ODDFELLOWS MEETING-ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW LODGE

Waikato Times, Volume III, Issue 131, 8 March 1873, Page 2

ODDFELLOWS MEETING- ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW LODGE

A m,eeti>g oi the IndrpcnJent Order of Oddfellows, M JJ , was lielil at the iii'hoolroom on Thui^dny evening last, ita object bung to ebtabliah n bianth society at S»gm uawahia Captain Dlitojti and Mr Pou Jet, of Aw kJand, weic present. Alter the initiation oi members mid cthcibutiness lmd been deposed of, a dinner, which was provided m tiic very best style ty host Thotrnfe, took place at the Central Hotel, at w lnclmpwards oi SOi^oxrons from all parts of thp diktriut were j.rijout. Captain George Earner was placed in tlo 1 chair; the vice chairmen were Mt^-rn T. Y. titzpntrick anil George Junes. The Vhairmap, in proposing the first toast: " Her Majesty and the Koyal F.unily," .said that it was one that needed no comment. Vvn yuie j.i. a.ii)t felt as much as he did how dcservh'c Xv Mnjc^y \wv» of om btat \\;:jb.es (Drunk wiLh uxl.i<.i-uion ) Mr Jones sat<l tliat it lia-1 ialVni to Iks lot to propose the next toast: "Tie Governor. Lady Dow en, and family." During their residence amongst us they had deservedly cirned the respect of the whole colony. They were now aljout to leave us, and as a proof of the estimation in which they were held.Jif ths wi&hes of the people could have retained them here, they would never h<ive been lenaoved to Victoria. He felt cettaiu that the people of that colony would lear^.to appreciate them as we had done, and trusted that they would like the Victorians. The next toast : "The Army and-Xavy," was proposed by Mr T. Y. Fitzpitiick That gentleman said that he did not know why he had been chosen to propose the^ toast as he was not, and^jievcr had been connected with the army, or. navy. Mr. Butcher responded, and said that ho had 110^ the honor of being a member of the navy, but he supposed that he was at that time a member of the army, inasmuch as he belonged to the Anklaml Militia. All he knew was that if called out they would be willing and ablo to tijjht, Mr. Powley proposs l " The Manchester Unity," which was drunk with t'.ie honors of tha Ordor. In lvspon ling, Mr Dorro.n said tlmt the duty of responding ! should not have fallen upon him. lie was of opimqn that it i waa the duty of the Provincial Grand Master to do so. lso%- \ ever ho was better acquainted with the matters connected with the position of their society, and he supposed that that gentleman had preferred Ins responding on that account. Ho gave some statistics, proving tlmt the society was in a most prosperous slate. He said tlmt lie regretted he had not brought wit.i him papers s'ie<viu.j the exact position of tho society, as he would then have been enabled to interest them, with fuller particulars, ; Mr Dorroin proposed "Success to tho Wiiangarci Lxlgo." He said it had been defunct for a considerable timo on account of so many of its members harm; left for the. | Thames. The dUpetuation had for tills reason b,»)en transferred from Whangum to Ngaruawahia. They had there" fore t'uj benefit of an old established institutiou, In responding, Mr F. Bell said that he felt it incumbent upon him to thank them for the manner in which thoy had, drunk success to their institution. They wore young, but ho hoped would soon be in a good position. Ho believed that, tho officers and members would do their utmost to promote, tho success of ij.ir breauch. Mr Derrom proposed the next toast — "The Press," coupled with tho name of Mr Jones. He looked upon ,the profits a mighty engine of civilisation. Mr Jones said he supposed that, as amsmbor of the Fourth Estate, it would be expjeted that he should respond to the last toast. It was gratifying to ob-'jrvo tho estimation in which " tho Press" was held by tho settlers of this district, m ire especially ft 3 it was a proof that they had amongst them mon of intelligence and education. He l,O,ped that, as an infinitesimal part of that gi-eat institution , tlyir actions would rathe.- tend to increase than diminish conihlpncD in tho power aul utility of journalism. Ho had long wished to bocomo a member of their society, and he should now taka an early opportunity of doing go» " The Ladies" was proposed by Mr Powlcy, who called upon Mr E. Fitzpatrick to respond. In doingso.that gentleman said that he did not understand why they had chosen, him,f,o perform the duty, as ho ignew comparatively nothing about the ladies. He trusted that he would have a better acquaintance with them at, somo future day. The Chairman nest proposed, " The Ilost and Hostess " He said that after the manner they had hivn entertained, thoy would not be doing their duty were thoy not to beer testimony to the appreciation of the kindness of Mr and AJr* Tliomp.3. Mr Thomas, in responding, said it afforded him, pleasure to know that he haA gacn thfui sulisfaeUou, Up had certainly done hii best \o entertain them. Ho was glad to observe the manner in which, tl-c meeting was being conducted, as they all appeared to be enjoying themselves, and hoped that lj; would end in the orderly manner in, which it had begun He intended shortly to join the lodga, and nothing would giro him more r-Jcasuro than to bijild a, room in which their meetings could bj held. The next toast — " The Visiting Brethren. ai\d Ifrionfls " was proposed by Mr F. Bell. Mr Reynolds responded, thanking them foe the kindness he had rcccivd, and said that if the brethren ever visited Alexandra, he was sure they would do thoir best to return the compliment that h.il been paid them. Mr Scott proposed " Tho Chairman," coupled with tho name of Mrs Bayncr and family. Mr Bayncr, in responding, said that he. had no idea that they svere going thus to honor him, and thanked them for their kindness.