MASONIC INSTALLATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 103, 2 May 1891, Page 5

MASONIC INSTALLATION.

ACCIDENT TO SIR FREDERICK WHITAKER.

The annual installation of officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge, 8.C., took placo lasb night in tho Masonic Hall, Princesstreet, under tlio presidency of Sir F. Whitakor, It. W.P.G.M. On proceeding to bhe meeting from his residence in Symondsstreet tho lion, gentleman sustained a severe accident. Whilst stepping on to tho pavement opposite tho Club Houso he missed his footing and fell heavily on the kerbing, striking his forehead and inflicting a nasty wound over tho left eye, from which tho blood was flowing when ha reached bhe hall. Hero ib was dressed by Bro. Gilbert, chemist, who had plaster in his possession, and although bleeding still the lion, gentleman, with wounded forehead and blackened eyo, took his scab on tho dais and conducted the proceedings in his usual masterly manner. Tho occasion was a special one, becauso, in addition to the installation of officers, it was expected he would make some presentment respecting tho position of Masonry in regard tj the new constitution. This Sir Frederick did in a very able speech, commending the brethren of tho old constitution for adhering to the old order amidst temptations to wander from the fold into tho arms of whab lie termed a clandestine constitution, lie spoke kindly of the new constitution, hoping thoy would yet return to the fellowship of their elders, oven if by unitod action a now constitution for this colony, embracing all tho others, wero considered noccssary, and became an established facb on the unanimous voico of the crafc. He concluded by calling upon tho secretary (Bro. J. Slator) to read the report of tho Grand Lodge of Scotland upon the whole proceedings, which had beon submitted to them by Sir Frederick. After some routino business had been disposed of and a brother had been deprived of all Masonic privileges under tho Scottish Constitution for 3 years for alleged un-masonic conduct in reference to tho properties of tho Grand Lodge, tho installation of officers was proceeded with as follows:—W. P., G.S.W. Bro. A. Erodie ; W. Assist., P.G.J.W. Bro. Baddoley ; treasurer, Bro. T. McWhirter ; G.M., Bro. Wilkinson; assistant S.D., Bio. Farrell ; assistant J.D., Bro. Miriin ; S.B, Bro. Moylan; 1.G., Bro. Bennett. Tho installation ceremony was ably performed by Bro. iMcCullough, R. W. P.G.D.M. The brethren adjourned for refreshments, ; served in tho lower hall undor the management of the Tyler, Bro. Tonge. The usual loyal Masonic toasts wero given, Bro. MeCullough presiding aftor the retirement of Sir F. Whitakor in consequence of hia accident. Bro. Anderson occupied the vicechair, and tho chairman was supported by Bros. Graham, Loddor, Clark. La Roche, and others of the English Constitution. In responding to the toasb of hia health, the Chairman paid ib was intended that the Grand Master, or substitute, bhould visit all the lodges under the Constitution in the North Island, and lay tho ruling of the Grand Lodgo of Scotland bofore thorn, besides cultivating more friendly relations therewith. Bro. Graham, Grand Master of the English Constitution, in responding to tho tousb of his health, characterised tho old j ordor as a trinity in unity, which ho trusted they would ever continue to be.