ODD-FELLOWS' ANNIVERSARY BALL.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 349, 12 September 1868, Page 4

ODD-FELLOWS' ANNIVERSARY BALL.

The Odd-Fellows of Westport celebrated their anniversary on Thursday evening last, by a ball and supper, to which we have previously briefly referred. Every arrangement that could possibly be made to promote the comfort and enjoyment of the guests was made, and the committee deserve every credit for the manner in which they discharged their duties. The Committee consisted of Bros. A. G. Brown. P.G.M., J. Tyrrell, P.G.M., J. W, Munson, G.M", G. Jordan, N.G., James Bodkin, P.V.G., E. J. O'Conor (Secretary), W. N. Eranklyn, H. Gibson, and G. Clarke, and they were actively assisted in their labors by others of the brethren, not on the Committee. The drill room adjoining the Little Grey Hotel was selected as the place at which the ball should be held, and Mr D. Emanuel was elected caterer. The weather during the day was most miserable, and the rain poured down in torrents. Towards night it cleared a little, but it again came on, and the visitors had to brave a most unpleasant night. Notwithstanding this drawback, the guests mustered in force, and before supper time, some eighty were on the floor. As we have previously stated, a supper room had been prepared at the back of the ball room, and a stage was erected, several feet clear of the heads of the dancers, for the orchestra. The music was under the direction of Mr Schmidt, and was all that could be desired. An abundance of light was also provided, and the decorations were carried out with great taste. A silk banner of the Order, kindly lent by the District of Nelson for the occasion, of considerable value, was displayed, and attracted well-merited notice. Amongst other things, a scent fountain, constructed by Bro. Bennett, tinsmith, was furnished, and sent up its perfumed spray without ceasing during thenightmaterially contributing to the refreshment of the dancers. This is an invaluable adjunct to a ball room, and we have no doubt others on the occasion of such festivities will avail themselves of it. It is customary to speak well of suppers generally for some reason or other, but this one we can most positively pronounce to be the best ever given in "Westport, if not on the Coast, and the manner in which it was laid on the table, stamped the cook as an artiste of the highest classMr W. Wignall was the founder of the feast, having been entrusted by Mr Emanuel with a carte hlanche to provide all that was necessary, and the manner in which he discharged his trust, showed how fully he was worthy of the confidence reposed in him. There was actually every delicacy procurable, every available inch of the table was loaded, and when we state that forty-nine different dishes were set down on the bill of fare, and that there were more on the table, our readers can form an idea of the quality of the feast. Mr Frank Lewis officiated as master of the ceremonies, and gave every satisfaction in that capacity. As the whole number could not sit down to supper at once, the ladies and the visitors unconnected with the order went in first, after which the brethren and those who had not joiued the first party, attacked the ample store provided. Bro. P.G.M. Tyrrell occupied the chair, Bro P.G.M. Brown the vice and a number of toasts were given, and drunk enthusiastically. The Queen and the Manchester Unity was proposed from the chair, and responded to be Bro. P.G-.M. Brown. The Widow and Orphans were next on the list, and the toast was feelingling responded to by Bro. Sec. E. J. O'Conor.

The health of Visiting. Officers and brethren, was acknowledged by Bro. Bennett in appropriate terms. The health of the Ladies was cordially greeted, and Bro. O'Conor happily responded on their behalf. The Mining and Commercial interest found a worthy representative to respond to the toast in the person of Bro. Seaton.

The Press and other toasts were also proposed and duly honored, but this part of the programme did not occupy a very long time, as the ladies evidently preferred dancing to speechifying:. As soon as this had been got through the music struck up again, and quadrilles, waltzes, mazurkas, reels, polkas, and a host of dances followed quick on each other, the whole space being fully occupied with dancers, who evidently fully and heartily enjoyed themselves. The wallflowers were in an immense minority, and even these melancholy, but invariable concomitants of a ball appeared to enjoy the spectacle so afforded. The guests began to thin about 4 o'clock, but daylight had fairly set in before a general break up took place. Altogether a most pleasant evening was spent, and the Odd-fellows' Anniversary Ball may fairly be set down as a great success, whether as regards the general management, the music, the supper, the dancing, or the satisfaction of those who attended it. Had the weather been more propitious, no doubt the attendance would have been larger and many who would have come from Charleston and other places were thereby prevented from being present, but as it was, there was a full complement of ladies, and everything passed off in the most satisfactory manner. Not the slightest disturbance occurred during the night, and the ball will long be remembered pleasantly by all who were present.