HAMILTON. (By Our Own Reporter.) INAUGURATION OF LOYAL HAMILTON LODGE, IOOFMU.

Waikato Times, Volume VII, Issue 396, 26 November 1874, Page 2

HAMILTON. (By Our Own Reporter.) INAUGURATION OF LOYAL HAMILTON LODGE, lOOFMU.

•Tuesday laat was a gdla day with the Odd Fellows of Hamilton. On that day was inaugurated the Loyal Hamilton Lodge. The townships of Ngaruawahia and Cambridge have boasted "of lodges for some time pastj but the largest and most central township has hitherto been in the shade in the matter of Odd Fellowship, and is to be congratulated upon having at least established a house of the Order in its midst. J. Derrom, P.P.G.M., C.S., and J. Hobson, Prov. G.M., arrived in Hamilton for the purpose of formally opening the Lodge on Tuesday last. All the ceremonies incident to such occasions were gone through, and the two above-named gentlemen were assisted in their duties by the officers of the Whangarei, Duke of Cambridge, and Alexandra Lodges. Eighteen new members were initiated in the mysteries of the Order and admitted to the privileges, of Odd Fellowship. The election of officers of the newly established Lodge could not, however, be proceeded with on account of the pressure of business until Wednesday night — Nov. 25th. After the conclusion of the business the members of the Lodge and their visitors assembled to discuss a repast ptovidefl by Mr Burke, of the ildyal Hotel. I About 40 persons sat down to supper, which was laid in a lower roomqf the hotel. The table was tastefully decorated 1 with flowers and the menu was, of such a character as to leave nothing to be desired. Every delicacy which is obtainable at this time of the year was well reprsented, and to judge by the havoc made by the guests, the supper was thoroughly appreciated. J. Hobson, Prov. G.M., occupied the chair, and G. S. Matheson, N.G., filled the vicechair. After the viands had been removed, the Chairman rose and proposed the toast of the " Queen," followed by that of the " Governor," which latter was diunk twice over to prevent mistakes, as there seemed to some doubt as to who was entitled to that proud title. Son^ „« For they are jolly good fellows." The Vice-chairman proposed the " Army, Navy, Volunteers, and Armed Constabulary ," which toast was ably responded to by Mr J. Ellison. The " Manchester Unity" was next proposed by F. J. Lawrence, P.G., and responded to by J. Derrom, C.S. of the Auckland district. He said that he (Mr Derrom) was sorry that there was not an older brother present to perform the task alloted to him, but he would try his best. The Manchester Unity was the largest benefit society in the world, it numbered over 500,000 members, and its accumulated funds exceeded £3,000,000 sterling. The lloyal Commission which had lately been sitting in England to enquire into the working of benefit societies had given it as their opinion that the Manchester Unity was 50 years in advance of any other benefit society. The society had been formed a<? as early as 1812, by a number of men who had banded themelve together to prepare by annual subscriptions against sickness. &c, The speaker touched at some length upon the principles of the Order, which he described as being in a great measure as a working man's society. He told his hearers that it was stated by the Government actuaries that to render benefit societies absolutely free from danger in the matter of meeting liabilities to sick members, <fee, it would be necessary to augment the amount of subscriplon. This suggestion had been acted upon and the society could now say that by no possible combination of circumstances could it be rendered unable to meet its arrangements to members. In reference to the endowment fund for the childien of members, the speaker stated that owing to the economical working of the Society they could pay 25 per cent, where Government could only pay 15 per cent. He stated that the admissions into the Order during the last 12 months were over 30,000, and throughout the whole Order only 8000 or 9000 were expelled for bad conduct. Some 800 or 900 had left on account of payments being in arvear. When the speaker had concluded an able and eloquent address he was loudly cheered. The Chairman then proposed the " Loyal Hamilton Lodge," which was drank with the Honors of the Order, and responded to by F. Bell, P.G., who declared the inauguration of the Lodge to be a great success, and he felt sure it would do good work. Mr A. Douglas also responded. Mr Dillon proposed vte health of Ihe " Host and Hostess," which was drunk with enthusiasm. Song — " For they are jolly, good fellows." The Vice - Chaii man proposed the " District Officds," which toast was received with vhe Honors of ihe Order. J. F. Fitzgerald, hoping the glasses were well filled, asked those present to d ink a bumper to " The Ladies, 1 ' which vas assented to amid great enthusiasm, which reached fever heat when the "Vice," G. S. Mafchesjn, in a neat and telling speech, aci-ed as the clampion of the 'air sex and les xmded on their behalf. The " Press " was then toasted, and this teririna b ed the proceedings I will forward you i. list of the officers of the new Lodge in time for pur next issue.