MOTUEKA.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 364, 19 April 1861, Page 3

MOTUEKA.

[from our own correspondent.] The Eleventh Anniversary of the Loyal Motueka Lodge took place on the 4th April. The Brethern met at their Lodge House at noou and formed into procession, headed by flags and the Nelson Volunteer Band, proceeded to church, where prayers were read and a most impressive and appropriate sermon preached by the Rev. J. C. Bagsliaw from St. Luke x. chapter and part of the 37th verse " Go, and do thou likewise " On leaving church the procession reformed and after parading the principal part of the district returned to the Lodge House where an excellent dinner was provided by Host Harding, for the members and their friends. His Honor the Superintendent in the chair Charles Parker, Esq., M.P.C., occupying the vicechair. Amongst the invited guests present we noticed the Rev. Mr. Bagshaw, H. E. Curtis, Esq., M.H.R., J. Kcchfort, Esq., —-Dutton Esq., &c. &c. The usuai loyal, patriotic, and fraternal toasts were given and responded to, as well as others of a more private character, the whole being interspersed with some capital songs from some gentlemen present and lively airs from the Band, and altogether was spent one of those pleasant, happy, and enjoyable evenings so characteristic of the anniversaries of the lodges of this most excellent society.

The Anniversary Ball took place on Friday evening at the Institute, the large hall was filled with the lovers of the dance, the Volunteer band was in attendance, and the arrangements for the refreshment, comfort, and convenience of the company were most complete and satisfactory, and reflected great credit dpon Mr, G. Harding of the Swan Inn, who hud the entire management, and as a proof that the party was a happy one we need only state that very few of them felt inclined to leave until day-light did appear.