ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOYAL ROXBURGH LODGE M.U.I.O.O.F.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 231, 4 July 1872, Page 7

ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOYAL ROXBURGH LODGE M.U.1.0.0.F.

To the philosophic mind even the most trivial question affecting human society is a subject of interest and contem plation. It must not, thorefore, be deemed out of place if I demand space in your columns for a detailed account of the fete which has dazzled the Mount Bengerites. A ball in itself may be a very trifling matter for tho chronicler of contemporary events to pause and comment upon, yet at such celebrations kindly feelings are engendered, lasting friendships formed, and in many instances tho germs of the divine passion of love are planted by Cupids tiny emissaries in tho hearts of susceptible youth. But a ball in connection with .a friendly society has still higher functions to fufill. It tends to render the advantages of such institutions more patent to all, and many who simply went to dance 'and ea,t may have gone away with the noble intention of laying by for a time of sickness and distress, and thereby preserving the full sense of independ- , ence without which a man sinks into a miserable and servile condition. " Liberte, Egalite, Fraternity," is a noble sentiment, and Oddfellowship brings it more into practice than tho wild dreams of Red Republicanism .whose practical efforts only lead to bloodshed, ruin, and despair. But enough upon a theme so fruitful as to require whole encyclopaedias to do it sufficient justice. Let mo proceed to the easier if not more congenial task of describing the glories of the 20th of Jnne. About nine in the evening the ball opened, the rooms being crowded with such a galaxy of beauty as never again will greet my wondering eyes until I turn Mussulman and enter the full enjoyment of Mahomet's paradise. Nor must masculine grace be altogether forgotten, as in the various dances agility was frequently displayed which would not have disgraced Professor Huxley's anthropomorphic ape. Professor Lewis with his accustomed skill and art rosined the bow, and had his efforts well seconded by an amateur second* violinist, who, although .he laboured under the slight disadvantages of having a bow without hair and a fiddle without strings produced sounds quite satisfactory to himself if to no one else. To enter upon a very delicate subject, I fear my knowledge of millinery is slightly confused, but the effect was dazzling — got up regardless of expense was the rule; and the general contour of the Grreciau bend imparted a woka-liko grape to many of the figures. Not Solomon in all his glory was attired like one of these, and on the whole I do not think a knowledge of the fact would have hurt his feelings. All the colours of the rainbow, and many of human invention flashed about in the whirl of the valse, or fluttered hither and thither in the intricate evolutions of the quadrille. Nor was the amusement confined to these graceful exercises, for the wild hilarity of the Scotch reel was .not wanting. The sight was worth the money. To sec grave members of the learned professions capering and twisting like galvanised tadpoles and sedate citizens agitating arms like convulsed spiders, was a sight reminding one of the phantasmagoria of a pork chop dream. But the result was perfect enjoyment, and it is not for me to inquire too minutely into the means employed. By midnight the animal passion of hunger for time drew all from the seventh heaven of delight. This meal was served in the perfect manner all such affairs are got up at the Teviot Assembly Room. All the luxuries of the sefcson, wild sheep from the mountains and tame sheep from the plains ; Cochin Chinas l\'om the barn door, Maori hens from the gullies; turkeys and boiled potatoes, clucks and duff; corn flour and caper sauce; none of these were wanting from the hospitable board. To say that ample justice was done to these viands would be doing scant justice to the appetites of the company. Every thing disappeared in the twinkling of an eye, and at ons time serious apprehensions existed as to the safety of the crockery.

The N.G-:, Bro. Anderson, who occupied the chair, proposed the loyal toasts which were duly honored.

The N.Gr. next proposed the toast of the evening, " Success and prosperity to the Loyal Roxburgh LooVe, M. U. I. O. O. P." Owing to the books not being made up he regretted being unable to give any detailed account of the condition of the Lodge. Still, he was in possession of the facts that a steady progress continued, and an increasing tendency to take advantage of tho benefits of Oddfellowsliip. Six new members had been admitted into the lodge, and the claims of six candidates were to be considered at their next meeting. Deith, he was happy to say, had kept away from their brotherhood, and the funds were -in a satisfactory state. The toast vvas^ re-" ceived with acclamation. * Song :— " Man the life boat," by Mr! Reid. • Mr. Smith proposed " The Visiting Brothers," gracefully, thankiug those gentlemen for their attendance. The toast was duly responded to by Mr. H. •Bastings of Tuapeka.

Comic song by Mr. .Tames Smith. Mr. Neville proposed " The Ladies." Such a toast he contended wns really the toast of the evening. Without woman, man degenerates into a mere savage, 'Tis true that woman was Uncertain, coy. and hard to please, yet When pain and anguish wring the brow, A ministering angel thou. He was but a stranger in the district, yet he could honestly declare he had never before witnessed such a gather ing of " fair faces knife to fairer forms." He demanded a bumper in honour of the sex. A bumper was duly given. Bro. Birch in the absence of Mr. Fearon responded lie. regretted the suddenness of the call did not enable him to do full justice to the subject. Song, " Remember me," by Mrs. Macpherson. The health of the N.G-.,' drank with musical honors, closed the entertainment. An adjournment to the ball room followed, where dancing was carried on until an advanced hour in the morning, the whole winding up with the cushion danc.e. A committee of gentlemen was appointed to award the honor of belle of the ball, and after deliberating with due care and consideration, La belle JLfricahie was duly declared worthy of an honor of incomparable value when we consider the amount of beauty assembled on tbe occasion.