Friendly Societies

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 11, 16 June 1894, Page 5

Friendly Societies

ANNUAL DEMONSTRATION. The annual demonstration of the Tinited Friendly Societies, in the promotion of which an energetic committee of management had been working hard for some weeks, took place on Wednesday night, and proved thoroughly successful. The weather -could not have been better for the purpose, and the display made by the “Friendlies” must have given the beholders a good idea of the flourishing state of the different Orders represented. The evening’s doings opened, as usual, with A PROCESSION. By agreement the members met at their halls at six p.m., and from thence proceeded to the Zealandia Hall, the common rallying point. Here they were som got into marching order by Bro J. S. Goldie, whose skill as a marshal has often been tested, and never found wanting, and to the music of the Garrison and City Bands, began the parade. The route was from Esk street eastward into Tay street, .along Conon and Tweed streets into Clyde street, and from thence into Dee street At intervals fireworks were discharged, and this, with the varied regalia of the various societies, their banners, and illuminated devices, and the inspiriting music of the bands, made the procession both imposing -and impressive. There was, altogether, a capital muster, the juvenile Foresters and Oddfellows especially turning out well. The following was, in military phrase, the parade state : -—Garrison Band; Foresters (32 of the senior lodge and 38 of the juvenile) ; Pioneer of Southland Lodge, X0.0.F., A.O. (30) ; Shamrock, Rose, .-and Thistle and St. George Lodges, I. M.U. (52 of the senior lodges and 42 of the j-unior) ; City Band; Druids (40); Rechabites (40). A large number of spectators were attracted by the spectacle, and when halt was called opposite the Theatre JRoyal, the thoroughfare was crowded with interested onlookers. Mention lias already been made of Bro. Goldie, and it should also be stated that Bros. Fredric, A. Carnahan, Blomfield, Everett, G. Brown, Todd, and others also did yeoman service in promoting the success of the demonstration. The procession was followed by the .-second item in the programme, THE CONCERT. This took place in the Theatre Boyal. It started punctually to time with an overture by Mr J. Black’s family, which was well received. Mr -JV Fredric (chairman) did not keep them waiting long, seeing the length -of the programme, and called on Mr J. Aitken for a song. Mr Aitken apjpeared and sang “ Eileen Alannah “Bonnie Banks,” by Miss Geddes, was very well rendered, and the lady had to bow her acknowledgments. JLater on, with Miss Innes, “ The Wind and the Harp ” was given with good effect. Master Bertie Black was very good in a cornet solo, and Mr McConnel made a good impression in a. coster song, for which he was encored. Mr McConnel, fortunately, is .mot overburdened with voice, so he should succeed as a comic singer. IWr God ward was the lion of the eveniag with his “ jodelling,” securing a very hearty encore. Miss Nellie Black worthily upheld the family reputation, and Mrs Ross gave a capital rendering of “ Beauty Sleep.” Mr Jenkins sang “My Sweetheart when a boy.” Mr Walls contributed two items, “ Maid of Athens ” and “Death of Nelson,” the latter of which suited him best. “ Scenes that are brightest,” by Mrs P. H. Mohr, lost some of its effect by being taken rather slowly. In every other respect £he number was admirably rendered. 31r Potter was not at all at home with “The Red Cross Banner.” Miss Innes sang “ Lochnagar ” in her wonted style, and secured hearty applause, while Miss Lithgow has rarely sung lietter than she did in “ Whisper and I shall hear ” and “ Dearie,” two

songs which did not receive the applause they deserved. Mr J. Black and Miss Nellie played a very pleasing duet, and the concert was brought to a close by all singing “ God Save the Queen.” The accompaniments were nicely played by Miss Kirwan, assisted at times by Misses Geddes and Lithgow. ,At .an interval in the proceedings the secretary (Bro. G. B. Brown) submitted the following interesting information to the audience :—•

On behalf of the committee I have much pleasure in presenting a short report showing the position held numerically, and financially by the United Friendly Societies in Invercargill. The total membership of the United Societies on 30th December, 1893, was 908. Contributions received for 12 months were ... - ... £2,216 5 2 Amount of sick pay paid for 12 months ... ... ... 1007 5 10 Paid to Dispensary for 12 months ... .. ... 251 9 0 Paid to Medical Association for 12 months ... ... 629 4 8 Total invested funds ... 15,312 17 0 Total accumulated funds ... 17,240 8 1 There have also been two Juvenile Lodges started during the year —one in connection with the A.O. Foresters and one with the Manchester Union Their total membership is now 138, which we consider very satisfactory considering the time they have been in existence. The above figures speak for themselves, as showing the strong position held by the United Friendly Societies.. Space will not permit me to go into details regarding the many advantages to be derived from becoming members of a Friendly Society. I consider it a duty devolving on one and all, and especially young men, to provide for any emergency, and it is no time to think of becoming members when our health is becoming enfeebled by sickness, accident and disease. And in conclusion, I might state that it is not, as many who are not of us have conceived, an idea of our benefits being a charitabla donation. It is not so. They are the honestly earned reward of a members’ prudence and forethought. And while feeling certain that with such a laudable object in view, our members must still increase, I sincerely trust that many present to-night will see it to their advantage to join our ranks, and at our next annual demonstration be wearing the regalia of some society in our procession. The night’s doings appropriately closed with A BALL. This was held in Zealandia Hall, which had been tastefully decorated for, the occasion. There was a very large attendance, and everything passed off well with Messrs Blomfield and Morgan as M.C.’s. Black’s orchestra supplied the music in admirable style, and the same expression will apply to the manner in which Messrs D. Kingsland and Son discharged their duties as caterers of the supper.