The Oddfellow's Banquet.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3697, 30 October 1880, Page 2

The Oddfellow's Banquet.

i A banquet given by the members of the Loyal Waikato and Charles Brace Lodges of Oddfellows, to the delegates of the Auckland District came off at the Governor Bowen Hotel last evening. The long: dining hall was crowded, and menu did the greatest credit to the caterer Mr Symington. Bro. Grant. F.G., occopied the chair,and Bro. Foy, EG,'the rice-chair. The chairman was supported by the newly elected District, Grand I Master, Bro. Allen, P.D.G.M's. Bros. Cole, Fleming, Sealey, Holland, and other distinguished members of the order. After the more material refreshments had been disposed of — The Chairman gave " The Quean," and " The Prince of Wales and the rest of the Eoyal Family," which were drunk with demonstrations of loyalty. , "The health of His Excellency the Governor " from the vice*obair followed, and was received with musical honors. The Chairman then rose and asked the Thames brethren and gentlemen . not connected with the order to charge their glasses, as he had a toast to propose, and he must, say that it afforded him the greatest pleasure at giving them the toast of the evening, " Our Visitors from Auckland." (Cheers). He was sure all were pleased at the presence of their Auckland guests who hare proved them* selves to be a set of jolly good fellows. Drunk with enthusiasm and musical honors. Bro. Lowe, N.G., santr" The Pilot." Brothers Cole and Fleming (of Auckland), in responding to the toast said that they were always happy to come to the Thames, as. they were sure of receiving a hearty welcome. The Chairman at this stage of the proceedings said that the brethren of. the Loyal Charles Bruce Lodge wished to take advantage of the present occasion to present P.G. Bro. Jenkins, who had done the lodge great service, with a gold watch find chain. He called on P.G. Brother Foy to make the presentation. '■'$'•' > Bro. Foy said he regretted that the Charles Bruce Lodge had not placed the making of the presentation in better hands than his. At reunions like the present they generally had Oddfellowship at heart, and as they wished to give eclat to the presentation.they determined that it should be made, that evening. The speaker then referred ip Bro. Jenkins' zeal in the cause of the Order, saying that it was partly due to him that the Charles Bruce Lodge was opened nine years ago, and as an illustration of the interest, he had taken in it during j that peiiod he had only beea absent from three meetings during the whole time. He took office as elective secretary on the night of opening, and speedily went through the chairs with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the members of the Order. He was afterwards appointed auditor, and was now one of the trustees of the Lodge. About three years ago the

members of the Lodge wished to. rednce the debt of the management fund, which was overdrawn £76 from the sick fund, and after other methods had been unsuccessfully tried, it was proposed to raise funds by means of levies. At this juncture Bro. Jenkins, thinking it might have a deleterious effect on the Lodge, proffered his services as financial secretary, was accepted, and so well managed to reduce the cost of management that when the Lodge was valued some time ago, the debt was reduced by £42. All members of the Lodge admitted that they were deeply indebted to Bro. Jenkins, whose courtesy and other good qualities were known to all of them. It was unnecessary further to expatiate, and he would simply band to Bro. Jenkins tbe small token of the affection and esteem of his brethren.

Brother Holland having sang "Old Grey Mare,"

Bro. Jenkins returned thanks for the present, and referred to names which would long; be remembered in the annals of the Lodge. He referred to Bros. Thackray, Carthew and Woodward. He spoke on the financial position of hit Lodge, saying if not the best it was one of the best financially situated lodges in the colony. He again thanked them heartily for the presentation. - Song, "Conspirators' Chorus," by Bro. Allan, P.G.M., which was encored. The Vice-Chairman gave the " Army* Nary, and Colonial Forces," which was responded to bj Mr Greenville for the Navy, and by Capt. Small and Lieuts*. Connolly and Denby for the Army and Colonial Forces. , . '

Bro. Fleming, P.PG.M.,propoted "The Local Governing Bodies," which was responded to by Crs Greenville and Coutts.

Bro. Turner, P.G., sang ";Popping the question." . , ■ •-, The P.G.M. gave " The Grand Master, and Direotors of the Manchester Unity," which was responded to by Bro. ■ Cole, who said that the accumulated capital of the society represented £5,000,000, with a membership of nearly half a million. "The Auckland District," "Thames Lodges," "Kindred Societies." "The Ladies," "The Press," and "The Host and Hostess ", followed, and were each duly honored. The proceedings were most enjoyable from beginning to end."