Friendly Societies

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 12, 17 June 1893, Page 9

Friendly Societies

ANNUAL DEMONSTRATION

Energy and organisation are two potent factors in the success of any movement of a public character, and their results were never more strikingly displayed than on the evening of Wednesday last, when the annual demonstration of- our United Friendly Societies was : held. The try a ting place was Zcalandia hall, the. time 5.30 p.m., and with commendable punctuality the “ friendlies ” gathered from their different halls. Having been got into

processional order by P.G. Bfb. J. S. Goldie, of whom it may be said, as of poets, that he is a born marshal, the members,-who were accompanied by the Garrison and City bands, began. - THE MARCH in good style; Passing into Tay street, the procession went along Jed, Spey, and Gala streets, and from thence, by way'of Deo and Tay streets, to the hall. ' The route chosen gave ample opportunity for the crowds of onlookers who assembled to admire the display, for which the weather was admirably suited —the calm, frosty air, enabling the pyrotechnic part of the programme to be carried out to perfection. A great deal of trouble and ingenuity had been expended by several members in the construction of handsome headlights, and these, with the torches of the bands, the burning of blue lights, and the occasional explosion of fireworks, made up • a show at once imposing and delightful. The bands, too, did good service with their selections, and altogether ihe promoters can honestly be congratulated on having achieved a brilliant success. Going more into detail, it may be mentioned that the Garrison Band led off, and was followed by the Acorn Lodge, U.A.0.D., who mustered in great force, and whose weird and ghostly habiliments were conspicuous in the glare and glitter. They also had impressed a vehicle into service, and with good effect. Next came the Shamrock, Rose, and Thistle and Loyal St. George Lodges, 1.0.0. P., M.U., who wore preceded by a fine banner, and a vehicle with five revolving drums, bearing appropriate devices. The City Band followed, and then came tho local representatives of Robin Hood and his merry men in the persons of the members of Court Star of the South. A.0.F., who also made a good display. Next in order came tho Murihiku Tent, 1.0. E., who had before them a transparent tent mounted on a loitj. Tho sloping sides of the tenement were covered with appropriate mottoes, the word*, “ We drink no wine,” standing out prominently. After the Murihikuans came the members of the Pioneer of Southland Lodge, 1.0.0. F., A.C., who possessed an artistic headlight, in the shape of a revolving globe. The procession was succeeded by A SOIREE in Zealandia Hall, the interior of which, thanks to the efforts of many willing hands, was made to look wonderfully bright with flags, evergreens, and emblems of various kinds. But the sight that had the greatest attractions for tho five or six hundred men, women and children, for whom Mr J. Kiugsland had undertaken to cater—a duty of which he acquitted himself splendidly—was the good things invitingly arrayed on tho tables ranged along the floor of tho spacious building. Bro. Blomficld, past G'.E. of the Foresters, and Chairman of the Gala Committee, presided, and after grace had been said, the clatter of cups and saucers began, and ceased not till the members of the Order who acted for the nonce as -waiters were assured that everybody had had enough. Tho juvenile clement was strongly represented on the occasion, and we are sorry to say that some of the youngsters were very ill-behaved, both at tea and also when the concert was going on. “ Boys will be boys,” it is true, but they ought to know better than to make themselves a nuisance to their ciders. After tea came . THE CONCERT, which was opened with an overture by the Excelsior String Band. Then followed an address by the chairman, who submitted a sheet statement regarding the six Friendly Societies who had, taken part in the demonstration. The total number of financial members was 908, but in addition there were a good many honorary members. The total amount of receipts of the six Societies for tho year w T as £2127 ; the sick pay for the year was £955; the amount paid during the same period to the dispensary for medicine was £913 ; and for medical fees £553. He might state in connection with the dispensary that it was in a very flourishing condition, its—assets being between £6OO and £7OO, and its liabilities nil. The accumulated funds of the six Societies amounted to £16,939. The Chairman closed his address wiqh a wrelltimed invitation to all non-members present to join tho ranks of one or other of the friendly societies. To the programme which followed Miss Lines contributed the song “Lenore,” Miss Murphy “Strangers Yet,” and Miss Gilchrist, of Thornbury. a capital rendering of “ Lochnagar,” for which she was re-called. Selections were also given by Messrs Oveuden, Goldie, Blomficld, Potter, Aitken, Jenkins, and J. Peters, and the latteralso gave a violin solo, into which he introduced some comical business. Messrs Potter and Aitken, and Mr Peters and Miss Peters also took part in duets. The accompaniments were played by Miss Kirwan and Miss Peters. Tho end of tho programme was reached shortly before ten o'clock, the audience leaving to the strains of Auld Lang Syne and the National A nth cm. The floor was then quickly cleared for THE DANCE, at which between 60 and 70 couples footed it merrily for some hours to the mueic of the Excelsior band, and with Messrs Goldie, Blomficld and Fredric as M.O.’s Before closing this notice it in only fair to add that the striking headlights used were the work of Mr B. Nash, and Pros. G. Brown (the energetic secretary of the committee) Smith, Eankin, Wills, J. Humphries, and Fredric (2).