THE FORESTERS' BANQUET.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 635, 12 February 1870, Page 2

THE FORESTERS' BANQUET.

« — . — Although the members of Court Concord were disappointed through the inclemency of the weather from holding their fete, they nevertheless determined that the third anniversary of their establishment here should not pass without meeting together and cementing in social intercourse the principles that unite them as a. body. Acting upon that wish they invited several of our leading townsmen to join them in celebrating- the day, and accordingly the tables were surrounded by gentlemen in plain attire, who formed a distinct contrast to the gaily caparisoned members of the order. Above 70 sat down to supper, which was well and plentifully supplied by Mr Johnston, and was held in the Volunteer Hall. Had the weather , been more favorable a larger attendance would, no doubt, have been present. We cannot omit to notice one special and pleasing feature in the entertainment— to wit, the introduction of music, which was very well rendered. The room was most tastefully decorated, and the banner of the Court displayed in all its magnificence. The chair was occupied by Chief Ranger Macgregor, supported by Messrs Maclean and Kennedy, while Bros. Ashton and Simmons officiated as crbu^iefs. After having d«ne justice to the various viands set before them, the Chief Banger called upon the company to respond to the usual loyal toasts of "The Queen;" "The Royal Family ;" "The Army, Navy, and Volunteers," the latter of which was" responded to by Lieut. Maclean. The Mayoe next proposed the fourth toast, namely — "The High Court Executive Council, Nelson district, District Court of A.Q.F." Song— "Old Robin Hood," by Mr Poole. P, C. R. Haij,, in replying, briefly said that the- District Court was flourishing, and that its offshoots had taken exten&ive root in Taranaki and Greymouth, the former Court having 400 members, and the latter daily increasing. . Mr Whall, Captain of the Fire Brigade, next proposed — "Court Concord of Greymouth," coupled with the healths of the Past Chief Rangers, the Chief Ranger, I the. Woodmen, and members of the A.O.F. Mr Whall, in his remarks, spoke of the direct benefits derived from a connection with the Order; of the opportunities it gave for social and brotherly intercourse in new countries, where meetings such as the present drew; men more closely together ; of what pecuniary aid they afforded to the sick ; of the blessings they were to widowed families, and of his personal reasons why he did not belong to one, although he had been often pressed to become a member of the Order whose anniversary he, as one among the rest, was now celebrating. P. C. R. Wickbs replied, and spoke of his early connection with the order, nine years ago, and of its formation years since % in Greymouth, as also of the difficulties' experienced at the commencement. He also eloquently spoke of its rapid yet steady progress, and drew attention to the large numbers that had been added to the it lists of late, even beyond all expectations. He also pointed ont how that in numberless cases the hand of charity with them was never stinted, nor did the heart in its well doing wax faint. He pointed out that th& rich people in general looked askance upon the order, supposing it to bo for charitable purposes alone, and' only used as a medium for receiving help when wanted. He pointed out that all men here, however rich, were always in danger of fire, flood, and fever, tajid when these came, the man who experienced them • need not feel ashamed cf asking back, his own from whatever society he belonged to. Their success had been great, and In proof of that they had L3OQ to . the ; credit of their reserved fund — the members amounted to 90, and we.re still increasing, and the reason that they were placed so well in funds was that all their members were well situated in the world, and in no need of assistance. The P.C.R. concluded amidst much and continued applause, with hoping always to meet the kindred societies of the place around such a pleasant festive board as they had assembled at this evening. 4 Song— "Erin is my Home,'* by Mr Shaw, • ■ v • ■ ' Bro. Grant next proposed " Kindred Societies," which were replied to by Mr De Costa, for the Oddfellows, and Mr Kennedy for the Hibernian Societies. Bro. Jefpabb next proposed the "Mining Interest, " responded to by Bro. Gadd. A number of other toasts followed, which were suitably responed to, and the , ; assembly broke up at a late, hour, after ; spending a most pleasant evening.