INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS, M.U., A.D.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 36, 17 November 1871, Page 3

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS, M.U., A.D.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. Tiie second annual meeting of the Odd Fellows on the Thames was held yesterday, and was a great success. The weather was splendid, and there was a large muster of the brethren present. At ten o’clock they assembled to the number of about 200, at the lodge-room, Shorthand ; and, after forming the order of procession, inarched to Grahamstown, headed by the Volunteer Band playing lively airs, the whole being preceded by a large Union .Tack, borne by some of the members, and a beautiful silk banner mounted on two staffs. They were joined in Grahamstown by the members of the Charles Bruce Lodge, a new branch, only inaugurated the day before yesterday. The whole of the brethren then marched out to Tararu, where the Odd Fellows and their friends sat down to a luncheon prepared for them. After this very necessary part of the proceedings was concluded, they joined in the various games provided for their amusement—cricket, racing, quoits, jumping, kiss-in-the-ring, &c. About 4 p.m. the procession re-formed and marched home, accompanied by crowds, who had gone out to Tararu to enjoy the fun provided by the committee for all comers. THE BALL. In the evening a ball took place at St. George’s Hall, but previous to the legitimate business of the evening, a social gathering was held, which was presided over by Mr. James Mackay, junr.,who delivered an address to the following effect: —Ladies and Gentlemen, we are here this evening to celebrate the opening of the Waika'o Lodde of Odd Fellows. I must draw your attention to this fact. The Waikato Lodge has only been opened two years, and it now numbers over 200 members. There are many, very many societies in the world, and numbers of them tend to have very injurious effects upon society at large. But this is not the case with the order of Odd Fellows. This society tends to make men good fathers, good husbands. I know I may venture

to state that a good Odd Fellow is always a good man. Odd Fellowship advocatesand supports the noble spirit of charity. It attends to the wants of the widow and orphan ; also looks after the fatherless, and those in sickness and distress. I will not dwell longer on this subject, as I know many of you .are anxious to come to the more amusing part of the evening’s entertainment, but merely conclude by predicting a happy and prosperous future for the lodge in this district. A few of the members then gave, in excellent style, the glee entitled “ Life’s a Bumper.” The Chairman then called upon P.P.G.M. Plaice, who gave a short review of Odd Fellowship, from its first organisation, in 1812. He said it was then merely composed of a few men who associated together, and from the singular manner in which they operated, they were called odd fellows. He was a great advocate for all lodges having their own halls to meet in, and trusted that by next year the Bruce Lodge would be in that position. P.P.S. Cole and N.G. Taylor addressed the meeting, speaking in favor of OddFellowship, and pointing out its benefieial results. The glee club and band varied the proceeedings, with some choicely rendered songs and pieces. The National Anthem terminated this part of the entertainment. The ball was a great success, over 400 persons being present. The hall presented quite a gay appearance, besides the brilliant dresses of the fair sex, the salle dc danse was tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens, the arrangements for the supper were very complete. The guests were divided into four sections, of 100 in each, and thus anything approaching to crushing or confusion was avoided. The supper reflected the highest credit upon the caterer, Mr Ilayles, who had evidently spared no pains or trouble to make the cuisine a success. The table was most elegantly laid out, and ornamented with a profuse and choice collection of flowers and exotics. The edibles were all that Gould be desired by the most fastidious, and one important pflint, often neglected, was the waiting, which was carried out perfectly. After partaking of the good things the Chairman (Mr Mackay) proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were duly honored. The Chairman then proposed tho “ Unity,” dilating at some length on the good effected by it in all parts of the world. The toast was drunk with all honors. Brother Plaice P.P.G.M. responded, saying that the great success of the Unity was chiefly attributable to the extreme simplicity of the manner in which their arrangements were all made. He felt quite proud to have to respond at such a successful gathering. The Viee Chairman (Mr D. J. O’Keeffe) proposed the health of the “ Visiting Brethren,” thanking them sincerely for the trouble they had taken in coming dgwn from Auckland to assist at this festival, &c. Brother Brothy responded, and said lie would have great pleasure in telling the Auckland brethren of the kind reception given them by their Thames friends. He thanked them most sincerely for their good wishes. Brother Cole, P.P.G.M., proposed the “ Loyal Waikato Lodge,” which was enthusiastically drunk. Brother Beaumont had much pleasure in responding, having taken a great interest in the Lodge from the first. It was gratifying when lie remembered that they had started two years ago with two members, and now numbered 21G. This prosperous state of things boded well for the future of the Lodge. The Chairman proposed the “Volunteers,” which was ably responded to by Captain Power. The “ Ladies” proposed by the Chairman in a neat and appropriate speech, coupled with the name of Mr Sandes. The latter gentleman thanked the Odd Fellows, on behalf of the fair sex, fer th amusement so kindly provided for them, and stated that they (the ladies) would be willing to take part at such meetings whenever they were required to do so. The “ Press,” coupled with the name of Mr Perrier, was proposed in a very appropriate speech by Ihe Chairman, who designated it as “ one of the greatest protectors of the public.” Mr. Perrier responded, and after a vote of thanks to the Chairman, dancing was resumed, and kept up with great spirit till the sun showed his first raj r s over the hills, and thus terminated the second annual festival of the Loyal Waikato Lodge, 1.0.0. F., which, from beginning to end, was an undoubted success, and reflects great credit on the committee of management.