MASONIC GATHERING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 102, 30 March 1926, Page 8

MASONIC GATHERING.

WELCOME TO GOVERNORGENERAL.

His Excellency the Governor-Gen-eral (Sir Charles Fergusson) was present at tho installation and investiture of officers of Lodge Awatea last evening in his capacity as Grand Master. He was received by the P.G.M. of tho Ituapehu district, R.W. Bro. A. J. Graham. Tho District G.M. (E.C.), R. W. Bro. Burnet and his officers were also in attendance. The installation ceremony was conducted by R.W. Bro. J. A. Nash, P.G.W. A banquot was later tendered His Excellency by tho four combined lodges of Palmerston North in the Municipal Hall, at which tho Provincial Grand Master R. W. Bro. A. J. Graham presided, supported by R.W. Bro. Burnet.

The toasts of t(io Grand Lodges of New Zealand and England were proposed by R.W. Bros. Burnet and A. J. Graham and were responded to by His Excellency the Grand Master, and R.W. Bro. Burnet, respectively. Tho toast of tho nowly installed Master of Lodge Awatea was proposed by R.W. Bro. J. A. Nash and responded to by Wor. Bro. W. R. Mayes. R.W. Bro. Haydon Maclean proposed the toast of tho visitors ana musical brethren, which was replied to by R.W. Bro. Hornblow and Wor. Bro. P. S. Larcomb.

A fine orchestra renderod enjoyable items and songs were contributed by Bros. Tennent, Reid and Kennedy. The function, which was opened and closed with the National Anthem, was a brilliant success. Three ringing cheers were given for His Excellency, who expressed his great delight at tho reception accorded him by his Masonio brethren. Much of the success of. the function was duo to the efforts of the secretary, Wor. Bro. E. It. Tucker.