GRAND MASONIC CEREMONY.

Grey River Argus, Volume 57, Issue 10268, 26 April 1899, Page 4

GRAND MASONIC CEREMONY.

Installation of the Premier as Grand Master.

The annual communication of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand took place at Hokitika on Monday. There was a large gathering of masons present, amongst whom were representatives from the different lodges in New Zealand. The installation took place in the evening at the Town Hall. The installing Master was Bro Herbert J Williams, P.D.G.M., Grand Superintendent of Wellington. The ceremony was performed with due solemnity, Bro T A Peterkin, P.D. J.W. being the Director of Ceremonies. Bro Williams performed the installation ceremony in a most eloquent and finished manner and gained general commendation, and at the conclusion delivered an effective address. The Grand Master, Bro the Rt Hon R J Seddon, in expressicg his appreciation of the honor conferred upon him and the kindly expressions of the Installing Master, laid great gain in Masonic unity that has taken place. The last recognition they had received was from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, which had been made freely and fully, and without the slightest reservation. He anticipated the pleasure they would all feel in announcing that the Grand Master of the English Constitution, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, had accepted the position of Patron of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. He strongly impressed upon his hearers that Masonry did not lie so much in impressive rituals— that was only the threshold as Masonry. In itself it could best be interpreted by " Charity," a charity of word, thought, and action. When they had come to a proper understanding ef their highest duties all the world would be Masons because charity would then have be- . come universal. ; The singing of the National Anthem closed the proceedings. The members then adjourned to the supper room, where a sumptuous repast was done full justice to.