UNITED WESTLAND DISTRICT ANCIENT ORDER FORESTERS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2625, 4 February 1885, Page 2

UNITED WESTLAND DISTRICT ANCIENT ORDER FORESTERS.

THE ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the United Westland District Ancient Order of Foresters was held in the Adel phi Hall on Monday afternoon. There were present D.C.R. Debenham, D.S.C.R. Thompson, D.S. Sandle, D.T. Turner, and the following delegates :—From Court Pride of the West, Hokitika, P.D.C.R. Allen, and P.C.R. Howard; Court Waimea, Stafford, P.D.C.R. Pearson; Court Pride of Kumara, P.C.R. Rice, and C.R. G. B. Way. Amongst the business transacted it was resolved to present P.D.C.R. George Anderson, of Court Pride of Kurnara, with a testimonial (from voluntary subscriptions from Foresters) for the energy displayed by him in the cause of Forestry, especially in that referring to a sick member of the High Court,

On the motion of P.D.C.R. Pearson, it was resolved that a special vote of thanks be recorded on the minutes to District Secretary Sandle, for the trouble be has taken in compiling a tabulated statement showing the financial and numerical position of the district.

It was resolved unanimously—That a vote of thanks be recorded to P.D.C.R. Debenham for the able and courteous manner in which he has conducted the business of the district for the past year, that he be presented with an emblematical P.D.C.R.’s neck ribbon, and that his name be inscribed on the Merit Board. Brother Debenham was the father of Forestry on the West Coast, he being one of the original applicants for the dispensation to open the Court in Hokitika. Mr Debenham suitably and feelingly responded. After transacting some routine business for the good and welfare of the district, the meeting closed, after having spent a few hours of successful business and renewing former friendships. THE SUPPER. In the evening about twenty-five of the brethren sat down to an excellent repast prepared by and at Mr Gilbert Stewart’s Hotel. C.R. Way presided. On his right sat the newly-elected D.C.R. Thompson, and on his left P.D.C.R. Debenham. D.S.O.R, Rice acted as Vice-Chairman. After partaking freely of the good things which add to the pleasures of life, The Chairman proposed the health of “ The Queen and Royal Family.” The Vice-Chairman proposed “ The High Court of the Order,” coupled with the name of Bro. Allen ; following with a song. P.D.C.R. Allen responded, and gave a good statistical account of the working of the District and Courts, which he said were in a flourishing condition, as for several years there had been a gain both in funds and membership. The Chairman then proposed a toast “ To the Sick and Distressed;” which was responded to silently, P.D.C.R. Allen next proposed “ The District Officers, Past and present.” This toast was responded to by P.D.C.R. Debenham and D.C.R. Thompson. In doing so, Bro. Thompson gave a few interesting statistics of the Ancient Order. The total number of members was 609,219; the number of Courts was 4778 (being an average of over 106 member’s to each Court). The funds amounted to £3,022,997; the District funds to £360,783. The District of Westland, he remarked, was progressing very favourably in both numbers and funds. The management of the High Court realised during the year profits to the amount of £1419 12s 10d. He concluded by stating that

in about fourteen years the Order had nearly doubled the number of its members, and more than doubled its funds.— [Much applause.] The Chairman proposed “ Success to the Court Pride of the West and Court Waimeaj coupled with the names of Bros. Pearson and Allen.”

Song by Bro. Wood. Bros. Pearson and Allen suitably responded.

Bro. M 1 Mahon proposed success to “Kindred Societies;” coupled with the name of Bro. Morgan. Song by Bro. Pearson.

Bro. Morgan responded, expressing the hope that charity and brotherly love would always prevail. C.R. Thompson (Hokitika) proposed “Success to the Court Pride of Kumara.” It was three years ago since his name was coupled with the toast of the Chief Ranger. The present gathering brought to mind pleasing recollections of many old as well as comparatively new faces. It always afforded him great pleasure to come to Kumara ; it was a time of pleasure which seemed to take him hack to memorable days of yore.—[Applause.] Song by Bro. Borlase : “ Roger Tichborne is mv name.”

C.R. Way responded, hoping they would have many such gatherings in the future.

Bro, Jones proposed success to “ The Commercial and Mining interests,” coupled with the names of Bros. Way and Borlase.

Song by Bro. Tonkin : “The Young Recruit.”

The Chairman, in replying to the commercial interest hoped there were better times in store for us; the success of the one interest would be the success of the other.

Bro. Borlase said he would be wanting if he did not make some allusion to the respective interests. He considered the miner was of as much value to the prosperity of the West Coast as the agriculturist, and the miners were as much settled here as they were in the agricultural districts. Song by Bro. Debenham: When the Christmas log is burning,” C.R. Thompson proposed “ Success to absent Brothers,” coupled with the name of the worthy Vice-Chairman. Song: “ For I like a glass of good beer,” with chorus.

Vice-Chairman Rice responded, and stated that there were many who would join heartily in their festival to-night, were it practicable.

Bro. Borlase was called upon to propose the toast of “The Ladies” In doing so, he said he did not know much about the ladies, but he had got married—[laughter]—since the last festival. Song by Bro. Debenham: “ The Merry Maids of England.” Bro. Pearson responded to the toast by remarking that if God hadn’t made the lasses, he did not know where wo would all have been.—[Laughter.] Bro. M‘Mahon proposed “ Our Volunteers,” coupled with the name of Bro. Borlase.

Song by Bro. Harvey : “ The good Rhine Wine.”

Bro. Borlase replied. He believed in Volunteering because it led to good discipline as applied to various acts in the walk of life. They were not merely Volunteers in name in Kumara. When some time ago they were appealed to know how many would go to the North Island on active service, 25 out of 30 of our Volunteers offered their services.—[Applause.] In Kumara alone, there was the making of one of the best corps in New Zealand. [Applause.] Song by Bro. Tonkin ; “My dear, my Native Home.” Bro. M'Mahon proposed “ Our Fire Brigade,” coupled with the name of Bro. Grams; and took occasion to remark that in the late Fire Brigades competition at Dunedin, from which they were now returning, the Kumara team had acquitted themselves well, and he thought they should do them this honour.—[Hear, hear.] Song by Bro. Wood: “0 happy be thy dreams.” Bro. Orams thanked those present sincerely on behalf of the Fire Brigade, for the hearty manner in which the toast had been given. No one was more proud than he was at the success of the Kumara Brigade. If they had acted on his advice they would not have ventured to compete, as be was well aware they would be competing against men who had had many years’ practice in competitions. However, the Kumara team felt confidence in their own ability, and the result was they had come off second best. But he considered them equal to the best men ; and he now felt proud of the men who had gone, and who had gained such distinction.—[Applause.] Song by Bro. Morgan ; “ Far Away,”

Bio. Ornma then proposer): “The British Press/’ coupled with the name

of Mr Janion. If the Press wore silent, what should we do? We look for it as we do for our daily bread. The speaker paid a flattering tribute to the local newspaper, which contained the very latest news of interest from all parts of the world, and was well conducted.

Song by Mr Eice : “ The Old Musketeer.”

Mr Janion responded, and alluded to the very close communication we were brought into with the rest of the world, and the antipodes in particular, and instanced the receipt, on Friday last of a message from London received in New Zealand on the same date, notwithstanding we were 11J hours before London time. He thanked those present for the enthusiastic manner in which the toast had been received.

A recitation by Bro. Pearson followed : “ Dear Old Bendigoafter which Bro. Haiwey sang “ When lam faraway;” Bro. Borlase “’Tis nice to be a father;” Bro. Debenham “The Irish Emigrant;” and Bro. Thompson also favoured the company with a song. The Chairman proposed the health of “The Host and Hostess,” referring in complimentary terms to the very excellent spread which had been provided. Host Stewart replied that it gave him great pleasure always to know that his efforts were as successful as he desired.

The singing of “ Auld lang syne ” and a verse of the “ National Anthem ” brought the most enjoyable festivities in connection with the anniversary to a close.