MASONIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9015, 30 March 1888, Page 6

MASONIC.

The regular communication of Lodge Wairoa, 709, S.C., was held in the Masonic Hall on Wednesday evening. Notwithstanding the inclement weather, there was a good attendance, caused 116 doubt by the great interest centred in a presentation of a P.M.'s jewel, which was made to Brother Dr. Leger Erson, the first R. W.M. of the Lodge. . Brother D. M. McLennan, R.W.M., opened the lodge in an impressive manned, and after the usual routine business had been transacted, called upon Brother P. M. La wry, D.M. of the lodge, to make the presentation. In doing so, Brother Lawry briefly reviewed the history of the lodge, and in complimentary terms traced Brother Erson's connection with the lodge as one of its foundors, and pointed to the beautiful lodge-room as being largely the result of Brother Erson's munificence. The jewel presented was of a most chaste design, and was deftly carved with all the Masonic emblems, and bore the following inscription ; —"Presented to Brother Dr. Leger Erson, 1.P.M., by tho brethren of Lodge Wairoa, 709, S.C." Brother Erson in feeling terms thanked the brethren for their beautiful presentation, which was prized on account of its intrinsic: value, but also estimating it as the graceful gift of the lodge, its worth became a thousand times greater, and he hoped to hand it down to his family as an heirloom of inestimable value. At the conclusion of a fervent speech, he urged the brethren to increased effort in the interest of the lodge, and predicted that when the present depression had passed away, and when prosperity would shine upon them, their happiest moments would be in looking back upon difficulties which they had surmounted, by their union, harmony, and diligence. Brother W. C. Walker, R.W.M., lodge Manukau S.C., complimented Brother Erson on being the recipient of such a beautiful and meritorious presentation, and '• generally endorsed the remarks of Brother Erson, re the Masonic prosperity which would come if the harmony which has distinguished the past only characterises the future. He could not better express his pleasure at being present than by promising to be a frequent visitor among them in the future. Brother .fames Walker, P.M., who has just retired from tho chair of the lodge, was highly complimented during the evening, on his successful year of office, and heartily thanked for the valuable services he had rendered. After the lodge was closed, an hour was spent in conviviality ; and when the brethren dispersed for their respective homes, there was a consensus of opinion that the proceedings could be stamped as a "red letter day " in the annals of Masonry at Wairoa.