carried by acclamation. Bro. Hewitt returned thanks. Bros. Fellah and Donk and others also addressed the assemblage. Bro. Gabbie proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr West, and commented in severe terms on the conduct of those clergymen who had kept away. The Chairman fully endorsedMr Gabbie’s remarks. Mx - West returned thanks for the compliment paid him. The procession was then reformed, and proceeded to the railway station, where they were disbanded.