OPENING OF A NEW ODDFELLOWS LODGE.

Southland Times, Issue 967, 12 June 1868, Page 3

OPENING OF A NEW ODDFELLOWS LODGE.

The opening of a new Lodge in connection with the Independent Order of Oddfelows, Manchester Unity, took place at the Lodge-room, Clarendon Hotel, Esk-street, on Tuesday evening. There was a large attendance of local members, and the Eiverton and Dunedin Lodges were also represented. After the usual forms had been observed, Brother Webster read the warrant authorising the institution of the Loyal St. George Lodge. About fifteen members were then duly initiated, Brothers Goodwillie acting as Warden, Eraser as V. G. Webster as N.G., W. H. Hall as T.C., and Scandrett G.M. The election of officers was then proceeded with, when Brothers Scandrett and W. H. Hall (of Ekensteen and Hall), were unanimously elected N.G. and V.G\, respectively, and Brother D. Strang, Secretary, The members afterwards sat down to a recherche entertainment, served up by mine Host Hughes in a style which reminded us of the palmy days of the Eagle and Prince, and proved that although out of business for some time, our old friend had not forgotten his profession. After the cloth had been removed, the chair was occupied by Mr Webster, the vice chair being filled by Mr Scandrett. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts having been duly given and responded to, the chairman briefly proposed the Oddfellows of the Manchester Unity, remarking that the toast needed no recommendation. Mr Kingsland, in response, observed that public opinion had very much changed regarding the institution. Formerly very confused ideas of the objects and principles of the society were current, but, thanks to the press, and to the exertions of several of our members at home, and in the colonies, and even locally, in publishing enlightened and readable accounts of the society, they were no longer regarded with suspicion. Song by Mr Ferguson, "The Qood Rhine Wine." The Otago District, proposed very pithily by the vice chair, and responded to by Mr Ferguson, was followed by a capital song by Mr A. Dean, entitled " Cheer Brothers Cheer." Mr Groodwillie, in proposing the toast of the evening, Prosperity to the Loyal St. George Lodge, regretted that he was unable to do it justice. The new Lodge was starting under very favorable auspices. The members had secured, he might say, prosperity by their election of officers, and he had not the slightest doubt of the ultimate success of the lodge. If they gave the institution that attention it deserved, it would in time be as prosperous as the original lodge had been in this town. The toast was heartily received. The Vice-chairman, in response, thanked the guests for the favorable reception they had accorded the toast. The members could easily understand that the institution of this lodge had been a matter of anxiety to him, which was amply compensated by the presence of so many members. Song by Mr O'Keefe, " Sweet spirit hear my Prayer." Mr Kingsland then proposed the Loyal Shamrock, Hose, and Thistle Lodge. Eesponded to by Mr Ferguson, who traced by the statistics of the lodge its steady and quick progress. Song by Mr Kingsland, " The old arm chair." The Chairman called on the Vicechair for a recitation, who responded with one very apropos for the occasion, founded on fable of "The bundle of sticks," which was well received. Mr W. H. ■ Hall proposed the Visiting Brothers. Eesponded to by Mr A. Dean and Mr Seehof. Song by Mr W. J. Lambert. Several other toasts followed, including the Press, the Ladies, and the Host. Mr Wilkinson proposed the health of the Chairman, stating that the successful carrying out of these meetings depended a good deal on the gentleman who filled that position. The. Chairman thanked the members for the compliment. He wished no greater honor than to preside over an

Oddfellows' meeting. Song by Mr Goodwillie. Mr Kingsland said he understood that their worthy vice had draughted the programme, which resulted in the omission of the toast he wished to propose. The members well knew that in matters coming before the old Lodge discussions took place and rotes were taken. On the question of a second lodge he was in a minority — he had opposed the motion. However, he had since ascertained he had been under a misapprehension. He thought the object was to divide the old lodge. This was not the case. The new Lodge would be formed entirely of new members, governed naturally by past ffiocers of the old lodge, until they wore in a position to manage their own affairs. The existence of the new lodge was mainly owing to Mr W. B. Scandrett ; he therefore proposed a bumber to the health of the vice chairman. Drank with musical honors. The vicec-hairman in reply, thanked the members for their kindness. Regarding the remarks about the opposite opinion at one time held by the proposer of the toast, it proved, in the first place, the value of opposition, as it elucidated the truth ; in the second, that however much they might differ on some questions, they were still united in the principles of the order. After a few more songs and toasts, the company separated after singing the National Anthem. The whole proceedings were very creditably carried out, and must have produced a favorable impression on the newly made members. — Communicated.