ANNIVERSARY OF COURT HAVELOCK. A.O.F.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 293, 11 September 1873, Page 6

ANNIVERSARY OF COURT HAVELOCK. A.O.F.

The anniversary of the above Court was celebrated by a soiree, concert and ball, in the Athenaeum Hall, Waitahuna, on the evening of Friday last. The attendance was very large, the fine moonlight night enticing many visitors from Tuapeka, Tokomairiro, and surrounding district, notwithstanding the counter attractions at Lawrence on the same evening of the Oddfellows' anniversary dinner and the Rev. Mr. Smith's lecture. Early in the evening several buggies and other conveyances, and a large number of equestrians, might be seen travelling on the road to Waitahuna, the fine ride to many, no doubt, being one of the most attractive features of the programme. The youthful portion of the Lawrence community evidently preferred the more lightsome pleasures of a dance to the dull and heavy monotones of our afterdinner orators, even coupled with the august company of several members of the Executive; or. perhaps it might he their retiring modesty which led them to seek company mpre congenial to their taste. Besides, the Havelock Foresters gave gentlemen an opportunity of allowing their lady frieuds- to participate in the evening's

Tuapeka, in their superior wisdom, or owing to their parsimonious views as to the cost of muslin and gloves, thought fit to deny them. The moonlight ride on the return journey was delightful, and judging from the merry peals of laughter and occasional bursts of song, the Foresters' ball at Waitahuna will be remembered by many of the visitors for some time to come. On arriving at Waitahuna we found a large number of people congregated, doing ample justice to the excellentspread provided by Mrs. Walker. After the cloth was removed, the second part of the programme was proceeded with. Bro. J. Corry, C.R., opened the proceedings by giving the first toast, "'The Queen ; " after which, in a brief address, he gave the audience an insight into the benefits to be derived from Forestry. He then called upon the Secretary, Mr. Cairns, for the yearly financial statement. The report, on being read, proved the Court to be in an eminently satisfactory condition, both financially and in point of membership. They had a good credit balance on their yearly income. The only actual want appeared to be a resident surgeon in the district, but he ! thought that difficulty would soon be overcomo. Mr. Cromarty sang "Seamen's Life ; " on being recalled he sang " Good Rhine Wine." The next toast was "The Ancient Order of Foresters," which was responded to with Foresters' fire. Mrs. Hughes sang "Love Not," and was encored ; she then sang " Good bye, sweetheart, good bye." The Chairman then proposed "Sister Courts," coupled with the name of Bro. Hay and Bro. Butler. Bro. Hay responded on behalf of Court Star of Tuapeka ; and Bro. Butler, of Court Bruce, in a humorous speech, replied on behalf of the Court he represented. Mr. John M'Kinnon sang. Mr. Butler sang " Kiss mo, Mother, ere I die." Mr. R. Craig proposed " Kindred Societies." Mr. Bayliss, of the Waitahuna Lodge, M.TJ.1.0.0.F., replied at some length, enlarging on the advantages of the consolidation of Friendly Societies, and expressing on behalf of the Lodge of which he was a member the desire to have a medical practitioner stationed amongst them. Song by Mr. John Black. Song by Mrs. Day. The Chairman then proposed the " Ladies," which was responded to by Mr. Robert Craig in a way which gave the ladies no oause to blush for their champion. Mr. Butler then favored the company with a further display of his vocal abilities by singing- two excellent songs, which brought this part of the entertainment to a close. The hall was then cleared for dancing. The music was supplied by Messrs. Bayliss and Groome, on the harmonium and violin respectively ; Mr. Cross acting as M.C. It is needless to say their several duties were performed in a most satisfactory manner. Dance followed dance in rapid succession till early dawn-— the general expression of the visitors being that a more enjoyable evening had never been spent in Wai tahuna. In conclusion, we mnst add the Committee deserve due praise, for the arrangements throughout were excellent — not a hitch occurred to mar the evening's enjoyment.