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

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 203, 21 December 1871, Page 5

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

A ball to celebrate the anniversary of the establishment of Court Star of Tuapeka, A.0.F., was held in the Athenaeum on the evening of Thursday last, the 14th inst. The large hall was decorated with ferns and flowers tastefully arranged, and flags, gracefully suspended from the walls and ceiling, added additional charms to the embellishment. A splendid painting, representing an angel bestowing gifts on mankind, which was placed at the end of the hall, excited general admiration. Indeed, the opinion of all present seemed to be that the hall was more beautifully decorated than it ever had been before, and high encomiums were passed on those who had the management thereof. The attendance was not so large as had been anticipated. ' It is hard to account for this, as the weather was all that could be desired, and ample intimation had been given of the time at which the ball was to have taken! place. Representatives of other; branches of the Order were noticeable by their absence, and few- besides residents of Lawrence and Wetherstones were present. - In all there: were about thirty couples present, and every individual seemed to enjoy him or herself well. Perhaps if there had been more present, there mitrht have been less enjoyment. Dancing; commenced at half-past nine o'clock, and continued spiritedly til) half-past 12, at which hour an adjournment to the

schooVoom, for the purpose of partaking of supper, was effected. Mrs. Hanson presided at the pianoforte with her usual skill, and Mr. J. Grant, as M.C., was all that could be

desired,

The arrangements for the supper were entrusted to Mr. George Clark, and he certainly provided a. tempting repast. For excellence and variety, the viands could not be well surpassed anywhere. The tables were nicely decorated with bouquets of flowers, which set their contents off to great advantage. It is needless for us to say that ample justice was done by all to the good things provided, and that those who sat down expressed themselves gratified with the excellence of the spread. C.R. Bro. Symons occupied the chair, and P.C.R.Bro.Titchener the vice-cbair. When those present had disposed of a sufficient quantity of edibles, the usual loyal toasts were given by tbe Chairman, and duly honoured.

The Chairman then said that most of those present were aware that Court Star of Tuapeka bad averaged a membership of 60. At present the number on the books was 64, and it must be gratifying to all the wellwishers of the Court that not a single death had occurred since its opening. Financially the funds stood thus — Balance to credit of General Fund, £52 ; credit of Incidental, £36 ; and the Court property was valued at £40, making a total of £128. The Otago district had a membership of 800, with a capital of £4000, so that although they mustered but a small number in Tuapeka, they belonged to a large family. He understood that as many as one-fourth of the members of the House of Commons belonged to Friendly Societies, and he was informed that no fewer than 7000 gentlemen of property and position had cast in their lot with these societies, thus recognising the great good to society resulting from such combinations. They had in fact found out that Friendly Societies constitute if not the only sure means, at least a very certain one of stemming the increasing tide of poverty. It had been calculated that three millions of mocey had been saved by these societies alone. Ihe speaker continued by saying that v\hat they wanted was men of education to join their ranks, and to give instruction t.o those who were willing and anxious to help themselves. Many persons when they joined a Friendly Society think when they have good health it is no use keeping themselves good on the books, and so fall out of compliance ; but it should be remembered that no person has a guarantee of good health for half an hour. The only qualification required in entering their society was good I> oalt k ah fchf» tirno of entrance. They asked no questions as to nationality or creed, but in these matters stood alto gpther on neutral ground. Before closing, he had one word for the ladies. Tie wished to assure them that all these institutions and secrets were intended to make better fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters, and if they carried out these objects they were bound to succeed. He would now propose the following toast: — '■ Success to the Ancient Order of Foresters."

The toast was drunk with acclamation, followed by Foresters Fire.

Bro. Muirhead sang, " Many happy returns of the day."

The Vice-Chairman, in proposing ' Kindred Societies," compared the two societies, Foresters and Oddfellows — the former numbering 376,000, and the latter 412,000, and in an eloquent address showed the great advantages to be gained from these societies, especially in mining districts, where accidents are frequent. He was surprised that these societies had not made even greater progress in New Zealand than they had done. How often, even in their own township, did they find men carried in a helpless state to that noble institution in Whitehaven-street, which was a credit to the district. The Chairman had referred to the desirability of men of education joining them, and he (the speaker) quite endorsed that sentiment. They required auditoi*s who were apt at accounts, and they required men who could stand up and address them intelligently — men from whom they could learn something. The speaker concluded by proposing the toast, coupled with the name of N.-G< Bro. Thompson, of the Tuapeka Pioneer Lodge, who responded in a very neat speech, which he summed up as follows : — Foresters and Oddfellows, he said, had two barmomous objects in view, viz., peace and plenty.

Bro. Sutherland sang "The Pullback," and received an encore.

P.P.G.M. Bro. Bastings asked the company to charge their glasses and! drink the toast of the evening, " The' Court Star of Tuapeka." It afforded him much gratification to have been present at every anniversary of Court Star of Tuapeka. He also took credit to himself for' neing the father of Odd Fellowship in Tuapeka. He had been an Oddfellow for the last twenty years,* and .during that time bad done luV utmost to propagate it wherever he* went and as occasion presented itself,! and if he were spared for thirty years, more he hoped he would not fail to do his best ro forward the noble object of ! these societies. Although he had not required thpir benefits still he considered it a duty for every mnn in any position to do bis best '-to foster the*

body politic by every good and legitimate means. He felt proud to hear the Chairman give utterance to words that showed a clear perception of sound principles of political economy ; words which were not to be expected from a man coming from the remote wilds of Wetherstone's. He would like to see those men whom live by the labor of others joining with them hand in hand in promoting the common weal. Those men, who the force of circumstances has placed in good positions, although they do not require the assistance of these societies, should identify themselves with them, and thus supplement them in their efforts in a good cause. He would not further delay them but propose the toast of the evening, " Success to Court Star of Tuapeka, coupled with the name of P.C.R. Bro. Morison.

Bro. Kendall sang "Do the best you can."

Bro. Morison, In a few words, responded. Bro. Tolcher proposed " The Ladies." N.G-. Bro. Thompsou sang "The Bonny Hills of Scotland." Bro. Muirhead, in a humourous speech, responded to the toast of " Tho Ladies."

Bro. Herd proposed " The Host and Hostess."

Bro. Oreo. Clark responded. He was glad they had been catisfied with his efforts to do them justice. Since he had been connected with the Foresters he must say he had always found them jolly good fellows.

The toaft of " The Visiting Brothers of the Order " was not proposed owing to the entire absence of visiting brothers from aay other Court. Grent surprise was expressed at the absence of a representative from Court [Javelock.

After supper, tbe company returned to the ball room, when they merrily footed it on the " light fantastic " until long after daybreak.