Loyal Hastings Lodge.

Hastings Standard, Issue 13, 11 May 1896, Page 3

Loyal Hastings Lodge.

1.0.0. F., M.U

The members of the above Lodge entertained the brethren of the Spit and Napier Lodges at a social in the Oddfellow's llall on Saturday cvening. The gathering, which was a thoroughly repivs 'illative one, whs of a most successful character. Amongst those present were: P.P.G.M.'s Bros. W. 11. Cooper and 'J', h'rogli, P.G.M. Bro. Wolstenhohn, I).P.G.M. Bro. G. Love, P.C.S. Bro. J. B. Fielder, and Bro. Payne (lumgiora Lodge). P.G.M. Bro. Wolstenholm complimented the Lodge on the number of members present, and said it was the best attendance he had seen in New Zealand. He referred to the questions of clearances and supeiannuation questions which had been agitating the minds of leading members all over the world for many years. lie was happy to say that the recent Conference held in Wellington had solved the diilicuhies surrounding the clearance question and that a scheme of superannuation was also likely to be an accomplished fact in the near future. Preparation was then mode for the dispatch of a splendid spread that had been prepared by Bro. Brown, and after doing full justice to the many good things a very enjoyable time was spent in song, speech, and recitation. G.M. i>ro. George carried out the duties of chairman of tlv entertainment, and was responsible for the formal manner in which the items were dealt with, and the meeting b.-ing brought to a close at a good hour. Songs and recitations were given by the following Bros. Crowe ('!), Renouf, Payne, Love, Wells, George, Harper, Livesey, and Croucher. Several of the l!ros. mentioned contributing two, and in some cases three items, all of which were thoroughly appreciated by the audience. P.P.G.M. Bro. Cooper responded in a neat speech to the kindly action of the Hastings Lodge in inviting them them there that evening. lie was sure that such social gatherings would do a vast amount of good and promote the welfare of the lodge. He hoped the Hastings Lodge would soon come to Napier, where they would be treated in the same generous manner as they had been treated that evening. The speaker reviewed at length the history of Oddfeliowship in the Ilawke's Bay district, and attributed the great success it had attained to a few of the older members who kept their shoulder to the wheel. He also referred to the advisability of admitting ladies into the lodge, and thought that if such a step was taken that the society would be greatly benefited. lie proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Hastings Lodge, which was carried with acclamation.

G.M. Bro. George responded to the remark?; of the previous speaker on behalf of the local lodge. Bro. Martin referred to the ahle manner in which Bro. Brown had carried out the catering arrangements. Bro,-;. Crowe, Martin, and Wilson presided at the piano daring the evening, and, as accompanists, did all that could be done for the singers. The social, which was voted on all hands to be a most enjoyable one, was brought to a close at i 1.5)0 p.m., when all the members joined hands and .sang "Auld Lang Syne."