ANCIENT ORDER OF DRUIDS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2924, 9 August 1882, Page 3

ANCIENT ORDER OF DRUIDS.

According to announcement, the newly-formed lodge of Drnids in this town, last night held their first formal meeting since the receipt of the dispensation from the Grand Lodge in Melbourne. The opening was attended with unusual success, no less than 96 members having been initiated, the largest first muster on record. After the disposal of the formal business and the election of the various officers, viz., Arch Druid, Bro, M. A. Collins ; Vice Arch Druid, Bro. Keith ; Secretary, Bro. J. Eeilly ; Treasurer, Bro, M, Howe ; Guards, Bros. Budd and Watson; Arch Bards, Bros. Kinlay and Turner ; Vice Bards, Bros. Main and Moore ; Minute Secretary, Bro. Lyle ; Medical Officer, Dr K. B. Hogg, the lodge was closed and members proceeded to the Ship Hotel at a quarter to eleven. In the billiard room there was laid a dinner of the most recherche description. Covers were laid for 80 guests, and the full Dumber sat down. The appearance of the table was most inviting and showed that McGuinness had lost none of his skill and taste as a caterer.

The Chair was taken by District President Bro. Thomson,of Christchurch, and the Vice-Chairs by Past District Presidents Bros Samuels and Openheim also of Christchurch. These three district officers had come down to open the new lodge. After the removal of the cloth the Chairman proposed the toast of the “Queenand the Eoyal Family.” This was drunk with enthusiasm.

Song—Bro. Samuels. A. D. Bro. Collins proposed the toast of the “ Grand Lodge and Board of Directors, coupled with the names of D.P- Tomson and P.D.P. Samuels and Openheim, which was drunk with musical honors, , Song—Bro. Watson. Bro Openheim responded to the previous toast, .and stated that the new lodge had opened with a larger number of members than any lodge on this side of the line. He thought this cheering result was due in a great measure to the energy and devotion of the promoters. He informed the meeting that in a few months some officers of the Grand Lodge of England purposed coming out for a tour of the colonies. He urged members to do all in their power to promote the success of the lodge and proposed the health of the new lodge, which was drunk enthusiastically. Song—Bro. Albury. A.D. Bro. Collins in responding to the toast of the new Lodge, said, on his arrival here from Dunedin, he had placed himself in communication with an old Druid in this place and with the co-operation of Bro. Adair, in Dunedin, he had called a preliminary meeting with the final result of the opening of the Lodge to-night. He thanked the meeting cordially for their reception of the toast and trusted that within a year hence the numbers would amount to two hundred. V.AD. Bro. Keith supported the previous speaker and pointed out that success depended upon the energy of the officers and the harmonious working of members. Song-—Bro. Willstead. Song—Bro. Smith. ’ P.D.P. Bro Samuels had pleasure in proposing the health of the Press in eulogistic terms —stating that the Press had done much to encourage Druidism, not only in Timaru but throughout Hew Zealand. He bogged to couple with this toast the names of Messrs Kirby and Hard castle, who were present. Song—Bro. Adair (of Dunedin). Messrs Kirby and Hardcaatlo re■ponded for the Press. Song—Bro. Openheim (P.D.P.) Bro. Willstead proposed the toast of the “ Army and Navy,” and referred to the present position of affairs in Egypt. He thought the past achievements and present perils of both entitled them to our warmest regard. The toast was drunk with musical honors and much enthusiasm. Song—Bro. Poster.

After several other songs and toasts the party separated, having spent a most enjoyable evening.