Protestant Alliance Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3706, 10 November 1880, Page 3

Protestant Alliance Soiree.

One of the most successful reunions of its kind ever held on the Thames, was the soiree at the Academy of Music last evening to commemorate the anniversary of the Prince of Wales Lodge No. 20, ' P.A.F.S. There was a crowded house,and the happy smiling faces surrounding tlie well-laden tables made a pleasing picture. After the tables had been cleared away, Bro. W. J. Speight took the Chair, and on the platform also were Bros. A. Neilson, W.M. (Lodge Alexandra), McDonald, W.M. (Prince of Wales' Lodge); R. T. Douglas, Grand Master ; C. Joynt, Grand Treasurer; G. N. Phillips, Grand Chaplain; Bro. Scott, P.M., besides a number of Auckland brethren, who had come down especially to take part in the celebration. The . Chairman," in his prefatory remarks, spoke in congratulatory terms of the large attendance in spite of the number of persons away to attend the Auckland review. He then addressed himself to the matter of Friendly Societies, saying that such organisations should be encouraged by all classes of the community. It was all very well for men to-talk loudly regarding the spirit of independence by which they were actuated through life ; but the working man who bo talked and yet failed in some way to provide, against the time of sickness and diitoss knew not what au independent spir^ really meant. He had been furnished by the becretary (Mr W. Smith) with a few facts and figures concerning the" progress of the Prince of Wales Lodge since its inauguration seven years ago, which would, he felt sure, be of interest to the meeting. Since the year ]873 the Lodge had paid out by way of aid to sick members, the sum of £422 9s 6d; and in connection with funeral benefits, £175; whilst , for doctors' attendance and medicine for the members, their wives, children, or widowed mothers, the large expenditure of £856 Is 2d had been incurred. He hoped that the doctors who ha^ taken that sum had a clear conscience in receiving it, and the recipients of all those benefits were the better of it to the extent of the amount expended. The sick pay allowed by the lodge was a guinea per week, which was a very useful sum during illness. At the death of a member's wife, £15 was payable to the husband, and on the death of a member, his wife receives £25 ; but be did not suppose that either of those sums,"" useful as they might be under such circumstances, would ever form a sufficient incentive for a man or a wife to hasten the end of their partners (laughter). For all those benefits the small sum of thirteen pence per week was needed, and surely that was. within the compass of most men. The lodge whose anniversary they were now celebrating numbered 125 members, with 22 additional honorary, and had to ffcs credit for sick funds £707 9s 6d, whilst the Grand Lodge of .New Zealand, which was recently started, held in trust for the Lodge on funeral account £155 6s. Mr G."N. Phillips gave an amusing reading entitled, " Food for Bears," by MaxAdeler. The Key. S. J. Neill was the next speaker. He delivered an excellent address, taking for a text the name of the society and alluding in enthusiastic terms'to the founders of Protestantism, whose names appeared on the Lodge's banner—Luther, Knox, Cranmer" and Calvin. In conclusion he spoke generally of the benefit of Friendly Societies, but pointed out that too much confidence should not be placed in the financial state of a young society like the P.A.F.S., as most of the people belonging to it were men in the prime of life. When these i began to get old, and heavy calls were made on the funeral and sick funds, then would be the time to see how their finances really stood. . Miss Martha Clarke sang, • " Eileen Allanah " very sweetly. ' Brother Gladding,, of Auckland, delivered a forcible. address in favor of Protestant Alliance, and detailed the success with which the Auckland lodge had met. They were about to open a lodge at Newmarket, which they hoped would be equally successful. Mr Hilton sang "Ffear no foe," and was in excellent voice. A duet by Mrs Mackay and Miss Day was considered the gem of the evening, being vociferously encored, to which the ladies responded by singing the last verse again. The Rev. Mr Watkin was the next speaker, taking the word " Provision '.' as the basis of his remarks. Mr Wiseman sung a new local song, " The 10 per cent, reduction," which we consider one of the most amusing of his many compositions. He was loudly encored .and sang several additional verses greatly to the satisfaction of the audience. At the conclusion, Mr Wiseman announced that he had bad the song printed, and that the proceeds of its sale would be devoted to the funds of the Hospital. After a few remarks; from Mr G. N. Phillips, and a song from Mr Hilton, Bro. Douglas, Grand Master, proposed a vote of thanks to all and sundry who had assisted in making the affair a success. The singing of the National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close.