LOYAL ALEXANDROVNA LODGE OF ODDFELLOWS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 978, 15 July 1882, Page 3

LOYAL ALEXANDROVNA LODGE OF ODDFELLOWS.

The installation of the officers of the above Lodge took place last Wednesday evening. The following officers were installed : Bro Robert White, N.G. ; Dr Campbell, Y.G. ; Bro Uprichard, Secretary ; Bro Whitehead, Treasurer ; Trustees, Bros Blyth and White, The installation ceremony was carried out very efficiently by Bros Blyth, Nicholas, Dunford and Donn, After the installation, a banquet was held in the hall, at which there were about tb; brethren present, soma of them having come from Geraldine, and others from Timaru. Bro Robert White, N.G., occupied the chair, and the vicechair was occupied by Dr Campbell, Bro J. AI. Oliver, the genial host of the Temuka Hotel, was the caterer, and the tables gave ample evidence of the liberality and unstintedness which characterise all his dealings. The Chairman, after the good things had oeen done justice to, proposed ‘ The Queen, and tha Royal Family,’ which was duly honored. Bro Blytli proposed ‘ The Grand Alaster, and the Prosperity pf the Order throughout the world,’ coupled with the name of Bro Pye, N.G. of the Geraldine Lodge. Bro Pye responded. He felt very glad at being pi’escnt, and hoped this would not be the last occasion on which be would have the same pleasure. He would be very glad to see them all in Geraldine. Bro Uprichard proposed ‘The Army and Navy, and Volunteers,’ coupled with the name of Dr Campbell. Dr Campbell in reply said he had seen active service, and that the Volunteers of New Zealand compared favorably with the regular soldiers, Bro Ollivier proposed ‘The Installing Officers,’ coupled with the name of Bro Jas Blyth. They bad done their duty well, and deserved the thanks of the lodge. Bro Blyth responded. He was glad the ceremony had been conducted so satisfactorily. He had visited a great many lodges, but be could safely say the Alexamlrovua lodge was the best conducted of any he had ever been in. Bro Colt- , v;,, i ; ,. v I ! -Av I/Mg-'’ v, J .. 17.7,: . ... hi Vi 7 7, ■- a . 7 ; , v -i ■ ; 7, . u„, ■ . 7 ; • 7 .7 I (hv.AmA; AH-a h aquve otoArm

Bro Hr Campbell proposed ‘ The Press, coupled with the name of Mr Twomey. The toast having been drank with musical honors, Mr Twomey thanked the brethren for their kindness, and said that his whole aim■ and object would always be the advancement of this town and this dis. trict. Bro Dunford proposed The Trade and Commerce of Temuka,’ coupled with the name of Bro Frank*. Bro Franks in response said that trade and commerce was what they all wanted to encourage. Instead of taxing industries, a a now, a tax shsuld be placed on unimproved, land, and this property was the ruin of trade and commerce. Ho thought this tax was simply abominable. Broßlythproposed ! The Retiring Officers, coupled with the name of Bro Smith. The toast having been drank, Bro Smith replied, thanking them for the manner in which they had drank his health, and proposed ‘ The Ladies, : coupled with the name of Bro Bin ley. The toast was drank' enthusiastically, and Bro Binley replied in suitable terms. Bro Bonn proposed ‘ The Past Officers.’ coupled with the name of Bro Davis. He referred in very flattering terms to the harmony which always prevailed in the lodge, and to the excellent manner in which the officers had discharged their duties Bro Davis replied at groat length, in the course of which he said that too much praise could not be given to Bro Uprichard for the manner in which he had acquitted himself of his duties. Bro Uprichard said his duties were always pleasant, owing to having excellent officers to work with. In two years time they would have all the debt on the Hall paid off. It was his ambition to remain Secretary until he saw that accomplished. Efforts had been made to elect him to the position of N.G., but he would not relinquish his present position until the ledge was out of debt, Bro Coltman was glad to hear that the lodge was near being clear of debt. Six years ago the Geraldine lodge numbered 80 members, but when liabilities for building a half were incurred, they ■ left like rats leave a sinking ship until only 18 of them remained together, These 18 were true to their colors, and consequently ‘ worth a host, and they were getting on well now. Bro Uprichard proposed ‘ The Treasurer, Bro Whitehead,’who in reply said he would have paid the debt himself sooner than let the lodge go down. Bro White, N.G., proposed ‘ The Host, and Hostess.’ They all had ample evidence of the excellent catering of Bro Ollivier, and he felt sure they would drink the toast with musical honor’s. The toast was drank with great enthusiasm, and Bro Ollivier commenced to respond by singing a song, after which he thanked tha brethren for the manner in which they had drank his own and Airs Ollivier’s health. He then proposed ‘ Absent Friends, and Brothers in distress,’ which was duly honored. Bro Uprichard proposed ‘ The Lodge Surgeon, Dr Campbell,’ who replied in suitable terms. This completed the list of toasts, and the proceedings terminated by all joining in ‘ Auld Lang Syne.’ During tire evening songs were sang by Dr Campbell, Bros Dunford, White, Ollivier, Storey, Dunn, and Nicholas, and recitations were given by Bro Whitehead and AlrTwourey. The utmost j good-fellowship prevailed throughout, and all present enjoyed themselves to their herrt’s content.