MASONIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10046, 5 February 1896, Page 5

MASONIC.

The annual installation of officers of Lodgo Rodney, 1711 E.G., took place in the Masonic Hall, Warkworth, on tho 80th nit., at seven p.m. Brother E. G. Clements, P.M., S.G.D., with his accustomed skill and without other aid from the Grand Lodge, which was noticeable, discharging tho duties of Installing Master. The undernamed are tho officers for the ensuing year'.—Brother S. F. Boler, P.M., W.M.; Brother G. M. King, P.M., S.W.; Brother W. C. Vipond, P.M., J.W.; Brother G. F. Such, 1.P.M.; Brother S. Connolly, P.M. Treasurer; Brother E. G. Clements, P.M. Secretary; Brother J. Mclvinnon, S.D. ; Brother W. Southgate, P.M., J.D.; Brother W. H. Hamilton, 1.G.; Tyler deferred. After the ceremony the brethren spent a pleasanb half-hour together, they having previously decided that the usual Masonic ball should nob eventuate till the weather was somewhat cooler.— [Tauhoa Correspondent.] Captain Thomas Fernandez again addresses us 011 the subject of the faulty system Which prevails in New Zealand of making inquiries into wrecks. Ho says:-"In my last 1 pointed out that under the system which prevails in this colony 110 two decisions aro alike, although the circumstances Under review may be identical. In the Australian colonies nautical cases are tried by a Marine Board, generally composed of retired shipmasters, and although these gentlemen perhaps are apt to become somewhat fossilised, still their nautical training eminently fits them for the position of judges in these cases. It is monstrous that a couple of shopkeepers who happen to be in the commission of the peace, or one stipendiary magistrate, should have the power to suspend or cancel an officer's certificate, for the assessors need not be taken into account, as generally these gentlemen are so complacent as to acquiesce In any decision proposed by the bench. I earnestly appeal to all those interested to endeavour to got the present law which governs these inquiries repealed, for those who are afloat know not how soon it/hav be their misfortune to come under its jurisdiction." Captain Fernandez theh proceeds to cite several instances in whioh absurdly contrary divisions were given. . Rushbrook and Co. intimate that their premises close at one 0 clock tcday (Wednesday) for the half-holiday.