MASONIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7693, 19 July 1886, Page 11

MASONIC.

Tub anniversary of the opening of Lodge Star in the Far South was celebrated in the lodge-room, Protestant Hall, Papakura, on June 18. It was decided to give the affair the character of a social gathering, embracing Masons belonging to the lodge and their friends, and to commence the proceedings with a kind of " high tea." At the lodge meeting held a few weeks previously a committee was appointed, consisting of Brothers Walker, 1). Wilson, S. Walker, R. W. Brown, Clark, E. W. McLennan, and G. Willis, to carry out the necessary arrangements, and, aided by Mesdames J. Walker, L). Wilson, 8. Walker, Brown, the Misses McLennan, Willis, and other ladies, the committee brought their arrangements to a most successful issue. About nine o'clock the hall was cleared for tho subsequent entertainment, which the R.W.M, of the lodge prefaced by an address on the principles of the Order of Freemasonry. After the address the lengthy dance programme was commenced, Mr. W Wilson ably undertaking the duties of M.C. The dancing was interspersed with some excellent songs rendered by Brother Dr. Krson, R.W.M. Lodge Wairoa and W.M. Lodge Harmony, Brother Hunt, and Messrs, Shanaghan, W. Simms, and W. J. Wilson; and choice readings and recitations from Brothers Dr. Erson and S. Walker. During the evening Brother Slator, P.M., and Provincial Grand Secretary N.1.N.Z., S.C., delivered an appropriate address, which was well received. The proceedings continued with unflagging zeal until four o'clock a.m. On June 24, being St. John's Day, the brethren of Lodge Ara, 345, 1.C., with numerous visiting brethren, assembled at the Freemasons' Hall, Princes-street, for the annual ceremony of installation of W.M. The lodge having been opened in due form by Brother J. R. Hanna (the retiring Past Master), in the first degree, the minutes of the preceding meeting were read, and the routine work gone through, after which the lodge was opened in the second degree, and Brother Alfred Kidd was presented to the W.M. and the lodge as the W.M. elect, and the obligation duly taken. The lodge having then been raised, a Board of Past Masters proceeded to install the the W.M. with customary ceremonies, after which lie was introduced and saluted by the assembled brethren in the three degrees. The W.M. next proceeded to invest his officers with the insignia of their respective offices as follows :—Brothers J. R. Hanna, P.M. D. F. Evans, S.W. ; C. C. Macmullen J.W. ; F. J. Whitaker, S.D. ; G. Robson, J.D. ; A. S. Russell, secretary; Dr. Kidd, chaplain; W. J. Mitchell, treasurer ; J. D. Wickham, I.G. ; A. Wright, P.M. Director | of Ceremonies ; A. Hanna, organist; W. M. I Chapman and Carl Weatpfahl, stewards; and

Captain Tonge, Tyler. The brethren partook of luncheon after the lodge bad been closed, and the annual installation banquet will be held in the Freemasons' Hall on Monday, July 5. The installation of officers of Lodge Alpha, 2014, E.C., Cambridge, took place in the lodgeroom on the 24th June. There was a large number of brethren present, including visitors from Auckland, Hamilton, and other Waikato townships. Brothers P.M.'s Sea* brook, Hartley, Edgecombe, Dey, and Brunskill occupied seats on the dais. Brother William Lodder, D-D,G.M., installed the W.M., Brother T. W. Sargent, after which ceremony the P.M., assisted by Brother Brunskill, installed the following officers S.W., Brother J. W. Russell; J. W.,Brother H. R. Lyall; 5.8., Brother J. Simpson J.D., Brother C- Boyce ; J.G., Brother W; S. Stewart: Tyler, Brother J. Mullionß. treasurer, Brother J. P. Thompson; secretary, Brother H. W. Westby. At the close of the installation ceremony the brethren adjourned to a banquet prepared by Brother Boyce, which eclipsed all his previous efforts at catering. Loyal and fraternal toasts were given in the usual Masonic manner, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The installation of officers of Lodge Beta was held on July 1. There was a large gathering of the craft, some fifty being present. The installation ceremony waß performed by Past Masters Day and Murray, and Past Masters Primrose, McPherson, Brunskill, and Sergeant were also present. The following officers were installed :— W.M., Brothers. E. G. Smith; S.W., Brother C. J. W. Barton; J.W., Brother Edwardea ; S.D., Brother F. Bell J.D., Brother White; chaplain, R. O'C. Biggs ; secretary and treasurer, Brother P. M. George Edgecumbe ; 1.G., Brother H. Biggs ; tyler, Brother F. Pascoe. After the ceremony tbe brethren sat down to a really elegant and bountiful supper, provided by Lodge Beta. Ten sinter lodges were represented among the visitors, and the members of the Cambridge Lodge Alpha mustered in force. The installation of officers of the Star of Auckland Lodge, 1.0.0. F., No. 26, took place on Thursday evening, July 8, in the lodgeroom, New Zealand Insurance Buildings. Brother H. Keesing, jun., D.D.G.M., assisted by the following Grand Lodge officers :—Brother P.G. Cambie, G.S. ; Brother P.G. Thwaites, G.S.; Brother P.G. Armiger, G.W.; Brother P.G. Falconer, G.M. Brother P.G. Harvey, G.G., was duly received with Grand Lodge honours. The Installing Master proceeded install V.G. Brother Knight to be N-(i. for the ensuing term ; Brother S. Browning, Conductor as V.G.; Brother Joseph Morey, as Permanent Secretary; Brother L. H. Neumegen, as Treasurer; Brother E. R. Figgott, as R.S. After the ode, "Come, let us swell the joyful note," had been sung, and the newly-elected officers had received the congratulations of the members, the following appointments were made :— Brother D. Urquhart, R.S. to N.G.; Brother P. G. Armiger, L.S. to N.G. ; Brother Wheeler, Warden ; Brother S. Gilbert, Conductor ; Brother Keesing, D.D.G.M.; Chaplain, Brother Cobley, J.P.G.; Brother Bull, R.S. to V.G.; Brother P. G. Cambie, L.S. to V.G.; Brother Gamier, J.G.; Brother Piggott, organist; Brother Dr. Tennent, medical officer ; Brother S. Gilbert, chemist, The Installing Master delivered, in a very impressive manner, the charges and duties to the newly-elected officers, and dwelt upon the progress the Star of Auckland Lodge had made during the last six months, in the face of a very large amount of sick claims voted. The sick fund showed a considerable increase, as well as the management lund, and he congratulated the members upon the substantial balance to the credit of the sick fund, and referred to the pleasing fact that the lodge had been able out of its benevolent fund to extend that practical sympathy characteristic of this order. He could not fail to express his extreme pleasure that the lodge was so fortunate in having at its disposal the services of Bros. P.G. Allen, P. G. Allan, and S. H. Matthews to audit the accounts, by whose report it was pleasing to note the efficient manner in which the secretary had performed his duties. The D.D.G.M. then conoludedhis remarks, wishing the lodge and order continued prosperity.