GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8424, 27 November 1890, Page 5

GRAND LODGE OF NEW ZEALAND.

Tin-: ball to celebrate the first meeting of the (J rand Lodge of New Zealand in Auckland, and to welcome Brother 11. Thomson and his officers to Auckland, was held last night at the Choral H;yll, and.it was in all respects an unqualified success. The interior of the hall was simply metamorphosed by the decoration committee, who, under the direction of Mr. Craig, supplemented by the floral knowledge of Mr. Allen, converted the old fabric into a hall of beauty. The orchestra stalls were the main features of attraction, viewed from any position. The stage was set out as a forestry, with full blooms of nikau, palms, cabbage, and other plants. Floral arches were strung across the ceiling, forming a covering for the fountain which was in full play on the stage. The goldfish in the basin, lent for the occasion by Mr. Williams, also gave an attractive character to the general display. The arch over the stage was a feature. There was a floral design, with the motto, " Welcome Grand Lodge of New Zealand/' the whole surroundings being of Masonic device, and set out with .Masonic emblems appropriately displayed. Then, again, the other decorations of the hall were suitably dealt with. The bare appearance of the ceiling was obviated by the spreading of green, yellow, red and blue strips along the roof, and the etlect. was very good. Then another feature was that the names of all lodges associated with the Grand Lodge of New Zealand were inscribed in scroll work on the walls of the hall, and attractively set out. Over the door of tin? supper room was a grand floral emblem of the square and compass, immediately surmounting the word" Welcome." This beautiful contribution was from Mrs. and Miss Hughes, of Ponsonby. The flags which surrounded the hall were supplied by Messrs. Ross and Ansenne. The front of the gallery was rendered most attractive by the display of the NewfZealand flag, surrounded by New Zealand foliage. Altogether, the hall appeared at its best, and when, as shortly occurred, the members of the craft, clothed in their regalia, appeared, leading in the elegantly-dressed ladies who accompanied them, the scene was amongst the brightest that has glittered in the Choral Hall for many a ljng day. Brother G. H. Powley, Dr. Walker, and J. F. Logan otliciated as masters of ceremony, Brother Boskill as secretary, and Brothers ' Tewsley. Jones, Smart, Ross, \V. li. Goudie, and Gutliie as stewards.

There was a full attendance of the Grand Lodge officers, and to the tune of the Royal Castle quadrille—the old-fashioned first set —the couples set off to the merry dance. Brother 11. Thompson, M.H.R., led off with Miss Russell as his partner. Brother M. Niccol had for his partner Miss Niceol. Brother Gillon and Miss C'leal were mated, while the Grand Pursuivant, Brother Kidd, and Mrs. Scott, and the Deputy Grand Sword-bearer and Mrs. Ureal, tilled up the central positions on the floor. The surroundings were so good that all enjoyed themselves, and the magnificent spread, laid out in the ante-room by Mr. T. McEwen, did credit to the brethren as well p.s to himself. No one enjoyed himself more than the Grand Master. He was up in almost every dance, and was as thoroughly sociablc as a man could be.