LOYAL ORANGE LODGE ANNIVERSARY.

Kumara Times, Issue 2515, 12 July 1884, Page 2

LOYAL ORANGE LODGE ANNIVERSARY.

The annual celebration of the Battle of the Boyne by the Kumara Orange Lodge was held in the Masonic Hall last evening, A grand supper and ball were, as usual, the means by which the event was celebrated. Whether it is in the energy of the managing committee or in the satisfaction afforded by the excellent repast which is always provided, and the general conduct of the arrangements—or all combined—the festival seems every year to increase in favour with the public. There were 104 ladies and gentlemen sat down to an excellent supper, prepared in the manner for which Host Stewart has become famous—everything nicely cooked and the wines and dessert of excellent quality. The male sex predominated in numbers, but that is usual where a good feed is provided at a ball, because there are many who do not enter into the charms and fascinations of the ball-room. Then again the brethren of the Order mustered in strong force, supported on this occasion by their new chaplain, the Bev. G. Hay, Presbyterian minister. The bqlj was very elaborately decorated with ferns and mottoes and insignia of the Order and was well lit up with extra Chinese lanterns. The presence of so many young and good-looking ladies, with their neat and varied attire, gave to the scene an air of enchantment that could not do otherwise than make everyone feel happy. It was near to ten o’clock' before seats

were arranged to accommodate so large an assemblage. Bro. Wm. Morris, R.W.M., presided. On his right sat the chaplain (the Rev. G. Hay), and on the left Bro. Orr, W.M. of the new Orange Lodge at Hokitika; whilst Deputy-Master Jas. Morris occupied the vice-chair. At about the time before-mentioned supper commenced, and, after ample justice had been done to the good things with which the tables were loaded a series of toasts were given, of which we must make only short notice. R.W.M. Bro. Morris proposed—“ The Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and all the Royal Family.” He would ask that the toast be drank in silence, on account of the death of her Majesty’s son the late Duke of Albany, Deputy-Master Jas. Morris then proposed— “The Glorious, Pious and Immortal Memory of William 111., Prince of Orange, coupled with the name of the Rev. Mr Hay. ” The Rev. Mr Hay responded, giving a long discourse on the career of King William IH.-, the constitution of Orangery, and the liberal views and aims of the Order. Mr T. Brown proposed—“ The Earl of Enniskillen, Imperial Grand Master. ” Song ; “For he’s a jolly good fellow.” Bro. Thos. Morgan proposed “Orangemen all over the Globe ; coupled with the name of Bro. Rice.” Bro. Rice responded and gave a song — “ The Orange and the Blue.” Bro. Smith proposed—“ The Grand Lodge of the Middle Island of New Zealand.” Bro. John Caldwell proposed—“ The Hokitika True Blues ; coupled with the name of Bro. Orr, W.M.” A few weeks ago (27th June, he thought) they went down to establish a lodge in Hokitika, which promised to become as great a success as the one in Kumara. Bro. Orr, W.M., Hokitika, responded, thanking the Company for the cordial manner in which reference had been made to the organisation of the new lodge' at Hokitika. The Chairman proposed—“ The health of our "Worthy Chaplain, the Rev. Mr Hay.” The Rev. Mr Hay proposed ‘ ‘ The health and the early marriage of all the unmarried ladies in the room supporting his toast with some very severe yet humourous reflections upon the many old bachelors he saw present and knew of. Bro. T. Morgan proposed Visitors.” The Chairman proposed—“ The Press to which Mr Jauion responded. Bro. Harvey proposed— u The Host and Hostess.” Bro. J. Caldwell proposed health of our worthy Chairman.” The various toasts were duly acknowledged or responded to ; and shortly after 12 o’clock the tables and seats were cleared away, and THE BALL commenced to excellent music under the leadership of Mr A. Miller, violinist. The various dances seemed to be highly enjoyed; friendship, harmony, and good order prevailed throughout; and so another successful Orange ball terminated after the morning sun had for some time been marching upward until it had fully gained the ascendency over the artificial lights of the ball-room.