THE ORANGE DEMONSTRATION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2384, 6 November 1880, Page 2

THE ORANGE DEMONSTRATION.

Pretty general regret was expressed by the members and friends of Uie Order that the Christchurch and Dunedin contingents were unable to remain the evening in Timaru. Indeed, preparations were made in anticipation of some doing so, and many well-known faces would have been gladly welcomed later on. A largo crowd assembled at the railway station last evening to witness the departure of the Christchurch visitors. After some little difficulty accommodation was provided for all and the train moved off amidst a general round of cheering. The Dunedin portion were accompanied to the Breakwater where they embarked, carrying with them the hearty good wishes and congratulations of those who witnessed their departure.

The hour advertised for the commencement of the banquet was considerably encroached upon before the guests assembled at the Oddfellows’ Hall, where covers had been laid for 200 in a manner that speaks well for the resources of the establishment of the caterers, J. B. Witt A r Co. The W.M., Bro Shepherd, occupied the chair, and Deputy 13ro Hallam the vice-chair.

The W.M., on rising, proposed the toasts of “ The Queen and Royal Family ” and ‘‘The Charter,” which were did}' responded to. The W.M. then proposed the toast of

Tl te health of the Grand Bodge of New Zealand.” He remarked that that day’s demonstration was the outcome of the Boxing Day outrage. The Christchurch brethren had also suffered, though far more seriously than they had. The brotherly feeling,evinced'by the Timaru Bodge on the occasion of the last Christchurch gathering had induced the Orange brethren of that district to swell the ranks of the procession of that da}’. To business people the loss of the Saturday was a matter of great moment, and doubtless many would have remained had the celebration fallen on any other day. Indeed, the Grand .Master, Bro Bevcll, had intimated as much in the course of conversation. The officers of the Grand Bodge were unavoidably absent, hut he would call upon them to drink their healths with the loyalty and good fellowship that was due to that important portion of the order. He would call upon Bros Attwell and Mahan to respond to the toast. Bro Attwell having replied proposed the health of the Timaru Orange Bodge. The Secretary, Bro Moncrietf, replied, and in the course of a few well-chosen remarks congratulated the Orangemen present upon the grand success that had attended the present demonstration.

The toast of the “ Health of Orangemen all over thcWorld,” was then given by the WAL coupled with the name of the Chaplain of the Lodge—the Rev Bro Dnmbell.

The rev. gentleman, on rising, expressed the gratiJication he felt at the conduct of the Orangemen present that day. lie hoped that the same love of order would remain one of the great principles of all those who had taken part in the demonstration. The roll of the Order was increasing, and it was sure to increase so Jong as its members exhibited moderation and clung together in peace. He hoped those present would not only be Protestants but Christians, and that they would not aim at spreading the grand principles of the Reformation by wild outbursts of passion. Orangemen had demonstrated to the Roman Catholic portion of the population that they could mass together without any improprieties being committed. lie was informed there was a possibility of a counter demonstration being organised for St. Patrick’s Day, but he did not think they cared how many processions were held or who the members of those processions might be. He knew that not a single hand would bo raised against the Roman Catholics, and the toleration that was freely accorded them had no right to bo witlihehl from Orangemen, With regard to the subject of the toast— Orangemen were one in sentiment. They were bound together by strongbonds, and whether in lodges or as private members of the order they were entitled to the fullest sympathy and support. The rev. speaker who was loudly cheered during the delivery of a very temporate speech, concluded by wishing success and prosperity to all the Orange lodges in New Zealand, and also to those in every portion of the globe. The health of the last speaker was enthusiastically drunk with musical honors.

Pro. Mahan briefly returned thanks on behalf of the visitors, in the course of his remarks observing that it was his impression that Orangemen had clearly demonstrated unanimity of feeling. He proposed the health of the Past OJiicers of the Timaru Lodge, eulogising their great energy as shown on this occasion. Pro. Fisher responded. The toast of “Kindred Societies” was responded to by Pro. J. Findlay,on behalf of the Caledonian Masonic Lodge and the Canterbury Lodge of Oddfellows, A.C.; Mr 0. Kent replying for the Protestant Alliance Friendly Society.

TI ic W.M. rose and said he had much pleasure in proposing the next toast, “The health of Pro Irvine,” and ho begged to thank that gentleman in the name of the Lodge for the generous and gratuitous use of his paddocks on this occasion.

The thanks of the members Averc also accorded to the Artillery Band for the great assistance they had rendered that day. Bro McXcale (Dunedin) informed the members present that he had recei\ T cd telegrams from Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin Avishing them eA'ery success, and also letters from Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania Avith the same compliments. This gentleman concluded a rather strong speech amidst some applause. The W.M. then gaA r e the “ Health of Sir Witt,” ho had furnished the tables so splendidly that evening. This toast Avas also drunk with musical honors. Mr Witt in response thanked the company for the Avar in Avhich the toast had been honored and stated he Avould have the Avit to sit doAvu. The health of the Press coupled with the names of the representatives present, Avas proposed, duly honored, and responded to. The National Anthem having boon lustily given by the assembled company” the proceedings Averc brought to a close a little before 11.