I.O.O.F., AMERICAN CONSTITUTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 4520, 24 November 1884, Page 3

1.0.0. F., AMERICAN CONSTITUTION.

(To the Editor),

Sir,—As you are always pleased to re port the progress of our Northern settlements and their institutions, I beg to forward forjilpublication in your widelycirculating paper the following outline_ of proceedings, which will be read with pleasnte by every member of tho forty-one lodges now in full working throughout New Zealand under the above Constitution, besides assisting to extend its many benefits to thousands who may be induced to join:— About thirty persons, resident in and about Kaeo (a settlement situate about eight miles up' a tidal creek from the harbour of Whangaroa) having "signed a requisition to the (iraud Lodge of Now Zealand for- a charter, and forwarded their requisition through the District Deputy Grand Master, the Grand Lodge granted the charter and forwarded it to the D.D.G.M., Henry Keesing, with instructions to proceed to Kaeo and institute Kaeo Lodge, No. 41, under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, 1.0.0. F., American Constitution.

D.D.G.M. Henry Keesing, G.P. Bro. Morrison, N.G. Bro. McCulaky, and Bro. J. Knight, proceeded on the 3rd Nov., per s.s. Wellington, to Whanjjaroa, where they had the pleasure to find that the requisitionists had mado every preparation the place affords for their reception and comfort. Having slept at the hotel and taken an early breakfast, the Grand Lodge representatives were conveyed in Mr Henry Harris's stoam launch to Kaeo, where they were received by Messrs McKay, Paxton, Snowden, Flavell, Valentine, and other members of the Managing Committee with most hearty welcome, and conducted to Mr Andrew Snowden's; and although the house, being but n hostlery tor busbmen, does. not possess the conveniences of our city hotels, nevertheless, through the efforts of the worthy host and hostess, together with the very zealous attention of the Managing Committee, the visitors spent a very happy week in this Northern bush settlement.

I Arrived at Kaeo about 10.n.m. on Novem- , ber sth. Tho G.L. officers at once commenced business by getting tbe Lodgeroom in working order, the necessary furniture, regalia, etc., having been brought from Auckland and towed in a punt to Kae by the steam launch. At 7 p.m. on the sth of November the Lodge was opened by the G,L. representatives, assisted by Bros. C. E. Ponder, of Whanga'oa, and J, Halliday, of Kaeo.. At this first lodge meeting, twenty-six candidates were initiated, and the Lodge closed about midnight. November 6th, there were threo lodge meetings, viz., from 10 a.m. till 12.30, from 2.30 till 5 p.m., and again from 7 p.m. until past midnight. There were also two lodge meetings on the 7th. At the abovenamed meetings there were in all thirty candidates initiated, and twenty-six received First, Second, and Third Degrees. ' On the Bth the Lodge opened in full force at 2.30 p.m., when the G.L. officers presented the charter in due form. The lodgo then proceeded to tho election of officers, when Bros. C. E. Ponder was duly elected Noble Grand, J. Hnlliday Vice-Grand, J. Flavell Treasurer, and R. C. Maurice Secretary. The Lodge waa then adjourned until 7 p.m.,whenit again assembled.and the G.L. representatives installed the elected officers into their respective chairs. Tbe N.G, then appointed Bros. R. Bramley, R 8., to N.G;; J. B. Paxton, L S., to N.G.; F., Valentine, Warden ; J. McKay, Conductor;; C. H. Harris, R.S S:; B. Flavell, L.S.S. ; McHngh, Inside Guardian; B. Walsh, Outside Guardian; and J. I). Hayes, Chaplin. The V.G. then appointed Bro. M. Bourne his R.S. and Bro. E. Kurth his L.S., after which the Acting Grand Master addressed the Lodge, particularising the duties of officers, and obligations of brothers to support their officers in the performance of their duties. The Lodge was closed at 10.30 p.m. Monday, the 10th, having been appointed for the banquet and ball, the Lodge-room was converted into so elegant a bower that all participators of the entertainment admitted that even the wealth of a city could not have procured a more pleasing effect, while the good taste and ingenuity exhibited by the decorators was a source of pleasant surprise to the guests. Atsp.m.'theN.G., Bro. C. E. Ponder, took the chair at the head of the banquettable, with the Grand Lodge representatives on his right and left. Bro. J. Hailiday, V.G., occupied the vice-chair. Bro. J. D. Hayes, Chaplain, having said grace, thje Company endoavoured to do justice to a spread composed of all the good things of this fair Jan/i, and of quantity equal to the powers of uupe times the attacking force. Then followed the toasts of "The Queen,: God Bless Her," " Tfee ?rince and princess of Wales and all the RoyaJ Family," " The Army and Navy," " The Grjnd Lodge of New Zealand and the Order," and many others—all heartily drank and responded to. At 7.30 the company adjourned, and the tables being removed, the floor was prepared for dancing. At 9 p.m. the com-. pany assembled, when the presence of the ladies and their graceful movements in the dance to (the yell-rendered music of a piano and two\ vfbjins, and the efficient M.C,, Bro. S..Ha»'th.qrße, made up quite a fairy'scene, which w»s kgpt np until four in the morning. Tuesday, the 11th, there were again two Lodge meetings for further initiation and degrees, also for general instruction. On opening the Lodge an incident very gratifying to its members was the presentation fey B?.o. J. D. Hayes, Chaplain, on behalf of his lady wifo, pf a very rich embroidered Bilk cushion for tim Lfldge Bible to rest on. Wednesday, the 12tfi, the Grand Lodge representatives left Kaeo for Whangarna to meet the boat for their return to Auckland, folJflwed by :. the* hearty, cheera and good wishes of the Kaeo. brothers, and feeling confident tjjst they had formed the nucleus of a strong and prosperous working Lodge o£ oar beloved Oraef.--HENKT Keesino, Juito., D.RG.M.,

Sbaremarket remains firm. Quotationo same as.on/Saturday, with the exception of Parwins, which have gone up to 7s. fiyff destitute children, Bella and Ricliaw} Jofrti Mooney, were sent to the Howe efcwet'l»4w*rial Homo to-day on an order Issued by tbe HH^nti Magistrate.