NEW MASONIC HALL.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 139, 13 June 1911, Page 6

NEW MASONIC HALL.

The foundation stone-of-the new Masonic hall of Lodge Eden, No. 1530, will be laid- ou. _at'urday afternoon with, all due formalities, when it us expected; that some 500 Masonic brethren will be present. The new- building, which- is to cost approximately £7000, has been designed by Mr. B. C. Chilweil, aud is expected to be ready for use about the middle of December. The external appearance of the strrtK-ture, as shown in che architect's drawing, is unusually attractive, brick and stucco being the materials used, while the roof is of red Marseilles tiles. On the ground floor a spacious hall is provided, measurng 70 by 35ft., with a stage laft. deep. Tnere is a large entrance porch with cloakrooms pn either side, and the hall is also furnished with two exits for use in case of emergency, and an entrance leading directly to the stage. The second floor which extends from front to back of the building, contains a lodge room 5S by 3oft., two ante-rooms, a supper-room, and a kitchen. This floor will be used exclusively for Masonic purposes, leavim.' the large lull for use for dances, etc.. or for big Masonic functions. The roof of the hu : lc!ing is surmounted by a large ornament's! ventilator, giving an attractive finish to the whole design. The contract for the erection of th? new hall ha.s b'-en let to .Mr. .!. E. Guthrie. The foundation stone will be in the north-east comer, in accordance with an-.'ient Masonic custom, an-I will further be the third laid i-n Auckland with full Masonic ceremoni.ii The lnst stone so laid was that of .«*t. Mntthcw"s Cliur.-h, the only previous ceremony of the kind being when the Masonic Hall, Princesstreet, was bill.