ODDFELLOWSHIP IN GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1119, 10 July 1883, Page 3

ODDFELLOWSHIP IN GERALDINE.

On Friday evening last the installation of officers of the Loyal Victoria Lodge of Oddfellows, Geraldino, for the ensuing term, took place in their hall. The interesting ceremony was conducted by the D.D.G.M., Bro G Ward, assisted by P.G.'s Bros G H Patrick and R Hammond.

The following are the names of the officers :—N.G., Bro Jno Dobie ; V.G.> Bro A W Owles ; Secretary, Bro J W Pye (re-elected) ; Treasurer, Bro J Pizzey ; R.S. to N.G., Bro G H Patrick; L.S. to N.G., Bro Jas Williams. After the Lodge was closed, a banquet was held in the hall, the caterer being Bro Stonehouse, who gave great satisfaction to those who partook of the good cheer provided by hira.

The chair was taken by the N.G. (Bro Dobie), and the vice-cbair, by the V,G. (Bro Owles).

On the cloth being removed, the usual loyal toasts were honored in a very patriotic manner.

The Chairman next proposed "The Grand Lodge," coupled with the name of the D.D.G.M., Bro Ward. The D.D-G.M., in responding, said he had hoped some of the Grand Lodge officers would have been present. He thanked the members of the Lodge for drinking their health. It was pleasant to see so many smiling faces at the festive board, and he hoped that when they met again on a similar occasion there would be double the number present. In conclusion, he hoped they would get on better in the future than in the past. The next toast was that of ' All Subordinate Lodges,' coupled with the names of Bros Sherratt, Jno Pye senior, and James Pye.

Bro Jno Pye, senior, said he was glad to see so many young people present who had joined the Lodge during the past six months, and he was also pleased that Bro Dobie had been elected N.G. During the time he had filled that office he had done his best to carry out the duties appertaining thereto, and he felt sure Bro Dobie would do the same. He had been asked several times previous to Ills taking office to stand for the chair, but declined on the ground that at that time he lived too far away. H e hoped all the officers would do their best to further th 3 interests both of the Lodge and the Order generally. The Secretary, Bro J Pye, junr, remarked that although he had to be at work late at night he had done his best to keep the returns, etc., right, and he was thankful for the assistance Bro Grimmer had given him. During the past six months the receipts for the use of the hall had amounted to £26 7s 5d ; initiation fees, £l4 15s ; and contributions, £35 6s 2d. It had been one of the best six months, financially, since the Lodge had been started. More members had joined, and it wa9 a better success than at any time other time, Eleven members had been initiated, all youog, and that meant that they were a more valuable addition to the Lodge than older persons. He hoped the Lodges would go on and prosper, Threemonths ago they had an overdraft at the Bank amounting to £97, and at the present time it had been reduced to £4O, and he trusted they would soon have a balance to their credit. They had paid a large sum for interest on the overdraft, which had kept them hard up, but now they were going ahead. He would do his best as their Secretary for the next term. (Applause.) Bro Sherratt did not believe in so much speechifying at their meetings, and ho would vary it by giving a short reading, He accordingly read a very humorous pieee entitled 'The Yorkshireman and his family," which was well received.

Tlie _. in C e-Cliairman proposed the toost of ' Absent Brethren, coupled with the name of Bro Williams.

Bro Williams briefly replied, to the effect that he was sorry all the members

were not present to enjoy themselves as they were doing, but during their absence he would thank the Lodge on their behalf.

Bro Sherratt proposed ' The Health ot the N.G.' trusting he would fill the office both to the creditofhimsjlf and the Lodge as well, which he felt sure he would do. (Applause.)

The N.G. thanked the brethren for the enthusiastic manner in which they had drunk his health. It was five years ago since he held the same proud position, and he would do his best to conduct the business of the Lodge in a satisfactory manner, without partiality to anyone, fie hoped the Lodge would gb on and prosper. The next toast proposed was that of the ' The poor and distressed brethren throughout the world,' given by Bro Williams, coupled with the name of Bro Pizzy.

In replying, Bro Pizzy said he was happy to be present that evening, and hoped to be at many more such social gatherings.

Bro Sherratt proposed « The Press,' coupled with the name of Mr Fisher, representative of the Geraldine Guardian.

Three cheers were heartily given for the paper named, Mr Fisher briefly responded. { The officers of the Lodge' was then proposed. The Vice-Grand in thanking the brethren remarked he little thought two years ago when he saw Bros "Williams and Patrick going along the main road, and asked them where they were going to, to which they replied 'To the Oddfellows' Lodge,' and he asked them to propose him as a member, that he would so soon have been, placed in the position he now occupied, He had his eye on several young men whom he considered would become eligible membsrs of the Lodge and hoped soon to have the pleasure of seeing them initiated. Bro Pye propo§ed * The health of our young brothers,' coupled with the name of Bro Grimmer.

Bro Grimmer, in briefly responding, said that from the manner in which they were enjoying themselves that evening he wished they had an installation every time the Lodge met. The Vice-chairman proposed ' The health of tha caterer, Bro otonehouse,' " Bro StoneuoMeßriefly responded thereto.

The Vice-chairman also proposed ' Kindred Societies,' coupled with the name of Bro Hammond. Bro Hammond remarked that he belonged to several societies, but, of all of them, that of the Oddfellows was his choice, for it was better than others of its kind, being a peculiar benefit society. It relieved the sick and helped the poor and needy. He was pleased to see that the young men of Geraldine were taking an interest in the Lodge and trusted that they would be the means of bringing many of their companions, whom they deemed worthy, to join also. The singing of the Natiopal Anthem brought this most enjoyable evening to a close.

Several songs and recitations were capitally rendered, and most ot the toasts were drank with musical honors.