OAMARU DISTRICT LODGE OF ODDFELLOWS.

North Otago Times, Volume II, Issue 37, 3 November 1864, Page 3

OAMARU DISTRICT LODGE OF ODDFELLOWS.

The Oamaru District Loyal Lodge of the M.U.I.O.O.F. was inaugurated on Thursday, 27th October, in their hall, Thames- street, and dispensation granted by a Committee of the Otago District Lodge, who attended for the purpose, consisting of Messrs Geddes, Bastings, and Grey. The number of members enrolled was 24, and £5 16s were paid in for admission fees. The following officers were elected, viz.: — Messrs W. H. Smith, N.G. ; R. Thompson, P.G. ; and James Bee, Secretary. TUB INAUGURATION DINNER. The dinner was held the same evening, at the Star and Garter Hotel, the large billiard-room having been tastefully fitted and decorated for the occasion. The number present was from 50 to 60. The chair was occupied by G.P.M. Bastings, and the vice-chair by D.P.G.M. Geddes. After an excellent dinner had been discussed, the chairman proposed " The Queen," (all the honors). Mr Thompson gave, " Manchester Unity," (all the honors). Mr Bastings returned thanks. He made an interesting statistical statement regarding Oddfellows' Societies. In Britain, he said, the number of Oddfellows was 350,549 ; and in the colonies, &c, 20,000. The number instituted in 1 863 was 20,000 ; the number of Grand Lodges belonging to the unity was 36,000 ; the number of districts, 450. To show the scale on which relief was dispensed by them, he cited the instance of the distress in Lancashire, to relieve which thfcf Oddfellows had contributed £6000. The Society was a unity, and the working general. The district lodges paid into the parent society, and the funds were consolidated under the Manchester Unity, which guaranteed the disbursements. It was not a simple Investment Company, but a species of Insurance Society as well. He defined the objects to be to meet the wants of the members in sicknesg, old age, and poverty, to defray funeral expenses, and assist the widows and orphans of the members. Many a sick-bed and death-bed, he said, had been consoled and comforted by the Society, many a widow and orphan cheered. He would exhort all to join a Mutual Benefit Society, whose objects were so excellent, and whose exertions had already been proved to be so beneficial. Twenty-four members had already joined the Oamaru District Loyal Lodge, which had that day been inaugurated. Mr Bastings' statement was received with great applause. The Chairman gave, " The Prince of Wales and the Royal Family," (all the honors). Dr Williams proposed, " The Army and Navy," coupled with the Volunteers of Otago, (all the honors). Mr Grey returned thanks. The Chairman gave, " The Loyal Oamaru Lodge ;" replied to by Mr Smith, N.U. Mr Grouden proposed, "Kindred Societies;" replied to by the chairman, who took the opportunity to propose, " The Widows' and Orphans' Fund," which was responded to by Mr Grey. " The Town and Trade of Oamaru," having been given fi om the chair, thanks were returned by Mr Ward. The Vice-Cliairrnan gave, " The Town Board of Oamaru;" Mr Baudmct leturned thanks. r lhe toast, " The Agricultuial and Pastoral Interests," was proposed by Mr White, and replied to by Mr Quarne. " The District Officers of Otago," was proposed by Mr Thompson, and leplied to by Mr Geddes. " The Press," was given by Mr Grey ; Mr , Everest returned thanks. " The LadieB," were duly remembered by Mr Bee, to which toast Mr Everest also replied. These toasts were severally greeted with the honois. The toast of " The Host," was proposed by the Chaiiman, in terms of high commendation. He said he had been present on many such occasions, but had seldom seen better arrangements or more excellent iare. Ibe manner in which the dinner had been fjot up would do credit to a metropolitan city. {All tbe honors and much applause.) The decorations of the dining-room, which were by Messrs Stanley and Anderson, were much admired A number of excellent songs were sung in the course of the evening, and the company separated at a late hour, alter a most pleasant meeting. '1 he Oamaru Lodge now fairly afloat, will, it is hoped, realise all the expectations of its promoters, and prove beneficial to the district. The principles on which it is founded have already been fully tested, and the parent society is one of known stability and wealth.