MASONIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8582, 2 June 1891, Page 6

MASONIC.

LODGE ARA, 343, LC.

'The annual mooting of Lodge Ara, the oldest established lodge of Freemasons in New Zealand, was held last night, at Freemasons' Hall, Brother C. C. McMillan presiding. There was an attendance of fifteen members and thirty-five visitors.- Before proceeding with the ordinary and special business of the installation, Brother McMillan, from the chair, took the opportunity to refer to the death of Brother G. P. Pierce, ou6 of the oldest members of Lodge Ara. He referred to his good qualities as ft Mason and as a citizen. Dr. Kidd, chaplain, then proposed " That this lodge of free and accepted Masons, Lodge Ara,'34S, LC, on tho roll of the Grrind Lodge of Ireland, desires to record in a very special manner , " its deep sense of tho great loss which tho Masonic craft in New Zealand, and more particularly this lodge, in which our brother first bocame a Freemason and over which he prosided aa W.M., lias sustained in .tho death of the R.W. G. P. Pierce, P.G.M., LC. This lodge in common with all other lodges of New Zealand, and in unison with the feelings of the community in general, cherishes a grateful appreciation of the high character and qualifications of our departed brother, of his lovable disposition, and of his signal services. The lodge rleeiros that a copy of tho foregoing resolution, with an expression of deop sympathy and condolence, bo respectfully communicated to tho widow and family of our departed brother." The motion was carried utmiiimoitely in solemn silence. The business of tho meeting then proceedorl. Brother C. C McMillan, retiring W.M., officiated as installing officer, and' 1 ho was assisted in tho different departments by Brothers P.M. Rees, Walker, Wright., Anderson, Heropat.h, and Hunna. The installation was conducted with musical ac companimonts, and the following officers wore installer! and invested :—W.M., \V. P. Moab; S.W., A. Han tin; J.W., F. J. Whittaker ; Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Kidd ; S.D., C. Houghton ; Organist, J. R. Haiina; Seorotury, W. J. Roes; Ti'eoHuror, J. Savatrc; 1.G., W. Blomneld*, Tyler, Captain Tongo; Stewards, Brothers P.M. Weston and McCulloiigh. The usual congratulations were accorded and acknowledged,'after which the meeting waa concluded and tho brethren adjourned to the lower .hall, whore soijo light refreshments were laid.