THE MASONIC ORDER

Evening Star, Issue 21890, 29 November 1934, Page 3

THE MASONIC ORDER

ANNUAL COMMUNICATION TRIBUTE TO LORD BLEDISLOE [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, November 28. The .annual communication of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand Freemasons opened this morning, Lord Bledisloe presiding as grand master. Colonel Esson was installed by Lord Bledisloe as grand master at a very large, Masonic gathering at the Town Hall this evening. Mr W. A. Stout, of Invercargill, was appointed and invested deputy grand master. Other appointments and investments were made as follows Provincial grand masters: Auckland, Mr 0. Nicholson; Wellington, Mr E. J. Guiness; Otago. Mr S. F. Bridgman; Southland, Mr G. J. Yule; West Coast, Mr F. S. Wood; Hawke’s Bay, the Rev. R. E>. B. Waugh; Nelson and Marlborough, Mr G. A. Eckford; Taranaki, Mr J. M'Allister; Ruapehu, Mr A. B. Christensen. Mr C. Flavell is provincial grand master of Canterbury by virtue of his position as boat! of the Provincial Grand Lodge. Mr C, K. M‘Diarixnd is provincial grand master of the new Waikato district. . . , Grand wardens: Senior, Mr A. J. Pople (Auckland); junior, Mr P. H. Harris (Christchurch), These and the other officers elected earlier in the day were duly invested. The presentation was made to His Excellency from the lodges of New Zealand in the shape of a past grand master’s jewel set with diamonds, and an illuminated address, the cover of the address and the jewel casket containing thousands of pieces _ of inlaid New Zealand, woods in artistic designs. At a business session the creation of a. new Masonic district in Auckland from Nethcrton southward, to be known as Waikato, was approved. Colonel Esson, making the presentation of an address to His Excellency, said it was impossible to speak too highly of the good influence exercised hv their Excellencies during their residence in New Zealand. Firm in piety, steadfast in loving service, they had never considered their own ease, but had found honourable work in the sight of God their highest delight. _ As grand master Lord Bledisloe had gained much honour and advanced the cause of the brotherhood and loyalty. , His Excellency acknowledged the affection shown liim by members of the craft and spoke of the enormous help which the principles of Freemasonry had rdven him in carrying out his public duties. He thanked the craft sincerely for the beautiful gifts, which would be the most inspiring message he had ever received, or was likely to receive.