ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINTARO LODGE OF ODDFELLOWS, M.U.
The tenth anniversary of the above Lodge took place, December 3, and Mintaro as usual upon festive occasions dressed itself up for the time. The weather was very fine, in fact, all that could be desired; the flags were flying in all directions soon after daylight, proclaiming it a holiday. In the early part of the day a portion of the Clare Oddfellows and other kindred Societies arrived to assist in the merry making. A picnic took place in a paddock close to the township, where all sorts of amusements were provided, viz., swings, cricket, dancing, &c., until evening, when the company returned to Host Piper’s, Mintaro Hotel, where a splendid dinner had been provided, to which about 65 persons sat down and seemed to enjoy themselves, The cloth being removed, A. Melville, Esq., was appointed Chairman, and Mr. James Brown Vice-Chairman, when the usual loyal toasts were given and responded to. In proposing the Duke of Edinburgh, the Chairman stated, that he was confident that they would all most enthusiastically drink to his health, for during his visit to this colony he had earned the good-will of all by his warm, genial, and kindly disposition, and he was certain the event would never be forgotten. Drunk with great cheering. The Chairman proposed “The health of Sir Dominick Daly” in eulogistic terms. Drunk with cheers, and “He’s a jolly good fellow.” P.G. Faulkner proposed “The Parliament of South Australia,” especially Messrs. Kingston and Bright, the members for the district. He had great pleasure in proposing that toast for our Parliament would bear comparison with those of other colonies. We had not come to a deadlock, as in Victoria. The Parliament had passed some important Bills of late, namely, the Railway and Tramway Bills, and the sooner the railways were completed the better it would be, for the farmers especially. As to their representatives, they could not have better men; and it would be the duty of all electors at the next election to put in good men, and South Australia would yet prosper. Drunk with cheers for Messrs. Kingston and Bright. Song by P.G. Hector, “Paddle your own Canoe.” Toast responded to by Mr. Patrick Dowd in very eulogistic terms. N.G. Rowlands proposed “The Health of the District Officers.” He (Mr. Rowlands) believed that nearly all present, especially the brothers of the Manchester Unity, had done their duty. Drunk with Lodge honors. Song by Mr. Catt, “The Farmer’s Daughter.” Responded to by P.G. Jones, who believed they (the District Officers) had done their work well. P.G. Faulkner proposed ”The Widow and Orphan Fund.” He had much pleasure in proposing the toast, and would read a report of the progress of that fund. The report was read, and was very satisfactory. Responded to by P.G. Murdock, who said it was a comfort for a man to know, on his dying bed that his widow and children would not he left to the mercy of the cold world. Such societies also saved a great amount of pauperism, and benefited society at large. He then read a report of the number of members and funds of the Lodge. Other toasts, viz., “Agricultural, Mining, and Pastoral Interests,” “Kindred Societies,” “Visiting Officers and Brothers,” “The Mintaro Lodge,” “Lady Daly and the Ladies of South Australia,” “The Chairman,” “The Vice-Chairman,” “The Host and Hostess,” “The Press,” &c., &c., followed, and were duly responded to, and so ended a quiet and jovial meeting.
