MASONIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9155, 10 September 1888, Page 10

MASONIC.

The regular half-yearly communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark-master Masons, EC., was held at the Masonic Hall, Karangahape Road, on the 7th August, the R.W.P.G.M., Brother Dr. F. W. K. Dawson, presiding. The under - mentioned officers were present—namely : Brothers Rev. C. M. Nelson, D.P.G.M. ; J. Carlaw, P.G.S.W. ; A. Brock, P.G.J.W :J. P. Clark, P.G.M.O. ; William Lodder, P.G.S.O ; T. W. Kitt, P.G. Secretary; T. Walker, P.G.S.D. ; A. Sutherland, P.G.J.I). ; S. M. Herapath. P.(J. Organist; A. Hedley, P.G.T.G. ; and H. F. Windsor, P.G. Steward. There was also a good attendance of Mark brethren. The Provincial Grand Lodge having been received with the customary honours by the Newton Lodge, No. 280 E.G., the officers took their respective places, and the Lodge was duly opened. After the usual preliminary business, and the roll of lodges had been called, Brother J. P. Clark, P.G.M.0., brought forward a motion relative to meeting quarterly instead of half-yearly, of which lie had previously given notice, and after some discussion it was decided that the Provincial Grand Lodge sliall in future meet quarterly, on the first Tuesday in the months of May and November, and the second Tuesday in the mo.nths of February and August, alternately at Freemasons' Hall and Newton. The R. W.P.G. M. stated that lie had a very gratifying announcement to make to the brethren present, in that the M.W. Grand Master, H. R.H. the Prince of Wales, had been pleased to confer upon Brother James Carlaw, P.M., Union Lodge, No. 154, P.G.S.W., the past rank of Grand Sword Bearer, and upon Brother T. W. Kitt, P.M., Newton Lodge, No. 280, P.G. Sec., the past rank of Grand Standard Bearer, in commemoration of Her Majesty's Jubilee. These appointments were to he looked upon as a great compliment both to the Provincial Grand Lodge ami the respective subordinate lodges to which the two brethren belonged, and, for the encourage inent of others, it must be understood tha in conferring such honours, social position was not so much taken into consideration as actual merit and past services to the craft. The patents of appointment, bearing the autograph of the M.W.G.M., were expected by an early mail.

Brother James Car law, P.M. Lodge Eden, and an officer of the D.G. Grand Lodge, E.G., has had conferred on him, in commemoration of the Jubilee of Her Majesty, the past rank of Grand Sword--bearer in the Grand Lodge of England, and receired the circular containing the information by the last mad. Brother Kitt, P.M., of the same lodge, has also received a similar circular informing him of his appointment as Past Grand Standard Bearer. The regular monthly meeting of the Lodge United Service, held on August '2!) at the Freemasons' Hall, Princes-street, was of more than usual interest, the occasion being the installation of officers for the ensuing year. There was a large attendance of lodge members and visiting brethren. The lodge was opened by the retiring W.M., Brother T. Traflbrd, after which the installation ceremony took place. Brother T. \V. Allen, P.M., officiated as Installing Master, and conducted the ceremony with great impressiveness, installing the following officers : — Brother W. Craig, W.M. ; Brother J. G. Christie, S.W.; Brother J. 11. Leaning, J.W.; Brother A. Brock, P.M., Treasurer; Brother T. W. Allen, Secretary; Brother H. Ellison, S.D.; Brother J. Barley, J.D. ; Brother M. Keesing, 1.G.; Brother F. Reed, Organist, and Brother Captain Tonge, Tyler. Mr. J. A. Jickell, who for many years has been a prominent member of the Eden Lodge, E.C., and of the Union Mark Masters Lodge, was present at the installation of officers at the United Service lodge on the '2!) th of August. It became known that Brother Jickell was about to leave Auckland for Australia on August 30, and reference was made to the fact, and sincere wishes were expressed for his future success, as well as regret at losing such a useful member of the craft. Brother Jickell also received a letter from the Union Mark Masters Lodge enclosing the following resolution: —"That the thanks of this lodge be accorded to Brother J. A. Jickell for his attendance and valuable assistance given at meetings of the same, and they trust that lie will be prosperous in his new sphere of labour, and that a copy of the resolution bo forwarded to Brother Jickell."

The quarterly communication of the District Grand Lodge, E.C., was held on September 4 at Freemasons' Hall, Princesstreet. The .R. W.D.G.M. (Brother G. S. Graham) was present and presided, and there was a large attendance of officers, brethren, and visitors. The routine business was unimportant and easily disposed of. The D.D.G.M. (Brother Lodder) made reference to the death of Brother W. R. Waddel, referring to his services as an officer of v,he Grand Lodge, and to the fact that he had died while holding office. The D.G.M. also bore testimony to the many estimable good qualities of the late brother, and it was resolved, "That the D.G. Secretary be instructed to write a letter of condolence to the widow of the late Brother Waddel." Another feature followed. The executors of the late Brother E. T. Wildman, of the Thames, bj* the express wish of the deceased brother, returned to the D. Grand Lodge, the address and suite of regalia which had been presented to the deceased brother on the occasion cf his appointment to and resignation of the position of D.D.G.M.