ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRUE BLUE LOYAL ORANGE LODGE. TUAPEKA, No. 8.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 373, 15 July 1874, Page 2

ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRUE BLUE LOYAL ORANGE LODGE. TUAPEKA, No. 8.

The first anniversary of the above Lodge was celebrated in Hinde's Assembly Booms, Blue Spur, on Monday evening, by a soiree, concert, and ball. This is the first time tha anniversary of an Orange Lodge has been celebrated after the above-mentioned fashion in this Province ; and judging from the remarkable success which attended it, we, have no doubt it will prove to be the precursor of many similar celebrations in connection with this and other Lodges. The assemblage of people was very large, considering the unpropitious state of the weather. The large hall wa3 crowded with people — residents of the Blue Spur and the .surrounding districts. Waitahuna wag strongly represented by members of the Lodge there, which was established previous to the one at Tuapeka, and is therefore tho parent Lodge of the district. Thero were also visitors from the Teviot and other places at an equally great distance, thus showing the interest taken in the welfare of the Lodge. Tea was placed on the table at sir o'clock, and was presided over by Mesdamea Livingston, Ledlie, White, May, Grant, Symes, and Misses Wynne and Thompson. The Committee provided the refreshments themselves — a plan they considered perf erabie to calling for tenders for them. It is almost unnecessary to cay that the quality of the comestibles was first-class, and there was au abundance of them for ah 1 .

After the cloth had been removed,

W.M. Bro. Samuel White took the chair. He was supported by members of the Order belonging to the two district Lodges, and ou rising stated that when the Lodge first started there were only five members, but now it numbered twenty-seven. This number could be materially increased if the Lodge admitted those who, though desirous of being members, would prefer that their connection with the Order be kept a secret ; but these were not the class of men they wished to admit into tho brothorhood. They only wished those who were not ashamed to declare their colors and stand by them. The Chairman then explained the leading principles of the Order, viz., the conservation of civil and religious liberty. He gave the audience to understand that they were not to run away with the impression that Orangemen were leagued together to try aud injure their Catholic fellow countrymen; on the contrary, they were merely an Order instituted to protect that liberty of thought and speech which their forefathers had fought for, and which they intended, hy thus banding themselves together, to do their utmost to maintain. Mr. White's speech was really interesting, and on concluding he safe down amidst a^tornx of applause. ""l^^p The second portion of the entertaining^ consisted of songs and recitations, in which the following ladies and gentlemen took part : Mesdames Bheuby, Hunter, Gihnore, Needham, and Cousins ; and Messrs. Abrim, Scott* Kendal, T. Scott, Needhain, and Master Abrim. The songs were mostly good, the majority of the singers coming in for aa encore, ' which they readily responded to. The toast of " The ' Queen" was proposed by the Chairman, and'responded to by the only Government servant present, viz., Mr. M'Lelland, who in his usual humorous style instanced the loyalty of his family by stating that it was quite a hackneyed phrase in passing a M'Lelland to say "There goes six foefc of loyalty ! " This gentleman then made a few remarks aa to the purpose for which they were gathered together. He spoke in flattering terms of Orangemen and their professions — their loyalty to the Crown and their readiness to protect the liberties of their fellow countrymen. He thought the time was fast approaching, when " man to man the world ore, shall brothers be for a' that." (Applause.) Tho Chairman proposed rhe toast of "King William, of Immortal Memory," which was responded to by Mr. Ferris, of the Waitahun* Lodge, who gave a brief resume of the origin, of the Order of Orangemen, but which it is needleßS for us to detail.

After the National Anthem was snng, the hall was cleared for dancing. The music was provided by Messrs. M'lntyre and Watson. The first part of the programme was got through about 2 o'clock, when an adjournment was made for refreshment?, of which there were ample supplies.

Dancing was resumed about three a.m., and kept up by some of the.jjpunger portions of the assembly until break'^if day. Thia being the first anniversary of the Lodge, we congratulate the members on tho liberal spirit displayed by them, which will no doubt have the effect of considerably increasing their number. Hitherto the merfc mention of an Orange Lodge has conveyed to the public the idea of secresy. The members of the new Lodge did much on Monday evening to dispel such au illusion. They state plainly and fully their objects, and ask no man to join their ranks against his honest convictions. " •

The only drawback to this enjoyable entertainment was the filthy state of the roads. A drizzling rain fell throughout the day, making the roads in suet a state that walking through them was a matter of th« greatest difficulty, and to take a conveyance up the hill on a dark night like Monday wss dangerous in the extreme. One party in. Lawrence, after all other means failed, secured the services of a four-horse dray team to convey them to the scene of action. The Members of tlie Lodge 'were gratified with the large number of visitors who honored them ■with thei* attendance, and w« hare -ho doubt that it will be «.n incentive for the*a to prorid? additional inducements Whitens -tibA