TAPANUI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 399, 14 October 1874, Page 3

TAPANUI.

(From a Oprrespojident.) The sixth anniversary of the Loyal Tap~anui Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., was celebrated here on the evening of the 2nd inst. by a soiree and ball. The weather for fully a week before the event was all that could not be desired — in fact it rained almost incessantly ; consequently it was thought that the affair would be a failure ; but such was the energy of the brotherhood and the courage of the ladies (who determined to go ■weather or not) that the turn out was^fuliy equal to former years, and those who did venture were fully rewarded, as everyone seemed t5 spend a most enjoyahle evening. The. hall was tastefully decorated with ferns. &c., and with the mottoes of the order, neatly Executed and placed in conspicuous places, had a most pleasing effect ; b'ufr the . climax was reached when the ladies appeared on the scene, attired in orthodox costume, and leaning confidingly on the arm of their respective swains, brothers or husbands, as the case might be, prepared to trip on the light fantastic toe to the enlivening strains of a violin— perhaps not handled with, the skill of a Paganini, but Btillwith sufficient skill to make the most confirmed rheumatic forget his pains. The whole made up a scene that one does not readily forget and is only too rarely witnessed in this district. Mr.,Braudigan was the oatererfor the soiree part of the entertainment, which was got up in his usual excellent style, ieaving nothing to be desired. After the edibles were done ample justice to, the usual loyal and Satriotic toasts were given by V.G. Bro. I 'Duff (who occupied the chair in the abBenee of theN.G.) Then followed "The Otago District," to Bro. Graham, K.S., replied in appropriate language. Bro. Hewitt proposed " Sister Lodges," and visiting Bro. Neil Colqnhoun replied on behalf of the Loyal Tnapeka Pioneer Lodge, * regretting the absence of officers of that Lodge wfto proposed being present, but were no i floubt prevented by the wretched weather. ! Bro. Neil Colqnhoun then proposed " The Loyal Tapanui Lodge " in very flattering terms. V.G. Bro. M'Duff replied in an excellent speech, giving a history of the .Lodge, from its birth, six years ago, and spoke of tl*e4ifliculties surmounted, peculiar

to country Lodges, the amount of good done and the "distress alleviated. He then read a report showing the number of members good on the books, and the amount to the credit of the Lodge, viz., £150, proving exclusively that the Lodge is in a" remarkably healthy state, physically and financially ; and concluded by advising all those who wore not Oddfellows, to join at once and partake of the benefits and privileges of Oddfellowship. P.G. Bro. Allen then proposed "The Ladies " in a very feeling and happy manner, coupling the toast with'the name of P.G. Bro. Mooney, who blushingly replied on behalf of tho fair sex. After the tables were cleared the votaries of Terpsichore had an opportunity of enjoying themselves to then* hearts content, which was taken advantage of, dancing being kept up with unabatedj vigor until an early hour. Songs sung at intervals during tho evening by different members and visitors, helped to enliven the proceedings considerably. ■ . . ... ■' . '.-3