MASONIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5491, 23 June 1879, Page 2

MASONIC.

Intelligence has been received of the death of John Lazar, Right Worshipful Depnty Grand Master of the district of Westland, hold under the English constitution of Freemasonry. He expired at the ripe age of 76 years. Brother Lazar is well known among the " brethren of the mystic tie" in Auckland. He it was who some time ago officiated in the position of luetalling-Master at the grand consecration ceremonies at the opening of the Proviacial Grand Lodge of Scotland, with Brother Whitaker as P.G.M., and the District Grand Lodge of England, with Brother Graham as D.G.M. The ceremonies, as carried out by Brother Lazar were of the moat impressive character, His clear, impressive enunciation, his punctilious adherence to the ancient usages and rules of the Masonic order, and his genial manners endeared him to the Masons of Auckland. Hβ was selected for the performance of the onerous duty on account of his Masonic knowledge, his powerful memory, and his impressive manner, at the instigation of Brother Tyler, the present P. G. Sec. of the Scottish Constitution, and his suggestion did credit to the craft. The high Masouic dignity which he occupied in Wests land insured marked recognition for hiremaius at tho funeral obsequies, which took place on 11th June.

A grand ball took i)lace in the Public Hall, Dargaville, ■ on the 12th June, on the occasion of the anniversary consecration of Lodge St. George (Masonic), No 1801, E.C. The evening proved fine, and enabled nearly 100 couples to be present, amongst whom we noticed several Auckland gentlemen. The hall was decorated with great taste, and the ladies' dresses were very pretty and neat. The Masonic brethren appeared in regalia. The whole had a very charming effect. Dancing commenced at 8.30, and was continued with unceasing spirit until the close of the programme. Mr. Wright, of Auckland, supplied very efficient music, and Mr. Kaynes supplied the refreshments, which were first-class. Mr. E. Mit chelssn was M.C. The unanimous opinion of all present was that the meeting had eclipsed anything of a like nature ever held at Dargaville. The ball terminated at about 4 o'clock a.m. Mr. Pooley could not resist congratulating the committee in a pleasing speech, upon the success of their efforts. Mr. Archer, one of the committee, very suitably replied. The names of the gentlemen comprizing the committee were—Messrs. R. Dargaville, A. J. Archer, H. Ludlow, E. R. and J. Mitchelson, J. Raynes, and L. Dacre.

The Eden Masonic Lodge of Freemasons, who have hitherto met in the .Rising Sun Hotel, Karangahape Road, have taken stepe to secure for themselves a local habitation, and are about to take the lead of the older Masonic lodges of Auckland, by erecting for themselves a lodge-room. A very valuable site in Karangahape Road, with 33 feet frontage, adjoining Mr. Waddel's bakery establishment, has been purchased, and plans for a suitable brick building to be erected on it are now being designed by Mr. Wade. The committee who have been appointed to arrange for the purchase of the site, and the erection of the hall, have met with great encouragement. As much as £140 in outside subscriptions have already been received. No time will be lost in commencing the erection of the hall.