LOYAL TUAPEKA PIONEER LODGE M,U.I.O.O.F.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 241, 12 September 1872, Page 7

LOYAL TUAPEKA PIONEER LODGE M,U.1.0.0.F.

The ball and supper to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the Loyal Tuapeka Pioneer Lodge, which took place on the evening of Thursday, the sth instant, in the Commercial Assembly Room, was not such a success in point of numbers as had been anticipated ; but what was lacking in point of numbers was amply made up for by the hearty manner those present enjoyed themselves. Visitors were present from Switzers, Tapanui, Teviot, and Blue Spur. The former place especially came out creditably, no less than five — four gentlemen and a lady — having come from there. Dancing commenced shortly after ten, in the spacious Assembly Room, to music discoursed by Mr, Riedle, and was kept up with spirit till the bell rang for supper, when the company adjourned to the dining room. Here an excellent spread had been laid out by Host Armstrong, and we must congratulate him on the unequivocal success of his maiden effort in this line. It is needless to say that those who sat down to the tempting repast did ample justice to the good things provided. N.G. Bro. Downes occupied the chair, and V.G. Bro. M'Neill acted as croupier. When the tables were cleared, the Chairman called upon P.G. Bro. M'Nally, who sang, *• Where there's a will there's a way. P.G. Bro. A. Burns proposed the first toast, "The Otago District, of the M.UJ.0.0.F., coupled with the name of P.P.G.M. Bro. H. Bastings." He said that the uniform courtesy and business capacity displayed by the officers of the District and tue gentleman whose name he had coupled with the toast, had contributed much to the great advancement made by Oddfellowship in Otago. He might mention that in' the District there were now fifteen lodges, with 1100 members, and between £10,000 and £11,000 to their credit.

The toaat was drunk enthusiastically. The Chairman said before Bro. Bastings responded, he would as was customary on such occasions, give a resumb of the position of the Lodge, the anniversary 'of which they were celebrating. At the commencement of the year there were 77 members good on the books, and the amount to the credit of the Lodge was £'350. During the year 14 new members had joined, 10 had left the district, and 1 had died, leaving the npmber of members at present 80. The value of the Lodge funds at present was £420, P.P.G.M. Bro. Bastings expressed hia gratification at the sound financial p ->sition of the Lodge. No society had attained to such a prosperous state as the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows. At the last meeting of the Movable Committee, the Order -was shown to be as financially sound as auy life inßuranoe company. There was an accumulated fund of between three and four million pounds, and the number of members enrolled was from 700,000 to 800,000. Oddfellowßbip had spread all over the -world, and wherever the English language wasfpoken, members of the

Order were found. He felt grateful at reing the bumble instrument by which the blessings of Oddfellowship had been spread in this district. When he came to Tuapeka there were only three or four Oddfellows ; now there were some hundreds, with funds at their command amounting to eleven or twelve hundred pounds. The speaker alluded to the many benefits of Cddfellowship, not only in providing for the hour of sickness, but in the promotion of friendship. He thanked them for the manner in which they had drank his health.

Recitation— Bro. Mooney (Loyal Tapanui Lodge.)

The Vice-Chairman gave " The Visiting Officers and Brothers," which was drunk with musical honors.

Bro R, Burns (Loyal Mount Wendon Lodge) sang, "Her bright smile haunts me still."

Bro. Neville responded on behalf of the Loyal Roxburgh Lodge ; V.G. Bro. Brodrick, for the Loyal Mount Wendon Lodge ; N.G. Bro. Campbell, for the Loyal Blue Spur Lodge ; and E.S. Bro. Mooney, for the Loyal Tapanui Lodge. The latter gentleman, while responding, apologised for the absence of the N.G. of his lodge, which was unavoidable. P.P,G.M, Bro. Bastings proposed "Kindred Societies." In doing so he animadverted severely on certain members of the Lodge who had not come to the bal^ or contributed in any way to the success bf the anniversary celebration. C.R. Bro. Bruce, of Court Star of Tuapeka, responded.

Mr. M'Kimmie, in a neatly-worded speech, gave "The Press," which was responded to by Mr. Kerr. Bro. Hay gave "The Ladies," calling upon Bro. R. Burns, of the Loyal Mount Wendon Lodge, to respond. The Chairman gave a song. Bro. R. Burns responded to the toast of the ladies.

Bro. Quinn proposed " The Host and Hostess," which was drunk with acclamation. G. M . Bro. Armstrong briefly responded . Thoße present then adjourned to the ballroom, where dancing was kept up till an early hour. Bro. J. J. Millard officiated as M.C.