Index		Contact: Dawn Chambers

General Gordon Lodge, I.O.G.T., Cambridge, WKT, NZ

International Organisation of Good Templars


Waikato Times 30 Jul 1885 (Newspaper Index) p2 c2-3
John Chambers is elected W.V.T.

The Waikato Times 27 Feb 1886
The quarterly installation of officers of the General Gordon Lodge
I.O.G.T., Cambridge, was held last Monday. The following officers were
duly installed by Bro. R. J. Parry:- W.C.T., Bro. W. S. Stewart;
P.W.C.T., Bro. Rev. W. Evans; L.D., Bro. J. Chambers; W. Sec., Bro.
W. Paltridge; W.A.S., Bro. W. Butler; W.C., Sister Riley; W.M.,
Bro. Jas. Riley; W.D.M., Sister Sutherland; W.V.T., Bro. J. Hickens;
W.F.S., Sister Pearce; W.T., Bro. R. Wright. It is the intention of
the lodge to hold a grand concert and entertainment shortly.

The Waikato Times 15 Apr 1886
Entertainment at Cambridge

A very enjoyable and successful concert followed by the comediette
"The Area Belle" was given at the Public Hall, Cambridge, on Monday
evening by the members of the General Gordon Lodge, I.O.G.T. assisted
by the leading amateurs. Mr T. Hartly commenced with a pianoforte solo
which was most carefully rendered. The Glee Company sang three glees,
the accompaniments being played by Miss Wilson. The most successful of
these "O Bird of Eve", which narrowly escaped an encore. Mr Johnson
sang "Life is a River" as only a carefully trained vocalist can. Mr
Russell's song "The Englishmen" produced the usual signs of approval
from members of that favored country that its patriotic tone always
evokes, and he was vociferously encored. The Misses Murray, Mrs
Ferguson and Mr Chambers added to the harmony of the evening by
rendering their several songs very pleasingly, but undoubtedly the
palm must be awarded to Mrs Chambers for her singing of "Allan Water"
for which she received a well merited encore, and in responding gave
"Near Woodstock Town" successfully bringing the first part of the
programme to an end.

After a piano solo by Mr Hartley, the curtain was run up, disclosing
the kitchen in which the different incidents in the "Area Belle" take
place. It was occupied by the belle herself, one charming enough to
turn the heads of stronger minded men than Messrs Tosser, Pitcher
and Chalks. Miss E. Walker, pourtrayed this character, the most
difficult in the piece, as if to the manner born, and was ably
assisted by her sister as Mrs Croker. Mr F. Saunders made a very good
"Chalks", his make up and dialect being equally good. Mr J. Sharp
played "Tosser" carefully, but evidently comedy is not his forte. He
looked too nice (as a lady sitting in the hall observed) and spoke
too grammatically. We should like to see this gentleman as Romeo or
some like character, and have no doubt we should have a treat. Mr G.
Dickinson played "Pitcher" admirably, as in his make up and acting he
quite lost his individuality, which is the result most to be desired
in acting. It only remains to say Mr Hartly was a splendid accompanist
to the songs, and an efficient leader of the Glee Club. Mr Stewart
returned thanks to the performers, which brought to a close a most
enjoyably spent evening.

The Waikato Times 15 Jul 1886
A very successful open lodge meeting was held by the General Gordon
Lodge, I.O.G.T., in S. Andrew's schoolroom, Cambridge, on Monday
night. The Rev. W. Evans presided, and opened the proceedings by a
brief speech in which the advantages of temperance were strongly set
forth. An attactive programme was then submitted as follows:- 
Overture, quartette, Messrs J. Lamb, violin, E. W. Stewart, flute,
D. Pearson, cello and J. H. Johnson, piano; recitation, Mr Arnaboldi;
song, Mr Geo. Jones; recitation, "Shamus O'Brien", Mr A. Chambers;
instrumental quartette; recitation "The Death of Marmion", Mr R.
Wright; song, "The Fairy Jane", Mr A. Chambers; reading, "Mr Fogg's
Baby", Mr Partridge; song, "The Oxford Volunteers", Mr G. Jones;
reading, "Sam Weller's Valentine", Mr Arnaboldi; song, "Maud", Mr A.
Chambers; song, "A Cup of Tea", Mr T. Hartley; instrumental quartette,
Messrs Hartley and Johnson played the accompaniments. Mr W. S. Steward
stated that Sir W. Fox was expected to give an address on temperance
in about a fortnight at Cambridge. The audience evidently appreciated
the entertainment provided for them, and a very pleasant evening was
spent.

The Waikato Times 26 Feb 1887
At the meeting of the General Gordon Lodge, I.O.G.T., held at
Cambridge on Monday last. The following officers were installed:-
Bro. W. S. Stewart, re-elected, W.C.T.; Sister A. Riley, elected
W.V.T.; Bro. C. B. Carpenter, W. Sec.; Bro. W. Paltridge, W.A.S.;
Bro. J. McVeagh, W.T.; Bro. T. Mynott, W.E.S.; Sister A. Pierce,
W.C.; Bro. A. Forrest, W.G.; Bro. J. D. Annaboldi, W. Sen. The
above were installed by Bro. Chambers, Lodge Deputy. The lodge
is in a flourishing condition. It has 53 members, and the cry
is "Still they come". The late picnic has borne good fruit, and
many more contemplate joining. The finances are also in a healty
state.

Waikato Times 25 Aug 1887 (Newspaper Index) p3 c1
John Chambers attended the Good Templars Concert at Cambridge.
Supported Chairman W. Evans on the left.