MASONIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7562, 15 February 1886, Page 5

MASONIC.

OPENING OF MASONIC HALL. On Wednesday. the 3rd instant, the Lodge Zealandia, No. 2072, and the new Freemasons' Hall, Whangaroa, was consecrated and dedicated. The ceremony was performed by the Acting Deputy District Grand Master, Brother W. P. Moat, P.M., who opened the District Grand Lodge, assisted by Brother J. W. Williams, Past Master, Acting Deputy District Grand Seuior Warden ; Brother H. W. Bishop, Acting Deputy District Grand Junior Warden ; Brother A. Thompson, Acting District Grand Chaplain, and Brother J. Rhodes, Pursuivant. After the consecration, Brother W. P. Moat, A.D.D.G.M., presented the charter to Brother Alexander Anderson, W.M., and congratulated the Zealandia Lodge on the progress it had made. He further stated that of all new lodges he had visited, very few had made the advancement this lodge had made in the time of eighteen months, the period of its formation. The District Grand Master then closed the District Grand Lodge and retired. The Worshipful Master and officers of the Zealandia concluded the business, and closed in ancient form. Brother Ponder, S.D., kindly lent his organ, and presided at the instrument during the consecration oerernony..

About eighteen months ago no Masonio lodge existed in this district, though several members of the institution were resident in Whangaroa. These coming together thought a lodge would be beneficial to the district. Meetings were held, and the preliminary steps taken for that purpose. Brother T. W. Williams was elected first Master ; Brother A. Anderson, Senior Warden ; Brother C. Gothard, Junior Warden ; and Brother R. Shepherd, Secretary. From these officers has sprung the present lodge, now numbering thirty members, so that the compliment paid the lodge by Brother W. P. Moat in his congratulatory address was not altogether unmerited.

A Masonic ball was held in the evening in the hall. The room was tastefully deoorated with flags, and the name of the lodge, artistically worked in mosses and ferns, occupied a prominent position in the eastern portion of the lodge. The committeeBrothers Davison, Stewart, Gothard, and Sharp—had anticipated and provided everything which could possibly conduce to the comfort of the guests. The excellent music was rendered by Brother Calkin {violin), Miss Calkin, Mesdames Ponder and Stewart, the lastnamed lady having lent' her piano. Brother Sharp made an efficient M.C. The dancing never flagged, being kept up with spirit till 4.30 a.m. next morning. Votes of thanks to those who had so kindly assisted with the mußio, and to Mesdames Christie and Wigmore, who presided at the refreshment table, were proposed by Brother J. W. Williams, P.M., seconded by Brother Alexander Anderson, W.M., and carried with acclamation. An evidence of the thorough enjoyment experienced was found in the fact that none of the guest departed until the close, '* God Save the Queen" being sung at the last.—[Own Correspondent, February 11.]