ANNIVERSARY SUPPER OF THE COURT STAR OF TUAPEKA, A. O. F.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 98, 25 December 1869, Page 3

ANNIVERSARY SUPPER OF THE COURT STAR OF TUAPEKA, A. O. F.

After the members of the above Lodge had paraded their manly proportions before the clames and demoiselles of Wetherstones, they returned to Lawrence, where, at 7.30 p.m., they sat clown to an excellent supper, provided by Mr. Clark, of the Masonic. The quality of the food and the good arrangements made for attendance reflected great credit on the enterprising contractor. The interior of the Athensuum Hall, where the banquet took place, was most tastefully decorated. Indeed, were it not for the strange foliage of the cabbage tree and flax, one might easily have fancied himself feasting royally in the glades of Merry Sherwood with the stoutest and greatest of all thieves, Robert Hood himself. After—to use a Homeric phrase — the desire of eating had been removed, the Past Chief Ranger, who occupied the chair, addressed the meeting. He congratulated the brethren on the rapid growth of the Court Star of Tuapeka. Seldom had a better-grown and more healthy child of only a twelvemonth's age rewarded the fond gaze of a parent. But this prosperity had deeper roots than the energy of the brethren of their particular Court, and was chiefly owing to the solid and sound foundations upon which the principles of Forestry rested. These principles had already lasted long, and resisted all assaults, and would, he believed, continue to prosper until the end of the world itself. Man alone was unable to helf himselp, and in unity, concord, and benevolence he found the assistance he lacked. Sobriety and stability of character were the conditions demanded by Forestry for that help. In a few graceful and well-chosen words the speaker alluded to the sister societies, comparing these and Forestry to twin trees growing side by side, and sheltering under their wide-spreading branches the way-worn and weary of the world. He showed the good derived from the feeling of benevolence impressed upon the brethren by a reference to the Foresters' Life-boat, and to a ward endowed in one of the London hospitals, at an expense of £500, raised at the annual fete at the Crystal Palace. The speaker concluded by humorously deploring his own want of eloquence — a defect no one would have detected or believed unless on his own assurance.

The usual loyal toasts having been drunk, " God save the Queen " was sung by the company.

P.P.G.M. Bastings, M.U.1.0.0.F., said that in proposing the next toast he could not pretend to vie with the eloquence of the chairman. He was not surprised that with such a captain the Court Star had nourished, and he was in hopes the subordinate officers would act well their part, and not let the good vessel go astray. He called for a bumper to the prosperity of Court Star of Tuapeka.

The toast was received with great enthusiasm.

Bro. Donovan next recited gome original verses appropriate to th© occasion.

C.R.. Morrison responded on behalf of Court Star of Tuapeka. He was much gratified at seeing so many ladies and gentlemen present. A festive gathering so pleasant and cheerful and bo numerously attended could not fail to stimulate the brethren to further exertions. He referred to the influential position of the brotherhood in England and America', and concluded an able address by cordially returning thanks for the manner in which the toast had been received.

CR. Busst, Court Star of Havelock, sang an appropriate and original song. "Kindred Societies" was then proposed by Bro. Ferguson, coupled with the name of Bro. Harrop, of the Tuapeka Pioneer Lodge.

Mr. Miule sang, with his usual buoce33, " British hearts of oak."

N.G. Harrop, M.U.T.0.0.F., replied for the sifter societies. Loyal Tuapeka Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., had started under

very favourable auspices — more propitious, he thought, than even the start made by the Court Star. Sixty members had enrolled themselves at the outset, and for two yeara things had continued to progress. After the novelty wore off, and new lodges had been opened in adjoining districts, the number of members had decreased. Still, he was happy to say the Lodge was in a thoroughly prosperous and solvent condition, having a fund of £305 to its credit.

Bro. Sutherland gave the song "Pulling hard against the stream," with his \isual success.

In giving the toast " Success to Forestry," Bro. Bennett mentioned some interesting statistics. The number of members during the first quarter of the Court Star was 36 ; this had now risen to 84, all, with the exception of one, good on the books. In England, the Foresters

numbered 312,000. The financial position of the Tuapeka Court was excellent, there being £113 in the bank. The number of sick had been very small.

C.R. Busst, Court ilavelock, replied. The Ancient Order of Foresters had started, with a membership of 1700, about a century and a half ago, and now numbered 312,000. He had been at many anniversaries, but had never attended one more pleasant than that of the Tuapeka Court. He had never seen more unanimity and brotherly love displayed upon any occasion. He hoped tlieir example would be followed by the Ilavelock Court, although it had not been so numerous a membership at the outset.

Mr. Ledgerwood sang " The loss of the London," and was loudly applauded. M. Hay, Esq., M.P.C., proposed " The Mayor and Corporation." The Mayor replied in a suitable manner.

Bro. Donovan proposed " The Ladies." As the hour was getting late, and all were anxious to begin tripping the light fantastic, he would not attempt to do justice to such a theme. He coupled with the toast the name of Mr. Smith, who, as an aspirant to matrimony, would no doubt feel highly flattered.

Mr. Smith responded.

Mr. Donovan said it was only just, after enjoying so splendid a spread, to remember the host and hostess. Drunk with full honours. Mr. Bastings proposed "The Fourth Estate."

Mr. Grant replied. A general clear out ensued, and in a wonderfully short space of time the hall was cleared, for dancing. The fair sex mustered in great force, and the ball was kept up considerably past the "milk of the morning."