ODDFELLOWS' ANNUAL FETE.

Southland Times, Issue 1354, 30 December 1870, Page 2

ODDFELLOWS' ANNUAL FETE.

: ■ ♦ .The annual anniversary fete of the locai branches of the order was celebrated by a soiree; -^~«ww»rt,' and hall, held in the Theatre Royal on the Canine: of Monday last. The internal arrangements of tne building were very good. Evergreens, flags, and emblems and devices of the '. craft were effectively displayed. Bro. Daniel Kingsland, Tay-street east, was 1 purveyor, and both as regards the cheer; ' and the arrangements made for its consumption, that portion of the entertain--1 ment was perfect. The attendance of the - brotherhood, together with their female and other friends, was very large. Besides the D.G.M. (Bro. David Webster), who presided, the platform was occupied by the following officers and brethren of the lodges: — Messrs W. P. Porter, N.G. ; Wm. Shields, G.M. ; Thomas Smith, GkM. ; Thomas Patchett, KG. ; Thomas Toung, N.G.; D. Ross, N.G. ; and W. B. Scandrett, P.C.S. Comestibles having , - w>^*^r=»- l «^--« ? a^he fragments and leries being the chief resort. The first part- of the programme was taken up by the chairman, who delivered a short but effective addre3S on the principles of their order. - Its objects, or rather the advantages derived from its fellowship, he said were numerous. " On producing a certificate of health and soundness of constitution, candidates between the ages of 18 and 45 years, of good reputable character, were admitted as members. Membership, once attained, entitled the member to the attendance of a medical officer in cases of sickness, and- at -the expiry of twelve months from the date of his entrance he became what was known as a free member. That attainment eht tied him to all the benefits of the order. At his death, his wife and children, or, if unmarried, his representatives, received a sum of money out of the funds. During sickness he received an alimentary allowance. Corresponding provision was made in the case of the decease of a member's wife. The speaker then proceeded to detail the strength of the order. On the Ist January last they numbered 434,190, which, as compared with 1869, showed an 1 increase of 28,379. Of these, 75 per cent, were under the age of 25 years. The accumulated capital was £2,860, 181 93 Bd, which gave £6*. 9s per bead all over the globe. That was a balance-sheet no kindred society could boast of, and it spoke well for , the/ able manner; in which their affairs were conducted. — (Applause.) There were several orders of oddfellowship, but the one to which they as a body belonged (the M. U, I. O. O. F.) stood first upon the list. It cost them a good i round sum to get incorporated under the Friendly Societies' Act, but.the step had proved so judicious, that other societies had been induced to follow their example. The speaker next explained the financial control of the body. They had what was called an Annual Parliament, consisting of deputies appointed by every district in England to represent them at its usual deliberations. This year it took place at Chesterfield, when no fewer than 240 delegates met. The celebration banquet was laid with 500 covers, and was presided over by Lord Fred. Cavendish, the Worshipful Mayor of Chesterfield acting as his vice. He mentioned these facts to show that all classes, from the nobleman downwards, were enlisted in their cause, and all alike testified to the benefits derived from the order. — ("Applause.) The musical part of the entertainment was next proceeded with. Some very good songs; readings, ; and recitations were given. Of the former, Bro. Neil Ferguson's " Better Late than Never" was deservedly encored. In, the. readings, it is not invidious to say that the irrepressible Wottoa made the great hit of the evening. In Mr Wotton the play-going portion of Invercargill possess an amateur of decided professional talent. In readings, his selections are always new, and his delineations excellent. On the occasion referred ;to he was in one" of his 1 happiest moods, a fact testified by the audience in the prolonged applause by which he was greeted. An interestingaddress on Oddfellowship, by Bro. W. P. Porter, followed, after which the proceedings were brought to a close by the company joining in the popular Scotch melody " Auld Lang Syne." The ball , was then -proceeded with, dancing being kept up to an advanced hour of the morning.