Annivessary Soiree Protestant Alliance Society.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4015, 10 November 1881, Page 2

Annivessary Soiree Protestant Alliance Society.

The Protestant Alliance Friendly Society, Prince of Wales Lodge, Ho. 20, celebrated their anniversary last evening' by a soiree in the Academy of Music. The tables were well provided with viands.prepared by Messrs Fulljames and Scott,'and were presided over by the following ladies: —Mesdames Driver, Gibbs, Henderson, and the Misses Ferguson, Harris, launders, Smith (2), Manton (2), and McDonald. After the tables were cleared, the chair was taken by the Mayor. rihe Chairman said it was gratifying to observe a goodly sprinkling of young people among the audience, and he proceeded to show the advantages which would accrue to them by joining the lodg« at an early age. It would prepare them for future responsibilities, and enable them to help-others. It would, he said, beget forethought and an independence of spirit, and enable them to receive, when the hour of sickness came, assistance as a right, instead of depending upon the cold charity of the world.. The following musical programme was then proceeded with:—Song, "Moonlight," by Mr F. and Miss, Hunter. " The Monks of Old," by Mr E. Gibbs, and in response to an encore "Long Parted Hate we Been." Comic song by Mr Henderson, and "Call me Darling Once Again," Miss Man ton. Beading, Bro. G. N. Phillips ; and " Many Happy Returns of the Day," Mr Hunter. .The following song, " The .Skating.Rink," by Mr Wiseman then followed :— '

(Air: "Kitty Jones.") Oh, wasn't it a jolly time, when S'niidst the f tost and snow, . We clad ourselves in winter togs and did a-skating go; ' >.'"■■' But here, at the Antipodes, we're not on danger's brink— Instead of skating on the ice, we do it at the Kink. If at a Rink you've never be; n, you have lost lots of fun, The ogling- and the flirting and the spooning going on, The gent is down upon his knees, and-thinks the honour great, . ' . If on. some darling-'s pretty foot, he buckle? on the skate. / '■ Then off they go and fly around, with rapture in their looks, And as the lady sweetly smiles her little hand he hooks, •. . Whilst they are dreaming of the joys for both of them in store, ■ Some "brute" collides and then all three are struggling on the floor, . They scramble up and shake themselves, and off again they start, And all the while sly Cupid there is busy with his dart, In blissful state of happiness they of loves Nectar drink, : And many a one has lost his heart whilst gliding round the Rink. But there has been a precious row; which you would ' hardly think Could happen 'mongst the members of our local Skating Rink. . . . There had been some tittle-tattling, and you know it is a rule ' To chastise any. naughty boy who tells tales out of school. . So on this night when he came in, the one they did suspect - Was told to " hook it," " cut his stick," or they would ■'' him eject; But manfully he stood his ground, and soon he found a pal, Who cried, "Avast! he shanVgo out; no! demme ' if he shall."

This son of Pills so bold and brave a lot of them did whollop, They looked as if they'd taken salts, or else a dose of jalap. * One's head he knock'd against the wall, some on the floor did lay, Some ran to the 'Observer' man, so glad to get away ; Some ladies scream'd for the police, and look'd as if they'd faint, ... ■ - ' Whilst others laughed ; but such a scene I can't find words to paint. Three peelers came to quell the row, with Farrell in . the rear, .. They quietly enjoyed the fupf'and—didn't interfere. Let dogs delight to bark and bite, you know they always do, Let hears and lion? growl and fight, for 'tis their nature ioo; . . But gentlemen should never let their angry prssions rise, " -. Their soft white hands were never made to black each other's eyes. "fis true and yet a pity 'tis, hepe 'twont occur again, Such squabbles most unseemly are amonga? the UppahTen; Tale-bearers are detestable, yet 'tis a sorry sight; When members of'the Skating Rink fallout and chide and fight. It is needless to say the song was,, well received and the applause genuine. , Bro. S. ,T. Ncill said the name^of the ! Lodge always reminded them of their j loyalty to the Crown of England. It was \ something to have this to keep fresh their reverence lor the Royal family, which would otherwise be somewhat on the wane in the colonies, on account of the distance from and independence of the Mother Country. The name Protestant Alliance was a grand name, though not to such an extent as when men bore it at the risk of their lives. It was an honor to be followers of those whose names were inscribed on the Society's banner, Luther, Calvin, Kuox, and Cranmer. He exhorted them to keep to the spirit of Protestantism as well as the name ; and, keeping this in view, strive to cop# the deeds of the men he referred to, inculcating a spirit of kindness and love towards one another. Past Master Scott was then presented with a handsome collar of bis office, as a token of recognition of his services,' by Bro. Douglas, Grand Master of New Zealand. P.M. Scott returned thanks. He said he was proud to be one of the oldest members of the Lodge. He thought it a duty to men in a mining community, where accidents might at any time occur,

tba'. they should at any rate join some friendly society, and make provision for themselves and their wires and families. The Secretary (Bro. W. Smith) read the annual report, from which, we make the following extracts :—" I hare the honor to report for the information of this meeting that during the year that has passed since our last anniversary was celebrated, there hare been 14 new members installed into the lodge ; 7 have left the order; 2 hare left by clearance to join another lodge, and 3 hare died. The number on the roll at the present date is 148. There have been received as contributions, interest on capital, &c , the sum of £405 8s 2d, and from the Grand Lodge the sum of £50, as refund of funeral donations. Members who have been sick during that time have been paid £108 18s 9d, maintenance money. The doctors, for attendance and medicine, have been paid £104 ss. The balance we have to credit is £740 14s 7d. With respect to the order in New Zealand, there are 10 lodges established in this colony, at Thames, Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Wanpanui, Christchurch, Lyttelton, Timaru, Dunedin, and Green Island, with a total of 644 members. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand, composed of representatives of these various subordinate' lodges is located for the present at the Thames, and although only 12 months old, has funds in hand to the amount of over £300, and stock to the value of nearly £60. I congratulate the Brethren on the success that has attended them hitherto, but would urge still further effort in push* ing on the good cause of our Order, and to always and ever use that noble cry, Excelsior.—Wm. Smith, Secretary." Several songs were then given, including another local one from Mr Wiseman entitled "Paul Pry." Addresses were also given by the Key Mr Adamson and Mr Lang of Auckland, after which the usual votes of thanks were accorded to the ladies. The room being cleared dancing corn* menced and was kept up for several hours.-