LODGE PONSONBY, N.Z.C.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 285, 3 December 1890, Page 2

LODGE PONSONBY, N.Z.C.

The annual installation of the oflicers of Lodge Ponsonby, Me.v Zealand Constitution, was hold last and was of more than ordinary interest, in consequence of a presentation made by the brethren of the i Lodj-o to the retiring R.W.M., Bro. W. Forrest. There was a large attendance of brethren of the orafC, 75 being present. 'Representatives were in attendance from the Grand Lod<;o of New Zealand. Bro. A. S. Russell, D.G.M., and Bro. M. Niccol, 0.D.5., and Dr. Boor, of Nelson, ! being present, also from Lodges Ara, St. I Andrew, Franklin, United Service, Manukau, Papakura, Pukekohe, Albion, Leinster, and Coromandel. The lodgeroom presented a fine appearance, the new furniture attracting greats attention.. On the walls wore scrolls bearing the names of the various lodges now working under dispensation from the Grand Lodtre of New Zealand. A number of banners also added greatly to the gaiety of the scene. The R.W.M., Bro. Forrest, officiated as Installing Master, tho following oflieere being invested :—Bro. Hugh Grey,R.W.M.; ; Bro. \V. Forrest, I.P.M. ; Bro. AI. Niccol, D M. ; Bro. A. S. Russell, S.M. ; Bro. A. H. Jones, S.W..J Bro. J. Mngoe, J.W. 5 Bro. V. Johansen, Treae.; Bro. G. Fowlde, Secretary: Bro. l>. Jones, D. of C. ; Bro. R. O. Clark, jun., Bible Bearer; Bro. J. Smart, S.D. ; Bro. W. H. Simmonds, J.D. ; Bro J. R. Shepherd, I,G. ; Bro. J. Danneford, S.S. ; Bro. F. Maaeey, J.S. ; Bro. J. H. Purcell, Tyler. Bro. Niccol addressed the Master, who was presented by Bros. Pago, W.M., and S. D'Hanna, W.M. Bro. Page also presented the tools in the third degree, Bro. Niccol in tho second, and Bro. Hanna it) tho tirsto degree. Dr. Walker presided at tho organ during tho ceremony. Bro. Forrest mentioned that the greater amount of the furniture had been presented by members of the Lodge and other friends. ,, Hβ mentioned the names of Bros. Fowlde, Mahoney, Jones, Smart, and MoOn* the motion of Bro. Russell, thanks were accorded the donors. Bro. Fowld.s on behalf of tjjio members of Lodge Ponsonby, presented Bro. Forrest'with a magnificent Pastmaster'e jewel with three clasps. It was beautifully Phased and suitably inscribed. An elegantly framed picture of Bro. Forrest in full regfllia was also prevented, together with a fine silver tea and coffee service for Mrs Forrest. Each piece boro on one side the name of Bro. Forreet, and on the other the monogram of. hie wife. In making the presentation Bro. Fowlde spoke in the" highest terms of Bro, Forrest's services'to the-lodge aba critical-Juncture.

He alluded to the prompt action taken by the W.M. during the recent trouble anent the joining of the New Zealand Constitution, and tho punishment meted out to him by those who he considered should have known better.

Bro. Forrest attempted to return thanks suitably, but failed to accomplish his object, being deeply affected afc tho kind feeling manifested. Ho simply thanked the brethren for the extraordinarily munificent presentation made to him. Bro. Russell, on behalf of the Grand Master, thanked the brethren for tho kind reception oilered himself and officers.

Some ordinary business wan then transacted, two candidates being proposed for initiation and one for affiliation. The LodgO was then closed, and the brethren adjourned to the refreshmentroom, whero an excellent cold collation had been prepared by Bro. Cleal. After juetice had been done to the viands, various toasts were proposed, and tho rest of the evening was spent in a social manner.