COURT STAR OF TUABEKA A.O.F.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 257, 2 January 1873, Page 8

COURT STAR OF TUABEKA A.O.F.

TOUItTH ANNIYERSAHI. The fourth anniversary of the Court Star of Tuap.eka, A.0.F., was celebrated in the style which has of late become so popular — viz., a soiree, concert, and ball — in the Athenaeum hall. The hall was tastefully decorated with e.tnhlems of the. o.sder, flowers, and evergreens. Shortly after 7 o'clock a large number of ladies and gentlemen had assembled, and the first part pf the programme commenced by their fitting down to a. well-garnished tea table. When, all had paid their devoirs to tne viands and " the, cup that cheers |ut not"inebnates, v iU * The Chair man, C.R> Bro,. Bru^ce. ypiahed a}i "present a merry Ohristraaa and a h^ppy New Yean He expressed the great pleas u,re he felt in seeing so many brethren and friends present to celebrate their fourth anniversary, and that all would thoroughly enjoy themselves. All knew what the priafiples, of the society were — assistance to brethren, their wiveg, and and all would agree with him that there was no higher, aim than uniting to, help one another. He ijjrfnreesed on all men, married or jingle, $$ durability— nay, necessity— that

They had au iustance of the uncertainty of health aud risk of accident by the unfortunate ujiahap which the first CR. hadujet with that morning. Ho was sure the members of the Court were grieved to hear of. the accident, for the gentleman he alluded to bad proved himself a valuable and efficient officer ; and to him they were chiefly indebted for the establishment of $he order in Tuapeka. Court Star of Tuapeka now numbered 60 members. During the past twelve months seven new members had been admitted. During the same period they had lost two of their brothers by death, and one had left the district. The total receipts for the year were £215 6s. 6d. ; disbursements, sick pay, £43 }s., funeral donations, 450- On. the credit side thepe stood, cash at interest, £50 ; in bank, £26 5s r 3d. ; value of Court property, £36. The show the satisfactory position of the order throughout the world, he would quote the following statistics : — On the Ist December, 1871, there were 7247 districts and 39,880 courts, comprising 396,265, financial members. The honorary members were 8157. The increase in the yeap was 5f courts, 1£j,581 financial and 486 honorary members. The aggregate worth of the coqrt funds were £1,371,200, and of district funds £156,739, showing an increase during the year £96,266 in court funds and £9,006 in district funds. Bro. fyqs.nan then sang " Her bright smile haunts me still " and, being encored, the " Moon behind the hill." The Chairman proposed the health of the " Visiting Brethren," coupled with the name of C.H. Bro. Craig, of Court Havelock. CR. Bro. Craig responded in a suitable manner. Song, Bro. Stephenson, of Court Havelock, " My dear old Wife and I." The Chairman gave " Kindred Societies," coupled with the name of N.G. Bro. Downes, of Loyal Tuapeka Pioneer Lodge, M.U.1.0.6.F. N.G. Bro. Downes, in responding, alluded to the advantages of men joining friendly societies young, and not waiting till they were marriedTbe advantages would be felt and appreciated when they had settled down in life ; and it would be some consolation for them to know that, whatever happened, those depending on them would have some provision left. (Applause.) Bro. Trantor of the Waitahuna Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., also responded. N.G.. Bro. Downes sang "Rhine Wine," and an encore being vociferously demanded, gave " I'll Stand by vr\y Friend." P.O.R. Bro. Morrison, in a happy speech, gave the " Ladies," which was responded to felicitously by CS. Bro. J. Menzies. This portion of the proceedings was brought to, a termination by all joining in '-'Auld Lang Syne," led by Bro. Downes. The tables and seats were then cleared away, and about 5.0 pairs of Terpsichore's votaries commenced dancing, which theykej-tup uninterruptedly with spirit and vigor until the position of the ~ sun gave warning that it was time to depart. AU present expressed themselves highly gratified and that the affair was a great success. Mrs. Hanson presided at the piano, and discoursed music in her usual admirable style. Theeatahlesand taa were provided by the members of the Lodge, and were excellent in quality, abundant in quantity, and appreciated in a very practical manner by the guests.