MASONIC CONVOCATION

Grey River Argus, 26 February 1949, Page 2

MASONIC CONVOCATION

The annua] convocation ,of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand, which has been held • at Greymouth over two days, con-1 eluded on Thursday. This is the first occasion on _ which I the convocation has been held in this . district, and visiting companions, accompanied by their wives numbering over 200, found a full programme awaiting them. In spite of unsettled weather, the programme was carried out in full, and a most enjoyable time was had. The business session was held on Wednesday in St. John’s Hall, and the Installation ceremony followed in the evening. Accommodation was taxed to the utmost for a colourful spectacle. Mr H. Campbell was installed as the head of the. institution, Ifis principal officers being Messrs J. C. Reynolds (North Auckland), F. A. Pickett (Haiiraki), J. C. Seelye (Otago), AV. Metcalfe (North Auckland), A. Howey-Walker (Auckland), S. J. Hedge (Hauraki), J. Christoffel (Taranaki), T. Rowe (Hawke’s Bay), W. H. Cannan (Ruapehu), R. W. McVilley (Wellington), A. W. Wanden (Nelson). A. R. Hamill (Westland), A. B. Christensen (Canterbury), H. R. Mitchell (Otago), R. P. Boyne (Southland), W. E. Carter (Auckland), E. Cannons (Wellington). Following the installation, the customary banquet was held, and the usual toast list honoured. The social side of the Convocation was designed with a view to making the stay of the visitors enjoyable, and a strong ladies’ committee was responsible for a comprehensive observation tour of the district on .Wedday afternoon, followed by a picture party in the evening, when approximately seventy ladies attended. At the conclusion of this they were the guests of the local ladies at supper. On Thursday, all visitors enjoyed a run to Lake Kaniere, where they were entertained by the Hokitika brethren, who also had a full programme of entertainment for those visitors who, owing to the shortage of accommodation in Greymouth, had to be quartered at Hokitika. On Thursday evening, a ball and “at home” was held in the Victoria Park pavilion, when a large number attended. During the evening the Mayor (Mr F. F. Boustridge) tended a civic welcome to the visitors, expressing the pleasure of the borough in welcoming the largest gathering which had ever been held in Greymouth. Many of the visitors left for Christchurch by special train yesterday morning.