MASONIC GATHERING.

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 March 1907, Page 3

MASONIC GATHERING.

RECEPTION OF THE GOVERNOR. One of the most brilliant functions ever held on the West Const took place (says the Times) at the Hokitika Town Hall and adjoining halls last night when the reception of the Most Worshipful Bro. Lord Plunket, Grand Master of Zealand, attended by a number of Grand Lodge Officers by the Lodges of the West Coast, was held at the invitation of and L- " under the auspices of Lodge Westland ' Kilwinning. The Town Hull had been prepare'd as a temporary lodge room, the windows and walls being draped in satin of two shades of blue, while a handsome canopy was erected in the east, and the beautiful furniture, which had been transferred from the Kilwinning Lodge, was set off in its new surroundings. The Hall, the floor of which was covered with rich, crimson carpets, proved very suitable for the purposes to which it was adopted. The Drill Shed and Horticultural Hall were prepared for a social, at which His Excellency, M.W. Bro. Lord Plunket, was entertained subsequent to the Masonic reception. The scheme of decoration in these halls was most elaborate and highly artistic. The Horticultural Hall, especially, made a very handsome drawing room, and for the decorations generally the ladies deserve the greatest credit. Th lodge was opened by W.M. Bro. J. McMillan, at seven o’clock, and was soon filled with local brethren and visit-

ing craftsmen from all parts of the Coast, while about a dozen were also present from Christchurch, among whom were M.W. Bro. Binns, Pro Grand Master of New Zealand; M.W. B:ro. J. Dougall, Grand Registrar; M.W. Bro. G. Hulme, Director of Ceremonies; W.M. Bro. H. J. Otley, of Lodge Canterbury 1048 English Constitution; and P.M. Bro. J. Thorn ton of the same lodge. Shortly after the lodge was, opened, a fanfare played by Bro. Seymour announced the arrival of the M.W., the Grand Master, and he was received with his Grand Lodge Officers with musical honours. , * A brief, but very appropriate, address of welcome was delivered on behalf of the members of the Lodge Westland Kilwinning by W.M. Bro,.McMillan, while the M.W. Bro. J. H. Harßn’esa, Grand Superintendent of the West Coast, also addressed a cordial welcome to the Grand Master on behalf of the lodges of the West Coast. ’■ J His Excellency Bro. Lord Plunket, in reply, delivered an able and eloquent address. The proceedings throughout were of a cordial and interesting " character They were greatly enhanced by the splen did music rendered by the orchestra under Bro. Seymour. Incidentally, Bro. Hutton sang with telling effect the beauti ful ode, “Thou art Passing Hence My Brother,” and Bro. W. Bray sang most artistically “Within These Walls.” The Lodge was closed about nine o’clock, and the Brethren with their lady fricp’dsf to the number of nearly five hundred fa bout two hundred of whom had arrived 'by special train from the 1 , north) immediately adjourned to the Drill Shed. The following musical programme was given:—Solo, “When the Heart is Young,” Miss F. Stapleton; duet, Bros. W. Bray.and S. Ridgway; song, “Angels Guard Thee,” Miss Gertie White (with violin obligato by Mrs E. H. Robinson); song, “The Soldier’s Song,” Bro. D. Hutton, encored; song, “Beloved it is mprn,” Miss A. Malfroy; song, “The Dear Little Shamrock,” Bro. J. J. Breeze. Miss Michel and Mr W. E. Williams were the accompanists. Subsequently a short programme of dancing was entered upon, and was enjoyed with great zest. The gathering, which will long be remembered Ha a historical one, concluded about midnight, when many of the visiting brethren returned to their homes at Kumara and Greymouth, Brnnnerton and Reefton by special train, which left .it two o’clock. .