MASONIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8878, 14 May 1892, Page 3

MASONIC.

OPENING OF LODGE MANGONUI, No. 78, N.Z.C. On* Monday evening, 9th inst., the Grand Master of New Zealand, Brother M. Niccol, left by the s.s. Clansman for the purpose of consecrating a new lodge, at Mangonui, and the following brethren accompanied him: —G. H. Powley, Past Senior Grand harden; Rev. Wm. Ronaldson, Grand Secretary; A. H. Jones, VV.M. of Lodge Ponsonby, No. 54; James Walker, P.M., Wo. 55 ; Brother Hookey, of Lodge Ara, No. 1; Brother Langley, of Lodge St. Andrew, No. 8; Brother E. W. Jones, of Melbourne. After a delightful trip, enlivened and made most enjoyable by Brother Captain Farquhar's running commentaries on the various points of interest by the way, the party arrived at Mangonui on Tuesday evening at six, having increased their number by the addition of visitors from Whangaroa and elsewhere in the neighbourhood. The Grand Lodge was opened at half-past seven p.m., by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, the other chairs being tilled by Brother Powley, as Senior Grand Warden, Brother Walker as Junior Grand Warden, Brother Ronaldson as Chaplain, Brother A. 11. Jones as Director of Ceremonies, and Brother Wallace, W.M. of Hokianga Lodge, as Pursuivant ; Brothers Smith and Langley, of St. Andrew's acting as stewards. The beautiful ceremony of consecration was then performed, Brot her Hookey acting as organist, and the musical portion of the ceremony being rendered with his wellknown ability. Brother Niccol, Grand Master, delivered a very interesting and impressive address on the naturo and objects of Freemasonry. The new lodge having been duly constituted and dedicated, the following officers were installed : —Brothers A. I). Clemett, Worshipful Master; R. H. Matthews, Senior Warden ; F. H. S. Matthews, Junior Warden ; J. M. Tynard, Senior Dt-;)':on ; A. Johnson, Junior Deacon ; J. Taw, Inner Guard. The Grand Master performed the ceremony, assisted by Past Masters Powley, Jones, and Wallace. A pleasing feature of the proceedings was the presence of the Master, officers, and several members of the Hokianga Lodge, who had ridden over fifty miles through the bush to attend, indicating the warmest interest in the welfare of their youngest sister. There were also present representatives of Lodge Zeahindia, E.C., Lodge St. Andrew, S.C., and Nos. 1, 41, 7. 8, 15, 24, 45, 54, 55, and 08, IS Z.C., and 91, Victoria. Three candidates were initiated and passed, and several names were submitted for ballot at next meeting. The lodge room is a comfortably- fitted and suitable building, and he furniture and appointments very complete, thanks to the exertions of the various members, especially Brother P. Murray, P.M., who has been indefatigable. The lodge is also indebted to the following brethren for gifts of various articles, namely :— Brothers M. Niccol, Grand Master; James Walker, P.M.; W. H. hooper, P.M. ; N. McCulskey, I). H. Ross, A. Harvey, Smith (of s.s. Clansman), and others. The lodge was closed at half - past eleven p.m. ; and all adjourned to Littleproud's Hotel, where an excellent supper had been provided, and the pheasants and oilier delicacies were made to fly without feathers. The following toast list was gone through:—"Queen and Craft, "Grand Master of Now Zealand ;" Sister Constitutions of England, Ireland, and Scotland " Worshipful Master of Lodge Mangonui," " Visiting Brethren," " Past Master and Officers of Lodge Mangonui," " Host," Tyler's toast. Songs and recitations were given by Brothers Hookey, Hansen, Maxwell, Houston, Wyles, and others. The whole proceedings were most hearty and enjoyable, and the prospects of the new lodge are excellent. The weather favoured the visitors throughout the trip, and all returned to Auckland on Friday morning delighted with their outing, and full of praises of the good ship Clansman and her genial captain.