COURT LOYAL ENTERPRISE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2405, 21 September 1886, Page 2

COURT LOYAL ENTERPRISE.

The above Court, departing from the usual custom of. celebrating their anniversary with a soiree, decided on this, their fifteenth annual re-union, to meet at the festive board, and last evening about fifty sat down to an excellent repast at the Occidental Hotel.' Host Phillips excelled his previous efforts in the catering line by placing before the company one of the most liberal bills of fare and artistically laid out tables that it has beeu our lot to take part in in thiß district. Emblems and devices of the order - were conspicuous among everything, eatable and uneatable, showing that great care had been exercised in the

preparations. Representative?-were present from the Oddfellow, Druids, .and Loyal United Friends, showing that the utmost good; feeling aud friendship exists among the Masterton friendly societies. The chair was occupied by Mr F; Gray, one of the founders of the Court,-who was supported on his right by Mr. Red*' man, C.R., and on his left by Mr R. Brown, P.C.R. After Host Phillips' efforts had gained the mastery over the inner man of the company, the usual loyal toasts were disposed of, and the evening was given up to enjoyment. The first Foresters' toast was proposed by Mr Redman, " Ancient Order of Foresters,'.' which was received with the usual "Foresters' lire," Song, "Death of Nelson," Mr Wickerson.

" Kindred Societies" was proposed by Mr R. Brown, who spoke of the great advantages of Friendly Societies, and the habits of thrift it inculcated among its mombers. He dwelt especially on the way in which all the Societies were banded together in the one cause, and expressed a hope that they would continue 111 the good work they had in hand, Referring to tho Charilablo Aid Bill of last session, he thought too much legislation was taking place in this direction, and considered that members of friendly societies who voluntarily taxed themselves in providing for times of sickness, and made provisions for the widows and fatherless, should not bo subjected to this (to them) double taxation, He hoped that they would take united action in getting an amendment introduced in tho Act to prevent the evil results that are likely to occur to friendly societies. .

Song, "Babies on our block," Mr Manseli,

Mr Dalrymple, 011 behalf of the Oddfellows, drew a comparison between the Salvation Army and friendly societies, He considered the latter were the salvation army of men on earth, who wore all banded together to fight agaiustadvevaity, and provide in time of sickness and distress. In dealing witli tho advantages of the different orders, he spoke in favor of establishing a superanuation fund, which he considered would tend in a great measure to do uway with the necessity of tho obnoxious Act referred to. He concluded by expressing a hope that the l-ivalry between the different ordors would still continue in tho direction of endeavoring to outdo each other in the cause of assisting their fellow mon. Messrs Peacock and Johnson responded on behalf of the Druids and Loyal United Friends respectively. Song " Over tho Garden Wall," Mr Peacock. ,

Mr Selby proposed "Past and present Officers of Friendly Societies." Mr Redman in response spoke of the unaminity that exists among tho officers of Court Loyal Enterprise, and the gre,.t pleasure it was to attend the meetings, as tho duties were light and pleasant inconsequence. He finished his well inoant and appropriate speech' by singing " She 'was just about the age." . "The visitors" was given by Mr F. Gray, who recounted the difficulties of establishing the present Court sixteen years ago. Having got twelve names on tho list, he invited the officer to como up and open the new Court, when tliey arrived he found there were two short, and ho bad to hunt around and find two more which was rather a difficult task in those days, and when tho Court was at laßt opened they were all officors. He was proud to see his efforts crowned with success, as there wore now ono hundred and twenty financial membors on tho books of Court Loyal Enterprise. Song, " Kobbin Tamson's Smithy," Mr Hogg. Mr McCardle responded and boroout Mr Gray to somo extent by giving a graphic account of tho • difficulties of opening Court Pahiatua a few weeks ago. He oxpressed his determination of taking part in the great work by becoming a incmbor of somo friendly society. Ho concluded by recommending everyono to provide for old ago and adversity by participating in their liberal land laws and making themselves freeholders now they had the opportunity, and before the lands were placed boyond the reach and out of the control of tho people of tho district. Song " Rhine Wine," Mr Ewington. " The Ladies" was gracefully proposed by Mr Worth, the youngest Forester present, and received with musical honors. The toast was responded to by Mr J, Roberts, the senior representative of Robin Hood, who commenced by singing "The Pope he loads a happy life," and after delivering a masher speech ,on the excellencies of the opposite sex, wound up with a successful vocal, effort, "Oh would I were a boy again." Mr Wickens proposed "the Press," which was acknowledged by Messrs Hogg and Wickerson, "Our Host" was drank wit.i musical honors and suitably responded to bv Mr Phillips. Sone " Polly Perkins," Mr Wickerson.

"The Chairman" was tho concluding toast and was received with enthusiasm, after which the company dispersed with every evidence of having enjoyed the fifteenth anniversary of Court Loyal Enterprise, A.O.F.