DINNER TO MR. HARMON.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5347, 17 May 1878, Page 2

DINNER TO MR. HARMON.

Last evening a complimentary dinner was given to Brother J. B. Harmon, R.W.D.G' Sire of the Independent Order of Odd Bellows, U.S., by the Southern Cross Lodge, No. 24, at the Theatre Iloyal Hotel. At 8 o’clock about fifty of the fraternity and their friends sat down to an excellent dinner provided by Host Bailey for the occasion. The chair was occupied by Brother Henry Chappell, and the vice-chair by Brother Duncan Cameron. Bro'her Harmon sat on the right and Brother Stout on the left of the chairman. After ample justice had been done to the good things provided, the Chairman proposed “The Health of Her Majesty the Queen,” which was drunk with all the honors. Brother Cameron then proposed “The Health of Brother Hayes, President of the United States,” in a few appropriate remarks. The toast was heartily drunk. , The toast of “ The General Assembly” was then proposed, coupled with the name of Brother Stout, M.H.R., which was received in the most hearty manner. Brother Stout thanked the company for the enthusiastic way in which they had received the toast, and for the honor they had done him in coupling his name with it. “Distance” sometimes “lends enchantment to the view but in this case they had the Assembly amongst them, and had the opportunity of judging of its merits; therefore he would accept it as an additional compliment. The next toast was “The Guest of the Evening,” Brother J. B. Harmon, E.W.G.D. Sire, which Was proposed by Brother Reid in a neat and ■appropriate speech. The toast was drunk in the most enthusiastic manner. ! Brother Harmon, in responding, alluded to the introduction of the Order to America by five Englishmen in 1818, since which time it had spread its branches over the whole of the habitable globe, its members now numbering over half-a-million of souls. When he proposed to visit New Zealand and Australia he was asked what he would make by proceeding thither ; but although he would expend considerably more than the amount set apart for his mission, and lose the time which would otherwise be employed in his business, yet he would have the satisfaction of informing his wife and children that he had been assisting in inaugurating, developing, and fostering one of the finest institutions in the world. The Southern Gross Lodge was the first he had visited in New Zealand, and he - thanked the brethren very sincerely for the kind and cordial manner in which they had received him; Brother W, H. Gidlow proposed “The Grand Lodge of New Zealand,” which was drunk with enthusiasm. Brother Reid responded. Mr. James Reid then proposed “The Order throughout the world,” which was enthusiastically received, Brother Harmon acknowledged the toast, giving an account of his voyage to the colony and the adventures he had met with during his journey. He said he was most favorably impressed with the people of New Zealand, and felt that he had now discovered his ancestors, who were of the true old stock of John Bull, and not descended from monkies, as the Darwin theory would lead them to believe. ' The Chairman then gave “ Kindred Societies,” coupled with the name; of P.P.G.M. McKenzie, which was heartily drunk. ,Mr. McKenzie responded, giving a succinct history of the rise, progress, and present prospects of the Order of Odd Fellows,, M.U., in New Zealand. He said he trusted there would always be a generous rivalry on the part of all Friendly Societies to increase their usefulness for the benefit of their fellow creatures. Brother R. A. Page proposed the “Liberty of the Press,” which was responded to by Mr. McKenzie and Mr. Capper. “ The Ladies” was proposed by Brother Gillespie, and responded to by Brother Shappere. ’ “The Host and Hostess” were given by the Vice-chairman, and were drunk heartily, Host Bailey responding. Some excellent songs were sung by the company during the evening, which contributed greatly to the enjoyment of those present.