Anniversary of the Foresters.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3535, 24 April 1880, Page 2

Anniversary of the Foresters.

The annual soiree, concert and ball of the Pride of Paraell and Pride of the North Courts, A.0.F., A.D., took place last evening in the Academy. A fair uutnber sat dowu to tea, to which full justice was done. After the clearing of the tables, His Worship the Mayor took the Chair, and opened the concert. In his opening speech he referrod to the great advantages eDjoyed by members of the order. The High Court meeting 1 of the Order was held last year at Sheffield, and the High Chief Eanger stated that the order was far before any other similar society. The number of members in 1878 was 531,176 active, and 12,154 honorary, representing in all 4,454 Courts. The Society had spread its branches wherever there was civilised country. The total amount of funds at the disposal of the Order was £2,649,159, and the annual income was £400,000. Within the last twelve years £5,000,000 bad been distributed in relief. He was sorry he could not remain, as it was Friday evening, he therefore moved that Mr S. C. Schofield, the District Chief Banger take the chair. The gentleman proposed accordingly accepted the position. The following representatives of other lodges were accomodated with seats on the" dais.—Messrs E. Honiss, Secretary of Eechabites; M. Landers, Secretary of Hibernians; J. J. Foy, Past Grand of Charles Bruce Lodge. The Foresters were represented on the stage by Messrs J. Smith, District Secretary ; and Past Chief Hangers, T. L. Comes, C. Ahier, W. Fricker, S. Coombes, and G. Wilson; Chief Eanger Britt, Sub-Chief Hanger Duggau, and Bro. J. W. Poulgrain. After ;the choir had- sung the opening chorus, Mr W. Fricker sang " The anchor's weighed," Miss Fleetwood sang " Impudent Barney O'Hea," the latter piece being encored. Miss and Mr Probert next sang a duet, •'The lake," Mr Charles Brown sang "The heart bowed down," and Miss Hamlin sang '• The dream of love," which were ali well received.

Mr W. H. Robinson followed with a song entitled "Here upon my vessel's deck," for which he was applauded. He then sans "My Grandfather's Clock." Miss Hunter then gave "Many happy returns of the day " in such a manner as to gain an encore, she singing " Bread and cheese and kisses." Mr Wiseman, with the parody on the Volunteers, and Mr William Gribble, Seoretary of Court Pride of the North, with a pigeon-English song, excited the risible faculties of their audience, and both received encores. la " The Dreamer " Miss Probert was very

successful, and Mr Probert's rendering j of " The Arab's farewell to his favourite steed" was much appreciated. Miss Hamlin and Miss Fleetwood followed with a duet "Over the rippling stream," after which Mr James McLiver made the audience roar by his excellent rendering of two Irish comic songs. The usual votes of thanks brought the concert to a close. The votaries of Terpsichore then enjoyed a few hours with the giddy goddess, the music being supplied by Messrs Owen and W. R. Hunter. •