Friendly Societies

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 2, 14 April 1894, Page 5

Friendly Societies

COURT STAR of the SOUTH, A.o.r. The twentieth anniversary of the above Court was celebrated on Wednesday evening by a procession, but the weather was unfavourable for any outdoor display. The members, together with those of the Juvenile Court, fell in at the Foresters Hall, and headed by the City Band and a number of horsemen in characteristic regalia, marched through several, of the principal streets, and finally brought up at the Temperance Hall, where the soiree was held. The hall was tastefully decorated with flags, banners, evergreens, etc., Bros. A. McLean, R. Folley, and C. E. B. Ward being the moving spirits in this direction. Bro. D. McFarlane provided a first-class spread, most of which soon disappeared at the hands of the large company who sat down. A very successful concert followed, when the building was well filled with an appreciative audience. After an overture by the orchestra (Miss'Coaling, and Messrs J. Couling and T. Lithgow), Mr H. McAlister (chairman) said he was very pleased to see such a large attendance, which was extremely gratifying considering the state of the weather.

The programme was commenced by Mr H. E. Anthony singing “A Lesson from Dad,” after which Miss Murphy contributed very nicely “ Home, Deary, Home.” Mr and Miss Couling (violin and piano) played for* Mr Wren, who danced a sailor’s hornpipe in fine style. Miss Morrison, a new arrival in Invercargill, made her debut in “ Dear Heart,” and had to respond to a vociferous encore, when she pleased the audience a really firstclass rendering of “ Cornin’ thro’ the Rye.” A recitation by Mr Gladstone entitled “ Wilful Murder ” was encored, when “ Maloney’ Eenian Cat ” again delighted the “ small fry.” u Come buy My Flowers,” by Miss Spratt, was succeeded by Mr Lister with “Waiting for the Verdict.” A good though rather long recitation, “ The Honest Newsboy,” received full justice at the hands of Mr D. Farnie. As usual the comic element was supplied by Mr T. J. Anthony, who sang, in his best style, “ The Stammering Sweetheart,” and on being re-called sang “ He talked in His Sleep.” In presenting four boys of the Juvenile Court with prizes, Bro. Harper said it was a grand training school for them —not only financially but also for the lessons on morality which they received. It would fit them to take their places in the world when the time came. He presented to Master Hugh Murphy, first. Chief Ranger in Southland, a medal; a book to Master Watt for proposing the most members ; a book to Master R. Walker for being the best behaved boy; and a massive breast pin to Master R. Folley for being generally useful.

From the report read by the secretary (Bro. R. Folley) it appeared that the last balance-sheet showed an increase of twenty-five members, and an increase of funds amounting to £155 2s 2d. During the year 38 members had been initiated, whilst 13 had been lost, leaving 219 benefit members on the roll and total funds of £1864 15s 4d ; £174 15s had been paid away for sickness. An important step taken was the founding of a Juvenile Court. At the opening in November last 62 members were enrolled, and there were now 80 members, and the Court promised to be a great success. Referring to the Order in Otago, Bro. Folley mentioned that when the United Otago District held their last meeting a total membership of 1706 was reported, the value of the courts and district being £28,561 7s 9d. By the quinquennial Valuation it was shown that they were better off financially to the extent of £3 2s lOd per member. The last district meeting decided to frame laws for the constitution, guidance, and working of Courts for women, so it was quite possible that a Court for women would be established in Invercargill ere long.

The second part of the programme was opened by Miss Kirwan, whose Sweet voice was heard to advantage in “By the Fountain,” which was loudly applauded. Mr H. E. Anthony contributed “ After the Ball,” and, having to re-appear, sang the last verse, after which IVliss Morrison gave the audience another taste of her ability by singing “Robin Adair.” An encore was demanded, and although the lady bowed her acknowledgments, they would not satisfy, and she repeated the last verse. This item was the gem of the evening, Miss Morrison being in splendid voice. She is a decided acquisition to the musical cix-cles of our city, and we hope to hear her again. A violin solo by Miss N, Spratt (“Life let Us cherish”) was very acceptable, as also was an Irish jig by one of the Juvenile Couit (Bro. R. Walker) whose size and comicalities fairly brought down the house. Miss Murphy, though rather nervous, gave a good rendering of “ The Maid of the Mill,” and then Mr Lister sang “ Mr ’Bnry ’Awkins ” in true coster style. Another of the Juvenile Court in Bro. Gr. Griffith made his appearance and contributed very pleasantly “ A Soldier and a Man.” Mr T. j. Anthony hit off: one of the questions of the day in “ Hip, hoorah, for Temperance,” and the audience, “ asking for more,” he sang “Fo was I.” Miss Kirwan acted throughout as accompanist with her usual taste and precision. Thus the 1 long programme was concluded, and the chairman thanked those present for their attendance. The boys had conducted themselves remarbakly well, and the audience could see that those belonging to the Juvenile Court could behave themselves among grown-up people. The hall was then immediately cleared for the dance, at which a goodly number footed it right merrily until the “wee sma’ ’oors” on Thursday morning to A 1 music supplied by Miss Couling (piano), and Messrs T. Lithgow (cornet) and J. Couling (violin), while Messrs J. Henderson and Brown acted as M.’s.C.