DEPARTURE OF LORD PLUNKET.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLV, Issue XLV, 2 June 1910, Page 2

DEPARTURE OF LORD PLUNKET.

MASONIC PRESENTATION.

[Uniwd Paws Association.]

•WELLINGTON, Wednes.

Th> presentation toy the Masons to Lord Plunket, which was postponed on account of the King's death, was tmade this afternoon at the othee ot the Grand Secretary, in the presence of a number o$ leading Masons. The Grantl Master, Bro. C. J. W. Griffiths, of Blenheim, spoke briefly of the gratitude felt by "Masons for the constant anxiety, and zeal His Excellency had shown for their welfare, ana hoped he would liv e W tp shine aB an illustrious ornament of the frater-

nity, , The service of plate consists of a centre piece and two side dishes. r l ho eentf, piece is an epergne consisting of a large jardiniere, engraved with the arms of His Excellency on tile obverse Side, and the following inscription on the reverse: "Presented by the. Freemasons of New Zealand to His* Excellency Lord Plunket. K.C.M.G., K.C.V.0., Most Worshipful Grand Master 1906 to 1910, in recognition of his eminent services to the fraternity. Wellington, 12th May. 1910." The jardiniere is supported on a single foot, and is somewha; unique in design, having four flat side; and-four (branches copied from typical specimens of Maori -wood carving, and supported at the /base 'by a Maori head. The whole stands on a plateau three 'by two,, decorated in the Maori style of ornament. The entire centre piece is 65 inches by 24 inches, and stands 24 inches high. Th e whole service, which is richly set off with decorativ fl panels illustrative of various phase 5 of His Excellency s regime and national happenings, lias a weight of close on 1000 ounces. It is of solid silver, and heavy gilding brings out the richness and beauty ot the Maori ornamentation, all of which is hand raised and chased. There were two other presentations. Bro. Williamson, on behalf ot the ■Grand- Lodge, presenting His Excellency with a duit of regalia for use in visiting Lodges in the Old Country, and%n behalf of the Marlborough and Nelson (brethren, Bro. Malcolm NiccdH made a presentation of a greenstone paper weight. In response, Lord Plunket said h. was glad to acknowledge the kind words spoken. He never felt his powers of expressing thanks so inadequate the present occasion. He had been chosen as Grand Master, and re-elected on three occasions. They-had shown in this way the confidence they reposed in him, a u d now when he himself anight be 'expected to show some token of appreciation of his brethren* they further added to the debt of gratitude which- he felt towards them by the magnificent memento' he saw before him. He would consider it an heirloom in bis family in memory of the regard shown him toy the Freemasons of New Zealand. ?Bis Excellency concluded with a reference to the benefits of the craffr •in the matter of .morality, good fellowship, and charity.

FAREWELL AT WELLINGTON,

A LARGE 'GATHERING; WELLINGTON, Wedn'es. Lord Plunket * g farewell took place In the Town Hall this evening, the Hall being filled :by the gathering. The Premier, the Hons; 'J. Carroll and D. Buddo, the local M..'jsP., the Mayor of Wellington, and the Councillors and the Mayor s of the surrounding districts and other public men occupied seals on the platform; The veterans occupied the front rows in the Hall, and th e Highland Rifles formed : a guard of honour at the entrance. ° ■ The Mayor, who presided, on behalf of the citizens of Wellington, thanked Lord Plunket most heartily for his ready response to the calls made by those in and around the city, and asked him to carry Home the loyalty felt both by the -pakehas and thos* who were equally worthy. He presented Lord Plunket with a silver greenstone casket o n behalf of th ft citizens of Wellington, as a token of their goodwill and esteem. Sir Joseph Ward s aid 'he joined with the citizens of Wellington in paying his respects to His Excellency. The Governor's task was not an easy one. Lord Plunket had helped to maintain the Constitution of Now Zealand in a worthy manner, and we ought to feel pleased that we were sending away a gentleman who was an ambassador oi good help to the country. Lord Plunket had taken an active part in Vm social affairs of New Zealand, and had always done his duty in a dignifie. manner. He referred feelingly to Lady Plunket. and the good work she had done. They would member Lad\- Plunket as a charming lady, who was leaving behind her pleasant memories. On behalf of himself and his colleaguc s h e wisho" health and happiness to Lord and Lady Plunket and family. (Loud Applause.) Th„ Governor said that few thing? would have given him more pleasure than to receive such a welcome. T! Governor wa s more lialble to criticism at his headquarters than in towns in which h P only occasionally stayed. He claimed to have become deeply devoted to this lovely country, its poo pie. and its futiTC If he had rightly gauged the minds of thos p present, he should say that they were full of devotion to the Throne and the Constitution, and that pride in the Empire Was deep-seated in New Zealanders. ■Words - failed him to express how deeplv he honoured and admired the common sense and practical patriotism of th e people of the Dominionpatriotism which could not be claimed by any particular class or by any political party. Hi s six years of office had (been, on th e whole, years of great prosperity, and there were indications of greater material progress. He ventured earnestly to suggest to the people of New Zealand one everlooming danger in a prospect otherwise without a clond. "Your status among-sising nations, ' he said, "your value in the Empire's general defence, and above all your very existence a s a free land depends under God's providence upon the quest inn of population 'being resolutely faced. New Zealand has a noble 'birth right and prospects of a splendid future. May every 'blessing be yours is Iho sincere wish of Lady Plunket and myself.". An appropriate programme was rendered, concluding with the National •Anthem.