7^th August 1900 Tuesday

A function of considerable interest to the whole of the members of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes throughout the country opened in Middlesbrough yesterday, in the form of the annual convention which is to be held in the Victoria Hall this week.

In the afternoon, standing orders were suspended so that the Mayor of Middlesbrough (Councillor W.J.Bruce), who is accompanied by Alderman McLaughlan, Councillors Reay (deputy mayor), Mattison, and Driscoll, and Mr. A. Socket (deputy town clerk), could enter. They accorded the Order a hearty welcome to Middlesbrough. The proceedings were presided over by Sir John Williams, Manchester.

GRAND PRIMO OF ENGLAND

Whilst the vice-chair was occupied by Sir Thomas Johnston, Leicester, Deputy Grand Primo. The secretary, Sir P. Wilson Marsh, Blackpool, Past Grand Primo, was also present

The Chairman, in introducing the Mayor, said that he had come there specially to give them a hearty welcome to Middlesbrough – (applause)- and he (the speaker) was sure that it was very kind and generous of him to honour the convention with his presence. (Applause)

The Mayor, who received a hearty welcome, said he could assure them it gave him great pleasure in his official capacity to accord them a hearty welcome to the town. (Applause) He hoped that it would be their privilege to learn more of the worthy institution, which was composed of capable men; and that they (the Buffaloes) would find in Middlesbrough further means of sustaining their ancient and honourable Order. He trusted that their visit would be of the most joyous description, and that they would carry away pleasant reminiscences of their sojourn in the town. He regretted that the weather was so unfavourable, because he was sure that some of them would not have formed a very good impression of Midlesbrough but, nevertheless, he might say that Middlesbrough was one of the most important industrial centres in the country. (Applause) After referring to the programme for the coming week, his Worship remarked that he was pleased to say that the trade of the town and the district was exceptionally good, their various iron and steel works, their shipbuilding, engineering, and chemical industries

WERE ALL FLOURISHING

(Applause) Middlesbrough was once designated by that great man, the late Mr. W.E. Gladstone, as "the youngest child of England’s enterprise." Middlesbrough, with the immense natural advantage, which it posses- its iron ore on one side of the river, its coal on the other, and salt abounding in every direction – he had no doubt – perhaps being a native he was partial – would become one of the most important towns in the universe. In concluding he referred to the great honour which they had conferred upon him and he was sure that everyone would give them that right Yorkshire welcome which was the distinguishing characteristic of Yorkshiremen. (Applause)

Ald. McLauchlan endorsed the sentiments expressed by the Mayor and referred to the high opinion entertained of the Order. He also extended to the Order a hearty welcome. (Applause)

Councillor Keay referred to the success of the Order, remarking that no members of the society ever came before the Guardians for relief. (Applause) Turning to question of old age pensions, he expressed himself as being in favour of the pensions such societies as the Buffaloes formed amongst themselves. It was a very great blessing that they had men amongst them so independent that they did not wish to be obliged to the country to assist and support their own peer and members who were unable to work. He then referred to the amazing growth of the town.

Councillors Mascall and Mattison then delivered addresses, and Sir Michael Davis, P.G.P.,(I think  this is Mel Davies Grand Primo 1899 and a past P.G.P. of Middlesbrough) proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors for their hearty welcome, and remarked they were pleased to know that his Worship and Councillor Mattison were members of the Order.

Sir John Archdeacon, P.G.P., (Past Grand Primo) seconded, and said that as the mover of the resolution that the convention should be held in Middlesbrough, he was pleased at the reception accorded them. It would, he observed, show that they were recognised in the highest places. (Applause)

On putting the notice to the meeting the chairman remarked that the work of friendly societies was done by the working population, who were making provision for the time of need. (Applause)

The motion was heartily carried.

THE GRAND PRIMO’S ADDRESS

The Grand Primo then gave his address to the Convention. In opening, he stated that it was three years since the last convention was held in Cardiff and a great many changes had taken place in that time. They were then working under the old regime of London with its antiquated rule that the order could only be governed from the Metropolis. They were just awakening to the fact that many necessary reforms were required to bring the order into line with the other great institutions of the land. The grand lodge was removed to a more congenial clime, where they had been working hard to raise the position of the order, and render it of great benefit to its members. The various drawbacks had been dispelled, the suspicion and distrust which at one time surrounded the order had nearly passed away: difficulties which once presented themselves to the officials had vanished, and the country recognised the necessity of the existence of the order, and the value and practicability of the work which they had undertaken. They were trying to live and improve mankind in accordance with the beautiful tenets and precepts of the Order: and they were able to dispense more assistance to their members than any other society working on the same lines. He thought that they could congratulate themselves upon the success they had attained during the two and a half years that the Grand Lodge had been stationed at Birmingham. At the commencement of that time there were only 200 working lodges with 29 governing bodies, whereas now they had 700 lodges with about 52 governing bodies, with a larger increase of members than had ever taken place in the same period of time. In conclusion, he urged upon all present the necessity for maintaining the high standard and good name of the Order.

The visitors then withdrew, and the proceedings terminated for the day.

-----------------------

8^th August 1900 Wednesday

Under Northern Notes in the North Eastern Evening Gazette

The "Buffs" assembled in convention at Middlesbrough yesterday were highly pleased and gratified with the hearty official welcome extended to them by the Mayor (Councillor W.J. Bruce, J.P.), and by several of his Worships colleagues on the Corporation. It would appear that at their last triennial convention at Cardiff the Buffs were not so treated, and they are inclined to look upon yesterday’s reception as the outcome, in a measure of their efforts during the past three years to elevate the Order and place it on a better footing. To say that the R.A.O.B. is a friendly society, as several members did yesterday, is a mistake, for it is not. But its claim to public sympathy and recognition will depend upon the efforts it puts forth for the assistance of the widow, the orphans and the afflicted, and we are glad to know that those efforts are great, and are increasing every year.

Middlesbrough Morning Mail

8^th August 1900 Wednesday

Middlesbrough is alive this week with a great meeting of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes. Great preparations are being made for their reception.

The Mayor, who is away on holiday, has especially returned to town to give the delegates a reception. The Reception Committee have made arrangements with the Conservative, Liberal and Musical and Dramatic clubs of Middlesbrough that all the delegates shall be admitted as honorary members during their stay in town.

The Reception Committee have prepared and despatched to the Grand Secretary a very pretty delegates badge in blue and gold for forwarding to each delegate with his card of membership, and every delegate is desired to wear it upon arrival and during his stay.

----------------------

Middlesbrough Morning Mail

9^th August 1900 Thursday

R.A.O.B.

-------

BANQUET AT MIDDLESBROUGH

One of the most interesting events in connection with the convention of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes which is being held in Middlesbrough during the present week was the complimentary banquet to the delegates from all parts who are attending, and which was held in the Victoria Hall, Linthorpe Road (the scene of the convention).

"Sir" J. Mitchell P.G.P. of Middlesbrough, presided, and "Sir" B. Reubens, P.G.P. of Middlesbrough, occupied the vice-chair, amongst those present being "Sir" John Williams, P.G.P. of England, "Sir" F. Johnston, W.G.P., "Sir" Geo. Beacon, G.T., "Sir" Lionel Jacobs, G.T., "Sir" T. Graham, I.P.P. of the Province, "Sir" R. Ward, R.O.H., P.P.G.P., "Sir" J. Archdeacon, P.G.P.E., Primo Councillor Jeff. Bulmer, Brother. Councillor Mattison, "Sir" H.G. Laverick, P.G., "Sir" R.W. Marsh, G.Sec. of England, "Sir" H. Devereaux, P.P.G.P., "Sir" Leonard I. Aulton, P.G. Sec., of England, "Sir" P.R. Wanty, P.G.C. of England, "Sir" T. Johnston, W.G.P. of England "Sir" R. Ward, R.O.H., P.P.G.P. Primo Hon. Sec., and others.

After a splendid repast, which was provided by Mrs. Sheen, of the Corporation Hotel, Middlesbrough, and after the loyal toast had been duly honoured,

"Sir" R. Wood, R.O.H. , P.P.G.P. , proposed "Our visitors" and in doing so remarked that they had been looking forward to the visit to Middlesbrough, and expressed the hope that the visitors would go away with a better impression of the town than when they came to it. To this toast was coupled the name of Sir John Archdeacon, P.G.P.E.

"Sir" John Archdeacon, P.G.P.E., in responding referred to the hospitality of the Middlesbrough members, Middlesbrough had put their shoulders to the wheel, and he thought the delegates of Middlesbrough were as proud to have the convention there as they (the visitors) were to be there. He then referred to the able manner in which the reception committee had discharged their duties, and said that they were highly satisfied. (Applause) He was sure that delegates would give Middlesbrough such a name as it never held in the Buffalo world before. (Applause) They owed a debt for the reception by the Mayor and Corporation.

The "Town and Trade of Middlesbrough" was proposed by Councillor Jeff Bulmer, and responded to by Bro. Councillor Mattison, whilst the "Grand Lodge of England R.A.O.B." was submitted by "Sir" H.G. Laverick, P.G.Sec. and responded to by "Sir" J. Williams, G.P. of England, and "Sir" R.W. Marsh, G.Sec. of England. The R.A.O.B. Orphanage was proposed by "Sir" H. Devereaux, P.P.G.P. and was responded to by "Sir" Leonard J. Sutton, P.G.Sec. of England. "Sir" G.R. Wanty, P.G.C. England, submitted "The Chairman." "The Local Committee," proposed by "Sir" T. Johnston D.G.P. of England, was responded to by "Sir" R. Ward, R.O.H. P.P.G.P. and Primo C.W. Laverick, hon. Secretary.

During the evening an excellent musical programme was submitted by the delegates present, the accompanists being Messrs J.F. Smith and Ben Bower, and the company dispersed at an early hour this morning.

N.B. Spelling, grammar and layout have been reproduced as printed including the miss-spelled "Midlesbrough" on the 7^th August

Letters after an individuals name P.G.P.E = Past Grand Primo England, D.G.P. = Deputy Grand Primo,

P.G.P. = Provincial Grand Primo,  D.P.G.P. Deputy Provincial Grand Primo, P.P.G.P. Past Provincial Grand Primo

Back to Introduction

Web Hosting · Blog · Guestbooks · Message Forums · Mailing Lists
Allwebco Web Templates · Build your own toolbar · Free Talking Character · Audio, Fonts, Clipart
powered by bravenet.com