At the Quarterly Committee, in March, 1840, Mr. Walker was elected to represent his District at the York A. M. C.; and he has also attended the subsequent annual meetings of the Order at the Isle of Man, Wigan, Bradford, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. At the Isle of Man A. M. C. he was chosen one of that important body, the committee for hearing appeals; and at Bradford he was further honoured by being selected as one of those individuals whose portraits were to embellish the Magazine. As a proof of the confidence reposed in his knowledge of the laws of the Order, and in his talents and judgment, it may be mentioned that he was nominated by the Directors, after the York A. M. C., to inquire into and report the cause of the disturbance and differences that had arisen in the Stockton District on account of the principal officers being arrested, and which at one time assumed a serious aspect, and threatened to annihilate the Order in that District; this duty he performed to their satisfaction, and, we believe was, in a great measure, the means of allaying, by the suavity of his manner and conciliating temper, the searching inquiry that he instituted, and the prompt measures which he advised to be carried into effect, the excited and disturbed feelings which had unhappily arisen. In 1841, in consequence of the defalcations and expulsions of the officers of the Chester-le-Street District, which left them without qualified persons to fill the offices, Mr. Walker was called on by the Executive to preside over the District, with which requisition he readily complied, and officiated as G. M., and after a brief period he succeeded in reconciling the differences, and eradicating the jarring elements of discord which had sprung up amongst them; and so satisfied were the members with his assiduous attention to their interests and welfare, and the efficiency with which he had served them, that they honoured him with a beautiful massive silver snuff box, which was raised by voluntary subscription. For the establishment of a District Widow and Orphans' Fund Mr. Walker was always a most ardent and zealous advocate, and on its formation was appointed President, which office he continued to hold for two successive years. He has not only contributed liberally to its funds, but several other Districts have received from him handsome donations. Mr. Walker is universally and justly esteemed and respected by those who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. His cheerfulness of disposition, overflowing courtesy, and unostentatious liberality, have won him golden opinions from a large circle of friends; his knowledge of the laws and the principles of the Order are widely acknowledged, and the quickness of his perception, and the soundness of his judgment, are felt and appreciated by the members of his District; we believe there are few, if any, to be found, who are his enemies, for his life has been characterized by charity and good-will to all men. North Shields. WINTER. SUMMER'S Sweet smiles have faded from the lea, No more we meet the butterfly and bee, Nor list the song birds singing on the spray: S. SHERIF. CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS. 'Tis Winter, cold and rude, The wild wind hums his sullen song to-night; Though now my home around Still roars the wintry sound, Methinks 'tis Summer by this festive blaze! My books, companions dear, In seemly ranks appear, And glisten to my fire's far-flashing rays. COWPER. WHILST we write the year is waning fast, and another will have dawned upon us ere this article shall meet the eyes of our readers. It is night, and we hear no sound save the ticking of the clock, and the bubbling murmurs that are caused by the jets of flame springing from our cheerful fire. Without, the heavens are gloomy and starless, and the earth is enchained with strong and icy fetters. It is a time when memories of the past rush thickly upon us, and we feel as though Death were even now waving his wings over our head. Our thoughts revert to the past, and the forms of those who were our mates in other years seem to flit before us. How many of our brethren who were replete with health and vigour when the year 1844 first beamed upon them, have now departed to the land of spirits! How many, who, a few months ago, were full of bright hopes and sanguine aspirations of the future, are now sleeping in the cold and silent grave! We could name, alas! too many. Some have left us in the freshness and vigour of existence, when scarcely a shadow had fallen upon their hearts, and they were eagerly anticipating the honours they might shortly win, whilst others have passed away full of years, and proudly distinguished by their eminence in the ranks of our beloved Institution. We have now lying before us the account of the death of one, who, some years back, was actively employed in the cause of Odd Fellowship; and we have no doubt that such of our readers as may have been for a length of time connected with the Order, will read with feelings of mournful interest, the following extract from the Nottingham Journal: The remains of Mr. John Elsom, boot maker, Clumber Street, Nottingham, one of the churchwardens of St. Paul's, were interred in the general cemetery, in this town, on Sunday, the 24th of November, with distinguished marks of respect by the members of the Manchester Unity of Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he has long been a valuable member. His remains were alternately borne by six of his men (at their particular request) and Messrs. P. P. G. M. Bishop, Aston, Maxfield, Hubbard, Burton, and Rayner; Messrs. P. P. G. M. Hammond, Gee, C. Beck, (town councillor,) Topham, Pitman, and Saywell, bearing the pall; mutes, on the occasion, Messrs. P. G. Hewitt and Howson; conductor of the procession, consisting of about two hundred, P. P. G. M. Leger. The voluntary attendance of so many members, a great number of whom have served the highest offices of the Order, and who retain the most exalted honours of the District, declare most plainly the universal and high estimation in which the deceased was held by his brethren; and to say he died much regretted and beloved, is speaking in too formal and cold a language the spontaneous effusion of some thousands of hearts. The following particulars respecting the career of the deceased as an Odd Fellow, will no doubt greatly interest many of our readers, and thousands throughout the length and breadth of the land: The deceased was born at Aslackby, in Lincolnshire, on the 24th of December, 1801; his father had serve the office of parish clerk for twenty-three years. He became a member of the "Mount Gilead Lodge, No. 131" (now held at Mr. Cressey's, the Poultry Hotel,) in 1824. He served the offices of his Lodge, G. M. of the District, and for five years held the office of Corresponding Secretary; on six different occasions he sat at the Annual Moveable Committee, which is the highest legislative and executive body in the Order; and to his persevering exertions may be attributed the existence of a General Fund of the Order, which now amounts to £8000; its business transactions amount to more than £13,000 annually, the profits of which (after paying all the general expenses of the Order, and on an average giving away annually £400,) find a gradual increase. He ever nobly stood forward as a defender and advocate of the Order; as an officer, he demanded subjection to the law, and uncompromisingly required obedience; his principles he would surrender to no man. What those principles were, and his views of Odd Fellowship, may be gathered from a reply made to an address by P. P. G. M. C. Beck, on presenting him with a medal for his services:-"The great founder of the Christian dispensation was first introduced to mankind at this very season, 'with tidings of great joy,' which important event, be it remembered, demands our supreme reverence, inasmuch as we know that it is from that source alone by which Odd Fellowship derives its pre-eminence-that implants in the human bosom those lively emotions, those kindred feelings and wonted sympathies, which constitute our bond of union.' And with the most lively emotions he took up his pen to plead the cause of the fatherless and widow; and from the thrilling interest excited, the profits of the Magazine (a periodical of no mean literary worth,) which, from its extensive sale, now produces a considerable sum, are devoted to this laudable undertaking. Hundreds of these institutions have arisen throughout the united kingdom, and the one in this District, founded seven years since, of which Mr. Elsom held the treasurership from its origin, now boasts of a fund of £372, to be devoted exclusively to the widows and orphans of this District. To have been the channel of benefactions, making the widow's heart dance for joy-to have received the thanks of the brethren repeatedly-two medalsthe appearance of his portrait in the Magazine (in March, 1837)-have been some of the tributes and consolations he has received. But we doubt not that, amongst his dying assurances, were hope and faith in the Word of his God, "Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me,' "and in the instructions given by that Order of which he greatly boasted. "The memory of a brother, though dead, should not be forgotten." A widow and two orphans are left fo lament their bereavement. May all our members exert themselves to merit such praise as is justly awarded to our deceased brother, and may we all so conduct ourselves as not only to receive the praise of our brethren, but the still better approval of our own consciences. No season of the year is so fitting as Christmas for the entertainment of melancholy, yet not unpleasing, reminiscences of the dying year, which almost insensibly merge into pleasant visions of what the coming year may bring forth. Though we have lost many energetic advocates of our cause during the year, and though but few are left of those who guided the bark of Odd Fellowship in its early struggles with the waves of adverse opinions, we have yet amongst us many whose unflinching zeal for the Order entitles them to the confidence and approbation of their brethren. New blood has of late been freely poured into the veins of our Institution, and we prognosticate for it a long career of happiness and prosperity. The year now breaking upon us is likely to bring with it many new and important results, which we trust will be found for the general good. We must all endeavour to promote the interests of the Order by every practicable and honourable means, and we believe that few indeed of our members will hesitate to do so. Slight differences of opinion may occasionally arise amongst us, as is the case in every community; but we have all in view the same charitable and benevolent objects, and if we now and then differ as to the means, we continue to be united for the best and most effectual scheme of administering to the wants and alleviating the sufferings of our fellowcreatures. If there be amongst us any heart-burnings—if differences may have arisen in bosoms where friendship had previously existed, it is now at this solemn and religious season, that we should endeavour to eradicate them, and purge away all unholy influences. At this very moment the stillness without is broken by “the minstrels playing their Christmas tune," and the rude, though pleasing strain, impressing us with its divine origin, warns us that this is indeed the period when universal love and humanity should prevail. We picture to ourselves the many homes where are now congregated those who are most dear to each other, who have been separated for many months, and of whom it may truly be said, that to them "Christmas comes but once a year." How many anxious days have passed in anticipation of this blessed time—how many sleepless hours of the night have been spent by parent and child, and brother and sister, in thinking of the moment when they should again clasp each other to their hearts. It is fitting that there should be at least one part of the year when friends should meet together- when only kind and beneficent thoughts should be in existence, and all bitterness and hatred between man and man should be buried in oblivion. We cannot but regret that Christmas is not now honoured as of yore, and that much of the joyousness which formerly greeted it has ceased to be. The Lord of Misrule, the Abbot of Unreason, the Mummers and Jugglers, the Boar's Head, the Wassail Bowl, and the Yule Clog, are now but the remembrances of a by-gone age; and with them, we have lost much of that true English hospitality which was the characteristic of our ancestors. We hope, however, that it will be long before Christmas shall entirely have lost its influence over the hearts of mankind, and that our churches and houses may, for centuries to come, be decorated with the green holly, ivy, misletoe, laurel and rosemary. "Twas Christmas broached the mightiest ale; A Christmas gambol oft would cheer The poor man's heart through half the year." We shall conclude with our hearty good wishes to every member of the Institution, and with a sincere hope that the Order may continue to increase in numbers, harmony, and power. Of one thing we are thoroughly convinced, that where our principles are fully carried out, they cannot fail to produce to those who profess them, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. BALL IN THE FREE TRADE HALL ON BEHALF OF THE PUBLIC PARKS. &c., FUND. [From the Manchester Times.] The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, pursuing their benevolent course of action, gave a ball on Tuesday Evening, in the Free Trade Hall, the proceeds to be applied to the noble design of opening public parks and walks for the health and recreation of the great mass of the community in Manchester and Salford. The arrangements for the festive assemblage were superintended by an intelligent Committee, who devoted much of their attention to the comfort of the visitors. The doors were opened at half-past six o'clock, and at eight, the time announced for the commencement of dancing, upwards of a thousand persons had arrived. Mr. Swinscoe's quadrille band had been engaged, and were stationed on the platform at the west end of the hall; and the fine band of the 70th infantry were seated in the opposite gallery. The ball was opened with a country dance, and was maintained with great spirit and effect. This was followed by Waltzes, the Lancers, La Polka, Saraband, the Circassian Circle, and the Gallop. Mr. Pitt conducted the whole of the dances, he having been installed by the Committee as M. C.; and it is merely an act of justice to that gentleman to state that his entire superintendence evinced his talents and general fitness for the office. Up to eleven o'clock the company was rapidly increasing, and at that hour the gay throng, either promenading around the spacious hall, or engaged in tripping it "lightly on the fantastic toe," presented a heartcheering spectacle. We felt increased attachment to the fair, daughters, of Eve, for coming forward on so praiseworthy an occasion, and our gratitude to them was further enhanced, for the influence they had so successfully exerted in attracting the "lords of the creation," in such numbers, to assemble on the occasion. At eleven o'clock dancing temporarily ceased, to give to our townsman and poet, Mr. John Bolton Rogerson, the opportunity of delivering a Poetic Address, suitable to the occasion. Mr. Rogerson, surrounded by a number of gentlemen, including C. J. S. Walker, Esq., of Longford, one of our magistrates, took his station in front of the platform. Mr. James Mansfield, a distinguished member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was called to the chair, and in a short speech introduced to the surrounding assemblage Mr. Rogerson, who spoke the following Address with feeling and energy: AN APPEAL FOR THE ARTISAN. BY JOHN ROLTON ROGERSON. GOD made the earth for all:-the pleasant fields, He placed no barriers to the poor man's tread, In that pure time when earth was fresh and young, Man walk'd erect in glory and delight, And fearless birds swept by with happy song, When studded o'er with myriad starry eyes: With gentle lambs the mighty lions play'd, His race for ever doom'd to toil for bread; He still was free o'er verdurous paths to roam; God shut not out fair nature from his eyes, He hung no smoke-wreaths o'er the arching skies; |