MASONIC LODGE ROOMS. NEW PLYMOUTH.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume III, Issue 302, 18 September 1882, Page 2

MASONIC LODGE ROOMS. NEW PLYMOUTH.

The ceremony of consecrating the new hall erected by the De Burgh Adams Lodge, 446, 1.C., was performed on Friday • night by Bro. G. P. Pierce, R.W.P.G. Master of the Irish Constitution in New Zealand, assisted by Bro. Rees, P.G. Secretary, and Bro. Page, P.G. Director of Ceremonies. There was a large gathering of members belonging to different lodges in the district, while here and there could be seen members of the craft bailing from different parts of the colony. Shortly after six o'clock, the lodge was tyled, and the ceremony of admitting members and visitors was proceeded with. On the arrival of the P. G. Officers in the lodge-room, Bro. King, W.M. of the De Burgh Adania Lodge vacated the chair, which was taken by the Provincial Grand Master. The Lodge Chaplain then read a portion of Scripture, at the conclusion of which, the brethren formed procession, and marched to St. Mary's Church. Tthe order of procession was — Master Masons. Officers of Lodges. District and P. G. Officers. The P. G. Master. Two Stewards. Tyler. On arriving at the Church gates, the lines opened out, and allowed the Provincial Grand Officers to enter first. The service which was most impressive, waa conducted by Bro. Rev. H. H. Brown, M.A., -who delivered a forcible address to those present. At the conclusion of the service, the procession was again formed, and the brethren marched back to the hall, when the ceremony of consecration was gone on -with. Bro. A. King, W.M., De Burgh Adams Lodge, Bro. G. F. Robinson, W.M. Egtnont Lodge, and Bro. Brooking, P.M., taking the corn, wine, and oil, poured them in turn upon tho pavement. The Provincial Grand Master then dedicated the new lodge-rooms to Freemasonry, Religion, and Universal Brotherhood. Bro. Goldwater presided at the organ, and several anthems and hymns were sung. THE BANQUET which was provided by Host Bro. Cottier, was an excellent one, and full justice was done to it by the brethren present. Bro. A. King W.M. presided, and was supported right and left, by P. G. Officers and Masters from visiting lodges. The first toast, " The Queen and the Craft," was drunk with enthusiasm ; as was the toast " The Prince of Wales, Grand Master of the English Constitution." Bro. King then proposed, " The Provincial Grand Master." Bro. Pearce, P.G.M., in a neat speech, responded, and in the course of hia remarks said he , hoped the iron horse would Boon be running between Auckland and New Plymouth. He highly eulogised De Burgh Adams, after whom the lodge had taken its^name, ..,-,<' ; Bro. King proposed, "The Egmont Lodge, E.C." Bro. G. F. Robinson, W.M,, responded. " ' Song, Brother Rhind— «• Willie brewed , a peck o' maut." ■> ' - " Toastr-'-'Thei De Burgh Adams Lodge," pr oposed by Brother G. F. Robinson and responded to by Brother A. King, W.M. , Song— Bro. Butler. . | Bro. A. King proposed' "ThVHawera Lodge, G52, 5.C.," Brother Pitcher, R.W.M., in a neat BpeecJ} responded,, and. gave an account of the doings of the Lodge since its formation. ■ i. Song, Bro. Earp — "The Englishman." Toast — " Visiting Brethren, coupled with the name of Bro. Gordon P.M." (Opunake.) __Rro. Gordon responded.

Song—" Rule Britania." Captain Bro. Ellis in a few and wellchosen words responded. Song — Bro. Cottier. Bro. P. G. Secretary proposed the toast of "Past Masters of De ßurgh Adams Lodge," coupling therewith the name of Bro. P.M. Brooking. Bro. Brooking responded. Bro. Page recited " The Charge of the Light Brigade" in such a manner as fairly astonished his hearers. Songs by Bros. Holford and Goldwater. Bro. Ellis proposed, "Absent brethren," which was drunk in the usual manner. Several other songs were sung and toasts -.proposed, and duly honored, during the evening. Altogether, a most enjoyale time was spent, and the brethren separated at the small hours, singing " Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem. The following are the names of members of the Hawera Lodge who "were present :— Bros. H. G. Pitcher, R.W-M- 5 G. V. Bate, D.M. ; J. K. Ferguson, S.W. ; J. B. Innes, J.D. ; C. H. Bowman, Sec. ; M. D. King, and T. Wolner. They speak in very high terms of the treatment they 1 received from their New Plymouth brethren ; and any of the latter who may choose to pay Hawera a visit on the occasion of consecrating the new hall here, may be certain of a hearty welcome from the Hawera Masons.