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

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 224, 16 May 1872, Page 7

ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOYAL WAITAHUNA LODGE, M.U.1. 0.0.F.

On Friday last the brethren and friends of this lodge celebrated its fifth anniversary, in the Athenaeum Hall, Waitahuna. The night was dark and the weather threatening, but did not deter the gathering of a large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen. When our reporter arrived, the tables, which were arranged in horse-shoe fashion, were crowded, and it was with difficulty he managed to find sitting accommodation. After waiting some time, a vacant corner was found, and an opportunity afforded to test the quality of the "cup that cheers," and the sandwiches, cake, pastry and fr.uit with which the tables were garnished. In his opinion, the caterer, Mrs. Cook, who has so often performed the same duties, never before performed the task so well.. Everything was so complete and well arranged, that no opportunity was left for adverse criticism. When all had done justice to the table, a short interim | took place, during which the tables "were j cleared. The concert then ommenced. N. G. Bro. Craven occupied the chair, and was supported on his right by N.G. Bro. Creswick, of the Blue Spur Lodge ; I and P.G.s Bros. Philip and Edie, of the .Waitahuna Lodge ; aud on his left by V.G. Bro. Downes, of the Tuapeka Pioneer Lodge. The Chairman said that the present position and prospects of the District were so well known that he was certain he could not say anything which had not previously been remarked. He was happy to say that although there had been sickness in the Lodge, it had been nothing to -what it was the previous year. During the year there were five neAv members admitted into the lodge, and the number belonging to the lodge is 59. He read the report, as follows :—: — Sick and Funeral Fund. — Receipts, £109 7s. 6d. ; expenditure, £53 193. lOd. incidental Fund, — Receipts, £119 ss. 6d. ; expenditure, £132 9s. Balance to the credit of the Sick Fund, £434 15s. lid. The Chairman called upon Bro. Barr for a song. Mr. Barr sang ' ' In the hazel dell," with much taste and feeling, and received an encore, in response to which he sang " The young man from the country." G.M. Bro. Kendall, Blue Spur' Lodge, was then called up"»n, and sang " Ring the fie bil 1 , watchman " and on being encored gave " I'he Pullba.uk." Mr. John Robertson then sang " Soda and IJ," and " I'm up a tree." Bro. Bassistow sang " What would Ida love," and " Hard np and broken down." The V. G. of the Tuapeka Pioneer Lodge was then called upon for a song, and gave "Sifting the sand about," and "Its uo business of mine." P.G. Tranter sang " The sprig o' shillalah." Bro. John Smith sang "Up with the standard of England," and "The young recruit." P.G. Philips p -oposed " Kindred Societies " in a few well-chosen words, and coupled the toast with the name of the Chief Ranger of the Court Havelock. The toast was drunk with musical honors. The Chief Ranger of the Court Havelock made a suitable reply, which was concluded by Foresters' fire. Mr. Jas. Chalmers said, as his name had b^en referred toj he wished in a word to acknowledge the compliment, although he would have preferred to have seen Mr. Tanton, an old representative of Waitahuna, undertaking the duty. On behalf of Lodge St. George he begged to thank < them heartily. Mr. John Philips sang " Burger the Ben." P.G. Bro.,- Edie proposed " Sister Lodges." He was glad to see so many present from the Tuapeka. Lodges. The toast was drunk with musical honors. V.G. Bro. Downes, on behalf of the Tuapeka Pioneer Lodge, said that he had brought an apology from the N.G. of the Lodge, who had desired him (Mr.. Downes) to attend. The Lodge which he represented, he was glad to say, was progressing well. No fewer than five or six had been initiated during the last six months. He congratulated the Waitahuna Lodge upon its present healthy financial position. . He concluded by enlarging upon the advantages of friendly societies. N.G. Bro. Creswick, of the Blue »spur Lodge, resppnded on behalf of his lodge. . P.G. Bro. Brown was called upon to propose, the health of the ladies. In his

absence, the toast was proposed b\ P.G-. Bro. Philips. P.G. Bro. Tranter responded. The Chairman then intimated that he had got to the close of his programme, and that an" interval of 15 or 20 minutes would be required to clear the hall for dancing. The hall having been cleared, dancing commenced, and was kept up with right good earnest, and lasted till an early hour. The ladies who presided over the tea tables were : — Mesdames Lynch, Hanson, Hogan, Craven, Bair, Goodman, and Misses Hick and M'Kinnon.