MEETING OF ODDFELLOWS.

Southland Times, Issue 1198, 21 January 1870, Page 3

MEETING OF ODDFELLOWS.

In accordance with an advertisement which appeared in our columns, a meeting of delegates from the Lodges in Southland took place at the Council Chamber, Kelvin-street, courteously placed at their disposal by His Honor the Superintendent, on Wednesday evening, the 19th insfc. There was a large attendance of members in the " gallery," who watched the proceedings with attention. The business opened by a. temporary chairman being appointed, who directed the acting secretary to read the correspondence, &c, authorising the institution ofthe "Invercargill District." Two gentlemen were then nominated for the office of President, or Prov. G.M. On the ballot being taken, Bro. David Webster was declared elected, and he was at once installed into that office. Four gentlemen were then nominated for the position of Vicepresident, or Prov. D.G.M., the ballot resulting in favor of Bro. W. Wilkinson. The office of Prov. OS. was unanimously voted to the Permanent Secretary of the Loyal Sfc. George Lod^e, Bro. W. B. Scandrett. Two gentlemen were then proposed for Treasurer, the choice falling on P.G. William Fraser. Bros. G. Goodwillie and Neil Ferguson were elected Trustees. The elected officers having returned thanks for the honor done them, the meeting proceeded to consider several matters affecting the | Order, resulting in power being given to the District Officers to visit Eiverton, and the Lodges there, with a view fco the careful examination of the financial position of each Lodge, also to strike a levy of an amount equal to the average of the past five years. A committee to frame bye-laws for the district, and several other matters, being agreed to, the meeting was adjourned till Thursday, 10th March. The members thereafter proceeded to | the Lodge Room to partake of an excellent supper, prepared by host Bro. Perry, in a manner that reflected the highest credit upon the resources of his establishment. After the cloth had been removed, and the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had been responded to, The Chairmanproposed " The I. O. 0.F., M. U , throughout the World," remarking that, having occupied their time so often during the evening, he would not encroach further on it. Bro. John Kingsland responded in an excellent speech, in which the position of the Order was shown as being — in addition to all its other advantages — that of a huge assurance society, with funds sufficient to pay its liabilities at any moment, with the remark that it was equally incumbent upon those whose income depended on their- health to insure against disease or accident, as it was for the merchant or shipper to insure against loss by fire or water Bro. W. H. Hall followed with " Continued prosperity to the Otago District," remarking that the division had not alienated the mutual goodwill existing between the Ofcago District and the officers of lodges here ; the correspondence expressing hearty wishes for our future welfare. Bro. Neil Ferguson responded, concurring with the remarks that had fallen from the proposer. The next toast, "Success to the Invercargill District," was proposed by Bro. Porter, who thought the manner the business of the evening had been considered and discussed, augured well for its success. The Prov. G.M. responded. Bro. Theo. Daniel proposed " Success to the Lodges composing this District," and in a practical speech urged the members to continued attention to the interests of the Order. Bros. Shields, Paxton, and Peter M'E\yan responded, the latter gentleman stating it was well known that the Lodge he represented was the youngest, but its success bad been beyond expectation, and had resulted from the excellent officers whom the members had been fortunate enough to elect. Bro. Clement Morton proposed " The Delegates," in a complimentary speech, and remarked that he had observed the business had flowed past with ease and pleasantness. Bros. Taylor, Ferguson, and Kingsland responded to this toast, the latter gentleman remarking that previous to the meeting commencing he had expected that a great number of difficulties would arise, but thanks to the gentleman whom they had unanimously elected their Prov. C. S., the order of business had been so carefully arranged, and the authorities for each action so well laid before them, that the meeting had simply to decide on the questions raised.

Bro. G. Goodwillie proposed "The health of the District Officers." He felt convinced that the institution of the district was a good thing, that had been confirmed by the election of three gentlemen whom he had full confidence in. He hoped, however, at some future time to be more fortunate, and have to respond, although he felt great pleasure in proposing a bumper. TheProv.D. G. M. responded, thanking the members for the hearty manner the toast had been proposed and assented to. He hoped at the end of the year the members would have no cause to complain of the choice. He felt convinced industry and impartiality would gain a success, they would deserve ifc. Bro. Wm. Fraser, in an appropriate manner, proposed " The Ladies." We need scarcely say the toast met its usual response. ; Bro. Wm. Organ responded in a neat j speech, his only regret being that the nature of the business precluded the j pleasure of their presence. " The Press," " Tbe Host," and " The Chairman," brought the toasts to a close. During the evening a variety of songs added to the harmony of the meeting, which closed about 1 o'clock on Thursday morning.