LOYAL ORANGE LODGE ANNIVERSARY.

Kumara Times, Issue 2747, 11 July 1885, Page 2

LOYAL ORANGE LODGE ANNIVERSARY.

. ♦ The Bible and Crown Loyal Orange Lodge of Kumara held their annual celebration of the Boyne yesterday with the usual ball and supper. The ball was held in the Adelphi Theatre, and the supper in the Masonic Hall. Again we have to chronicle the fact that owing to the perseverance of the managing committee in the general conduct of the arrangements, the festival has this year also proved a grand success. Shortly after half-past nine the ball opened with a good company, and dancing was kept up with much spirit until the time appointed for supper. It was evident everybody came to enjoy themselves by being early at the ball, and the presence of so many young and handsome people and the fairy decorations of the hall gave charm and happiness to all. At about the appointed hour, 11.30 p.m. an adjournment was made to the Masonic Hall, where an excellent spread awaited all whose hunger and thirst had become quickened by the process of dancing and a somewhat frosty atmosphere. This was provided by Mrs Gilbert Stewart, the hostess whose reputation in these matters is so widely known. The company were scarcely well seated, when the member for the district, Mr R. J. Seddon, put in an appearance at the supper, to the great surprise of everyone. He and Mrs Seddon were at once invited to the head of the table alongside R.W.M. Morris, who presided. Deputy - Master W. Harvey occupied the vice-chair. The Hokitika True Blue Lodge and the newlyorganised Reef ton Lodge were represented by Messrs M'Knight and King, and there were representatives and visitors from most of the other lodges in the district. After the Chaplain, the Rev. G. Hay, had said grace, the excellent repast was freely partaken of; and then followed toasts and short speeches. R.W.M. Bro. Morris proposed—" The Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and all the Royal Family."—[Loud applause.] Deputy-Master W. Harvey then proposed—" The Glorious, Pious, arid Immortal Memory of William 111., Prince of Orange, coupled with the name of the Rev. Mr Hay." The Rev. Mr Hay briefly responded, advocatingf reedoni of speech and fair play, but now for a dance.—[Applause.] Bro. T. Brown proposed—" The Earl of Enniskillen, our Imperial Grand Master."—Drank with cheers.

Song by Bro. Rodgers— "From every hill and valley." Secretary Baucke proposed "The Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge of the Middle Island of New Zealand." Bro. Rodgers proposed—" Orangemen all over the Globe." Song by Bro. Nankervis—" The Orange and the Blue." R.W.M. Bro. Morris proposed—" The Visiting Officers and Brothers, coupled with the names of Bros. M'Knight and King." Both gentlemen suitably responded. Bro. Brown proposed—" The member for the District. "He did not expect Mr Seddon would be here to respond himself ; he thought he must have come in a balloon. Cheers were given for Mr snd Mrs Seddon and the little Seddons. Mr Seddon, M.H.R., said it gave him very great pleasure indeed to respond to the' toast of himself and his wife and family. The great improvement of late in means of communication between the capital and the West Coast had enabled him to be present. If there had been any fighting to be done, he would not have been here. [Laughter.] But he was now here as a matter of love and duty.— [Applause.] As political matters stood at present, he thought they would be beneficial to the majority. "No surrender" was the motto he adopted when he first entered the political arena. When he returned to Wellington he should do his best for the district and New Zealand.—

[Applause.]—He felt satisfied that he still retained the confidence of his constituents. "The Press," coupled with the name of Mr Janion, was proposed by Bro. Anderson. In replying, Mr Janion stated that he only regretted that his time was so fully occupied during the day that he had been unable to do justice in reporting mining matters; but he had very recently made arrangements with a gentleman in wnom he had the most implicit confidence, to give periodical reports on mining. He thanked the company heartily for the enthusiastic manner in which the toast had been supported. The toasts of "Our Visitors," "The Ladies," and "The Hostess," were severally given ; and The company then adjourned to the ball-room, where dancing was kept up great spirit until daylight.