Protestant Alliance Friendly Society.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4325, 10 November 1882, Page 2

Protestant Alliance Friendly Society.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION,

The anniversary soiree, concert, and dance, in connection with the Prince of Wales Lodge of the Protestant Alliance Friendly Society, held at the Academy of Music yesterday evening was thoroughly successfully. At least 300 persons sat down to tea, provided by Mr J. Forgie, the accompanying edibles being tempting to the palate. Amongst the ladies who presided at the tables were Mesdame? Laing and Wilson (of Auckland), Smith, Mclniosh, Gibbs, Addison, Fathers, McClear, and Misses Smith (2), Ferguson, McDonald, Henderson, Taylor, aud Ginn. v There were several accessions to the numbers when the concert began, so that the commodious hall was comfortably filled. After the physical appetite had been satisfied alight and wholesome mental repast waa provided. Mr B. T. Douglas, Past Grand Master, presided, aud on the platform were Messrs W. Laing, W.M. Lodge Alexandra, No. 53, Auckland; McWatters, W.M.; George Taylor, Deputy Master ; D. Pitkethley, P.M.; W. Smith, Sec. ; E. Scott, Lodge Chaplain; Keys. S. J. Neill, Hon. Chaplain, and Barley. The Secretary's report congratulated the members that the registering of the society in New Zealand, under the New Zealand Friendly Societies Act, has at last been achieved. The finances of the Lodge and of the Order throughout the colony are in a first rate position. The receipts from all sources to the Lodge exchequer for fcbe last year amount to £410 14s; that added to the balance at

our last anniversary makes £1151 8s 7d. The expenditure during the same term amounts to £374 17s 7d, leaving a balance in hand of £776 11s. We have had 19 members sick for terms varying from 4 days to 38 weeks, and the money paid to them amounts to £113 11s 6d. This, of course, is irrespective of the money paid to the doctors, £1015s being paid to them. One of the brethren was afflie'ed with a cataract, and bad to be sent to Auckland and put under the care of Dr Schwarzbach. The fee is very heavy, and the incidental expenses wore at once subscribed straight by the brethren. This is an instance of the spirit by which we are actuated; this the brotherly feeling which is our boast; but I don't want to boast in public,—what I want is to induce others to come in, and, in helping us, to help themselves.- We have had one death of a member during the year, the funeral donation of £25 being promptly paid to the widow ; and one of the brethreu has been bereaved of his wife, the funeral donation of £15 being as promptly paid to him. The number of members in the Lodge at the present time is 140. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand has been in existence only two years, and has already to its credit the sum of £445 7 9d in actual cash. During that short term also it has reimbursed the Lodges the sum of £140,—that being the amount the Lodges have expended as funeral donations on the death of members or members' wives. The Society's terms for membership are so exceptionally easy that I shall need no excuse for recapitulating them. Any man, being a Protestant, between the ages of 17 and 40, and being in good health at the time of application, is admissable. The entrance fee up to 21 years, 10s; to 24, 12s 6d ;to 26, 15s; to 28,17 6d ;to 30. £1; to 32, £1 ss; to 34, £110; to 36, £1 12s 6d ; to 37. £1 17s 6d ; to 38, £2 2s ; to 39, £3; and to 40, £4 4s. The quarterly subscription is 14s. A member is entitled to doctor's services immediately on joining, and after twelve months' membership to all other benefits, namely, a sum of £1 Is per week of six working days during sickness, a funeral donation of £15 at the death of his wife, and when he dies his heirs are entitled to a funeral donation of £25. We shall soon be able to show a reserve capital of £1000, the interest on which will be more than equal to contributions to the Sick and Funeral Fund of 50 members.

The Revs. Messrs Neill and Barley and Mr Laing each delivered brief addresses, all dwelling upon the necessity for a national system of education. The concert passed off without a hitch, the performers all acquitting themselvrs to the satisfaction of the audience, and in several instances encores were asked and responded to. The programme was the same as advertised, with the exception of Mr Yowles' songs, that gentleman being absent through indisposition. Mr Wise man contributed a new local song, which brought down the house. The burden of his ditty was the claims of the Shortland Fire Brigade to £25, half of the annual contribution of the insurance companies to the brigades. He hinted that somebody deserved to be dissolved in his 3s tea. A vote of thanks was passed to the ladies and gentlemen who had assisted during the evening at the tables and on the platform. After the concert the room was cleared for a dance, to which a great number, principally young folkjremained. Messrs R. A. R. Owen and Hunter supplied the music, the former gentleman having presided at at the piano throughout the evening.