ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOYAL WAITAHUNA LODGE, M.U.I.O.O.F.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 66, 15 May 1869, Page 3

ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOYAL WAITAHUNA LODGE, M.U.1.0.0.F.

(From bier Own Correspondent.)

, The third anniversary of the Loyal Waitahtnia Lodge, Was celebrated^ by a soiree and dance, . Which came off with great eclat in the Assembly Eoom where the lodge is in future to be held. j The room was tastefully deeoratedwith evergreens, and on the raised recess were flags and the letters V.R. On the right was the device " Friends'iip, Love, and Truth," and on the left, "Faith, Hope, and Charity," and in front, "Loyal Waitahuna Lodge." Three long tables the whole length of the room were filled, besides one in the recess, and each table was presided over by ladies of the district, the whole making quite a picturesque display. The Dispensation and Eespect Board seemed an object of great curiosity to the uninitiated. After tea, an opening chorus " Hail smiling morn," was sung by ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Bayliss gave the " Queen's Letter," in quite a masterly style. Mr. Barr gave a recitation, "Twenty years ago." Mr. Bitson sang a new comic song, and on being encored gave " Champagne Charlie." Mr. Clarke gave an excellent reading titled " How to raise the wind." Mr. Purdie sang " I once was a ploughman." Mr. and Mrs. Bayliss sang the duet " Drink to me only with thine eyes." Mrs" Olsen read with great spirit one of "Caudle's curtain lectures" Mr. Henley, in character, gave "A country fair scene." After an interval of ten minutes Mr. Devonshire sang " The happiest nigger out ; " being encored he gave " The Perambulator." Miss Wilson sang, and accompanied herself " The child's request " so sweetly that she was encored, and in reply sang the first verse of the "Millwheel." ' Mr. Kirby gave a recitatiqji. Mr.Tanton, " Little ..Mary's songs" "Mr. Henley and Mrs. • Baird j sang the beautiful duet " What are the wild waves saying." Mr. Donovan sang "Molly 'dear." Mrs. Bayliss sang a sentimental song. Mr. Henley gave " Have you Been my missis." This closed the programme. Mr. M' Neur, in a humorous speech, moved a vote' of thanks to the ladies. Mr. Tranter, N.Gh, gave a few statistics as regards the progress of the Lodge ; he stated that there were over 70 members and over £300 to the credit of the Sick and Funeral Fund. In the name of the Lodge he thanked the visiting Bros. N.G-. Jeffery of Tuapeka Lodge returned thanks on behalf of his Lodge. N"_<3-. Williams of tlae Loyal Blue Spur, Lodge, returned thanks on behalf of his Lodge. The room was then cleared for dancing which was kept up into the " wee short hours ayont the twal." The excellent manner in which everything was carried out, reflects great credit on all concerned in the arrangements. Everything passed off without a single hitch.