TAPANUI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 239, 29 August 1872, Page 6

TAPANUI.

(From a special Correspondent.)

In these days of selfishness and overwhelming sordidness it is a pleasure indeed to be able to record the occurence of an act not tinged with either of these elements, especially in this portion of the island;

On Tuesday evening, immediately after the close of the Lodge, a number of the brothers invited Bro. Mooney to a farewell banquet of cake and wine and to spend an hour or two in social concord. Bro. Alex. McGregor was enthusiastcally voted to take the chair, which he filled to the satisfaction of all. The usual loyal tosts having been suitably disposed of, the Chairman said he had now to propose the toast of the evening, the "Health of Bro. Mooney." He thought it would be superfluous on his part to eulogise the departing brother, as his reconimendable qualities were well known. Since his connection with the Lodge, he had him found invariably courteous and generous, while, as a neighbour, he would be long missed. He was sorry that Bro. Mooney had to leave the district ; but he might assure him, and he knew he was speaking the sentiments of everyone present, that be carried away from Tapanui the the best wishes and the warmest sympathies of all who had shared his intimacy. He hoped prosperity would constantly follow him. The toast was honored as Odd Fellows only can honour a toast of the kind. Song, Bro. Hewitt. Bro. Mooney on rising was prevented for sometime speaking b) the cheering. When it had subsided, he said he trusted they would excuse the imperfect reply he could make to such a kindly expressed speech as his health had been proposed by the respected Chairman, and for the very hearty and genuine manner it had been drunk. He had merely to add that he felt happy and proud that he was considered worthy of the honor the brothers were conferring upou him, and that he had found it a great pleasure to belong to the Tapanui Lodge, for it numbered among its members many of the most warm hearted and manly men to be found in the district or province. He would carry away with him the liveliest recollection of their good feelings towards i him ; and no matter where he went, his memory would dwell with pleasure j on the happy scene he now saw around him, with all the agreeable associations it recalled. He again wished to thank them, and would resume his seat as long as he was able to command his feelings. Song, Bro. McDuff. | Bro. Neish proposed the health of the sitting N,G., Bro. McAlister. The Lodge was certainly to be congratulated upon enjoying the services of an officer who had set himself so practically and resolutely to work as Bro. McAlister had done. He thought the common sense and business-like view he took of matters brought before the Lodge was too well understood to require mor3 than mentioning. Such an N.G-. was sure to leave favourable impression behind him when he retired from office, and it was pleasing to co operate with him. The speaker likewise expressed his regret at the departure of Bro. Mooney. Recitation, Bro. Turnbull. Bro. McAlister said he never made a worse job at anything than he did in responding to his own health. He certainly had to thank the brothers for the kind manner they were recognising his efforts to promote the wellfare of the Lodge. As it yielded him great pleasure in doing so, he had no doubt it afforded them as much to assist him. , He was very sorry indeed to lose the services of so good a secretary as. Bro, Mooney had been, and did not know what the officers wonld do without him. He was of opinion that they were, honoring themselves as much as Bro, Modney \rx entertaining him,

as he certainly deserved far more than they were in a position to give him. He had his best and sincerest wishes for his future success.

Song, Bro. Mooney. The Chairman proposed the health of the present V.G., Bro. Mason; He thought he was deserving of every encouragement for the diligent manner he had entered upon his duties. He always liked to see him in the lodge room ; and if brother Mason enjoyed the society of the brethren as much as his was enjoyed, he could not fail to be happy.

Eecitation, Bro. Swan.

Bro. Mason said he had no idea that anything he was doing for- the advancement of the Lodge entitled him to so much consideration from the brothers. He might say, however, that since his election to the office of N.G., he had taken a deep interest in all its concerns, and he experienced much pleasure in doing so, as it led him to study many things he had before overlooked. He shared the regret already expressed in Bro. Mooney's departure, and hoped he would be successful wherever he went! He was sure he would always have manyfriends, for he had the secret of making them. He thanked the Chairman for the kind manner he had spoken of him.

Song, Bro. Me Vicar.

Ihe health of the Visiting Bros, was proposed by Bro. George Turnbull, and responded to by Bro. McDutf, who feelingly alluded to Bro. Mooney's departure from the district. He was sure he would be long and keenly missed.

Bro. Neish proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman for the able manner he preisded.

Bro. McGregor replied, aud the meeting broke up, aftier having spent a few hours very pleasantly.