ODDFELLOWS' DINNER AND BALL

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3119, 12 July 1892, Page 2

ODDFELLOWS' DINNER AND BALL

The annual dinner and ball, held in connection with the Loyal Duke of Cambridge Lodge of Oddfellows, came off on Friday, at Cambridge. The dinner was eerved at the Masonic Hotel, about thirty sitting down to an excellent repast, which was put upon the table in Host Kerr'a best style, and gave every satisfaction to the brethren. After the comestibles had received due attention. Past Grand Fletcher, who occupied the President's chair, gave the toasts of "The Queen" and "The Governor," both of them being heartily drank. Then followed the toasts that were drunk with the honours peculiar to the order, viz. : "The Grand Master and Board of Directors," proposed by Bro. Arnold, P.G-; "The Auckland District," given by the President and responded to by Bro. Fitzgerald ; and "The Loyal Duke of Cambridge Lodge," given by Bro. Denton, N.G., and responded to by the secretary, Bro. Fitzgerald, P.G. In his remarks he stated the lodge was in a prosperous condition, it havine 47 members on the roll and £200 on fixed deposit in the bank. During the year £90 had been disbursed for " sick pay," and he regretted to say that during the last quarter there had been more sickness among the members than for years past. They had sold their hall, but he Loped that by the time their annual dinner came round again they would again be possessed of a building in which to hold their meetings. "Sistor Lodges" was given by Br.«. Bell, V G., and responded to by Br.>. S. Howard, of The Loyal Rose of England Lodge, Manchester, England, and Bro. Hutchens, G.M. of the VVhaugarei Lodge. The President then gave "The Sick and Distressed of our Order," and in doing so he feelingly referred to the loss the lodge had sustained by the death of Bro. iSiinm, P.G. "The Lodge Surgeon," by Bro. McDertnott, P.G., was responded to by Dr. Cushney in a neat speech ; and then Bio. Bond gave " Our Visitors," to which Mr Chas. Tuck replied in a very npprnpriateandconsjnnia!manner. Then followed " The Laiiios," by Br>. J. Arnold, and replied to by Bro. Bowden ; "The Press," by Bio. McDermoft, P.G., to which Brw. Bond replied ; and ." Our Host and Hostess, by Bro. C. Craig, who was very happy in his remarks. Host Kerr thanked the brethren, and trusted his efforts to please them had met with success. The brethren then dispersed to prepare for tho ball.

TUK HALT,, The ball was held in the Cambridge Public Hall, and was undoubtedly the largest gathering of the kind the Cambridge Oddfellows have aver held. There must have been nearly two hundred present, for we counted fourteen sets up for one of the square dances, and even then the walls were lined with those who preferred "sitting out the squares," so it may be guessed that it was not very comfortable work negotiating the round dances. The music was supplied by Messrs Hartly and Stewart, on the piano and flute respectively, but in several of the dances Messrs M, McDerinott and H. Stewart lent their assistance to the music, which waa thereby greatly enhanced. The commissariat department was in charge of Mr and Mrs Popple, and, as far as quantity and quality was concerned, could not be beaten. We believe there was a- little grumbling at the supply of cups and saucers, and consequently the tea and coffee were rather slow in coming to hand ; but it must be rather perplexing to provide for sixty (the number guaranteed) and suddenly to find that the number is more than trebled, so we think ever}' allowance should be made. Fortunately the supply of "tucker " was, more than sufficient, and, as we before stated, the quality of it would satisfy even the most fastidious. The lighting of the Hall was simply wretched, indeed had it not been for a large " mammoth " lamp lent by Bro. Arnold, there would have been total dukness by 2 a.m., for the great dust—in a great measure caused by a quantity of ground rice being put on the floor—caused the hall lamps to smoke until the glasses were lined with a layer of soot. Luckily, several of the Borough Councillors were present, so the lighting of the hall will now doubtless receive attention. Many of tho ladies were attired in very becoming dresses, but opinions varied greatly as to who was the belle and we shall not be rash enough to name any particular one, where so many looked charming. Dancing was carried on with vigour till about 5 a.m. Messrs Arnold and Bell made efficient JI.Cs. ,