RIVERTON.

Southland Times, Issue 645, 18 March 1867, Page 3

RIVERTON.

(from otje own cobrespokdeitt.) On Tuesday evening last the members of the Loyal Sons of Perseverance Lodge, 10.0.F,M.U, met at the Odd-Eellows' Hall, for the purpose of giving a reception Lo J. C. Bellamy, Esq., P.P.G.M., of the Ofcago district. About thirty members •were present, who sat down to a repast which, considering the short notice which the caterer had received (Brother Bellamy having only arrived the same evening), was very creditably got up. The chair was occupied by T. Daniels, Esq., the present N.Gr. ; supported on the right by D. Webster, Esq., (visiting brother from Invereargill), and on the left by Greorge Bawles, Esq., Bro. The vice chair was filled by Mr J. "Wilson, V.Gh ; supported on the right by Mr John Tall, Bro., and on the left by Mr J. Hancock, Bro. The business of the evening having been brought to a close, and the Lodge books minutely inspected by P.P.G.M. Bellamy, who highly complimented the permanent Secretary (Mr P. Paxton) on the satisfactory manner in which they were kept. The Chairman proposed Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen and liojral Family, which was responded to with all Jwaorsv

Various other toasts having been drank, and responded to, and the meeting enlivened with a few songs, The N.G., T. Daniels, Esq., then rose to propose the toast of the evening — " Health and prosperity to P.P.G-.M. John Charles Bellamy, their guest that evening." The toast was heartily responded to ; the company singing, " For he's a jolly good fellow." Mr Bellamy, in reply, said that he scarcely knew how to thank them sufficiently for the honor that had been done him, and the welcome he had received that evening; and in the course of a lengthy and talented speech highly complimented the Lodge on having such a splendid and spacious edifice tohold their meetings in, which he considered equal to any in the district. (Loud cheers.) Mr Bellamy proposed prosperity to the Loyal Sons of Perseverance Lodge. Responded to by the Chairman, who stated that he trusted this would not be the last time they should have the honor of Mr Bellamy's company at their meetings ; he considered that a gathering of members on such occasions as the present did a great deal of good in forwarding the interest of the order. The company separated at a reasonable hour, Brother Bellamy having to leave early in the morning. Great preparations are being made for the purpose of giving His Excellency a fitting reception on his honoring this town with a visit, which, it is to be hoped, he will do during his stay in Southland. The country residence of J. P. Taylor, Esq. (the Superintendent) is being fitted up for the occasion, and everything is being done under the superintendence of the district committee, for the purpose of receiving His Excellency in a way that becomes all loyal subj ects.