The U.A.O.D. Annual Social Gathering.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 635, 18 July 1891, Page 3

The U.A.O.D. Annual Social Gathering.

Committee—Messrs Sawyer, W. Miller, Rice, Leslie, Reddell, and J. Little ; Social Secretary—Mr C. F. Lewis ; M.C.’s—Messrs Johnstone and Lewis. The annual social gathering under the auspices of the United Ancient Order of Druids, Gisborne branch, was held in the City Rink on Thursday evening. The Druids had long since gained a reputation for the pleasant gatherings arranged each year under the auspices of the Lodge, and there was full confidence that Thursday night’s affair would be quite equal in the measure of enjoyment and the success in other respects to those that had gone before. Up to a couple of hours before the commencement the heavy rain was not cheering, but it cleared off nicely. There were about eighty couples present, beyond which there was a slight preponderance of ladies. Among the ladies and gentlemen present there could be noticed some who had come from long distances in the country, which in itself was a proof of the wide popularity of the gathering. There was a good number of onlookers in the gallery. From that place of advantage the scene presented was a very pretty one ; the ladies were all dressed, not regardless of expense and long faces when the bills had to be met, but with taste that did them credit, and it was pleasing to note how charming the ladies looked in their unpretentious but tastefully-selected costumes. The regalia of the members of the different Lodges added to the variety of the scene and was indicative of the mutual good feeling between the members of the represented Lodges. The Foresters, of whom Mr W. L. File was the leading officer, were the most strongly represented of the members of other Friendly Societies, and Mr Warren was the leading officer of the Oddfellows. The Druids of course were present in very strong force, DistrictPresident Adeane being the head officer. At an appointed time a number of the Druids, clothed in their priestly garb, walked solemnly into the gay hall, and in their quaint dress took part in one dance. The long snowy white beards and white gowns (together with the one exceptional dress) awakened much interest in the historic antecedents of the Order, and those who professed to be versed in such matters were plied with many questions on the subject,—and sad to say, if the truth must be told, the questioned ones were not all scrupulously accurate in the versions they gave I The dancing was kept up merrily, with songs occasionally during the intervals. The dance music was supplied by that capable trio of musicians, Messrs Spurdie (cornet), Ormond (piano), and Hall (clarionet). Supper began shortly before n, being served up in the side-room, in which 50 could be seated at a time. The spread was supplied by Mr Wallace, and consisted of light refreshments. In this department nothing better could be wished for, and the tasteful way in which the tables were set off could not fail to secure admiration. After supper a few congratulatory remarks were made by Messrs Warren and File. Mr Warren made a oithy and thoughtful speech on the subject of Friendly Societies, speaking of the great good they were in a community—in times of sickness they were invaluable, a small contribution when in good health ensuring special medical privileges when needed : the contribution was so small as to be easily provided for, and happy was he who never had need to take advantage of the medical provisions. Apart altogether from that phase of the subject, Friendly Societies were of great benefit, particularly to the young men, whom it taught discipline and gave an idea of how business was conducted, thus fitting them for taking part in the governing institutions of their country and enabling them to study matters of finance Mr File, in the course of his speech, made special allusion to the happy fathering that evening, and expressed a hope that during the summer months all the Friendly Societies would co-operate to have an outing together, and bringiug with them their wives, sisters, and other relations and friends. Mr Adeane followed with a cordial speech, in which he warmly tendered thanks on behalf of the Druids. Dancing was kept up until 10 minutes past 2 in the morning. Those who gave songs during the evening were Messrs A. DeCosta, C. F. Lewis, and A. Sawyer. One noticeable feature of the attendance in the gallery was the number of young men languidly enjoying themselves as spectators, instead of being active participators in the gay scene below. These annual gatherings are not got up for money-making purposes; they are made as inexpensive as possible to those who attend, and the main object kept in view is to foster the feeling of sociability among the members of the Lodge and their friends. The thought on the breaking up of the gathering yesterday morning was that they would certainly not pall on the appetite if the interval between each gathering of the kind were greatly lessened. They must do a great deal in the way of further popularising the flourishing Lodge under whose auspices they are held. From Thursday night’s affair a surplus of a few pounds resulted, and the members have yet to decide how this is to be disposed of.