THE NEW MASONIC HALL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 58, 28 June 1876, Page 2

THE NEW MASONIC HALL.

In our issue of yesterdaj r Ave gave as lengthy a report as time would permit of the ceremony in connection with the laying of the foundation stone of this hall. Tiie day's proceedings, which had been most successful all through, were closed with a BANQUET in ihe evening, at what we must now term the Old Masonic Hall. There were about 170 guests present, the fairer sex representing half of that number. The tables were arranged in four rows, with a table across the "end of the two centres ones. The banquet was served up in excellent .style by Messrs. Cockbum and Davidson, and reflected the greatest credit on these gentlemen as caterers. The viands were of the best description, and if one may judge from the scraps which were left, those present must have fully appreciated the go-.d things provided. The chair was occupied by Acting District Grand Master Brother Greenfield (W.M. <>f Lodge Waitaki), supported oil the t-i jit by Acting Deputy District Grand Master Brother W. Bee (W.M. of Lodge Kilwinning. No. T>'37, E.G.), and on the left by Jlvother the Rev. P. P. Agnew, Provincial Grand Chaplain of New South Wales : the Vice-Chairmen, six in number, were P.M. Brother James Bee, P.M. Brother J. Matheson, P.M. Brother J. Wansbroiigh ; S.W. Brother Dandy ; S.W. (Kilwinning Lodge) Brother L. Morton and P.M. Brother H. Aitken. The cloth being cleared, the Chairmax prop.ised the first toast, which was, '-'The Queen and Craft." He observed that this was always the first toast drank by all lnval Masons.

Tiie Prince of Wales and Royal Family " was next given, and drank. Song—Brother Fan*—"The Bashful Young Mau. v "The Army, Navy, and Volunteers," was proposed by one of the ice-Chair-men, P.M. Brother James Bee, who observed that he need scarcely allude to the distinguished services of the Army and Navy. If one- might judge from recent advices from Home, he thought it very likelv that the services of the Volunteers would soon be required, and if so, they would be found ready and willing. coupled the toast with the names of Major Steward, Adjutant M'Kenzie, and Captain Morton. y,,ng Mrs. C. Galbraith Gently. Sweet Afton." Major Steward x-eplied on behalf of himself and his brother officers. He could

say this of the Volunteers, that if their sex-vices were ever required, tliey would be found to do their duty like men, like Volunteers, and like soldiers. He did not think that the little cloud in the east, alluded to by the proposer of the toast, •would call the Volunteers out just yet. He -was glad to notice that all his officers were also officers in the lodges represented that evening. It reminded him of •what he used to read in a Scriptural book, that years gone by the Mason used to work with the trowel in one hand and his weapon in the other, P. M. Brother Matheson proposed the District and Provincial Grand Lodges. He said it was a Masonic toast, but he would, on the present occasion, dispense with the usual formalities, and merely propose " The District and Provincial Grand Lodges under the English, Scotch, and Irish constitutions, coupled with the name of P. M. Brother Christie."

Song—Brother Procter—" The Jolly Miller?"

Brother Christie, in replying to the toast coupled with his name, stated that he had much pleasure in replying 011 behalf of the tliree Grand Lodges. As there were to be no Masonic toasts that evening, and as he had only been requested to respond at the last minute, he did not feel equal to the task, so lie would content himself by returning thanks on behalf of the tlu-ee Grand Lodges. P. M. Brother Wansborough then proposed, "Success to the Object for which the Building is Erected." The speaker entered at some length into the necessity which existed for the two Lodges to have a hall of their own. The present hall was most unsuitable for the purposes of the Craft, and more particularly for holding lodges of instruction for young masons. He instanced as an example of the benefits of Masonry that in England* it clothed and educated 3,000 orphan children. It was only a few days ago that the Lodge had given £lO to the Waiareka Relief Fund. He asked them to drink the toast he had to propose. Song Mrs. W. M'lntosh, " The Dearest Spot 011 Earth to Me." P.M. Brother Tertius Hay M'Kenzie said that he was one of the first who had taken steps to initiate the proceedings of that day. It was some two years ago that they decided to build a hall for themselves, as the present one was quite unsuitable for the purpose of the Craft, and especially for lodges of instruction for young Masons. They therefore called a meeting, and resolved to build. The brethren responded very heartily to the call made upon them, and took up the shares of £5 or £lO each. He could hardly call them shares ; they were gifts, for it was understood that none of the persons who took shares expected to get their money refunded, though they could when the lodges were able to do so. Any how, if they did not get their money back, it would be credited to them in another place (laughter). The speaker then entered into some particulars regarding the cost of the ground and building of the lodge, and concluded by expressing a hope that in a short time they would be able to sit rent free, and have nothing to pay but rates to the Borough Council. P. M. Brother H. Aiticenproposed "The Healths of the W. M.'s of the two Lodges, Brothers Bell and Greenfield."' He assured those present, who were not Masons, the Worshipful Masters were ornaments to the Lodges. As they would not drink the toast with Masonic honours, he would call upon them to chink it with musical honours.

Song—Brothel- E. G. Lane —" Chinese Chorus."

W. M. Brother Greenfield, as Master of the Waitaki Lodge, sa : cl he was quite taken by storm at the enthusiastic way in which the toast had been received. He should always be glad to advance the interests of Masonry. R.W.M. Bro. Bee, of the Kilwinning Lodge, also returned thanks. He also wished to return thanks to the Rev. P. P. Agnew on behalf of the Kilwinning Lodge for the services he had rendered them that day. He expressed his belief that the address he had listened to by Bro. Agnew that day was the best he had ever heard. He hoped they would see more of the Rev. Brother during his stay here. Song—Bro. Hollingshed, "Dinna ye hear it ?"

P. W.M. Bro. Jas. Bee proposed "The Visiting Brethren." He would not occupy their time, but would merely express a hope that if they carried out the precepts laid down by the gentleman whose health they were going to drink they would not go far wrong. He referred to Bro. P. P. Agnew. (Applause.) Song —Mrs. W. Bee, " Old Black Joe."

Brother tlie Rev. P. P. Agnew said that to him it was a considerable trial to make a speech, for when he came to a banquet, and knew he had to speak, it always took his appetite away. The reverend gentleman then narrated several Very amusing anecdotes in connectien with his travels in Victoria, but our space will not permit us to give them. The speaker expressed his pleasure at seeing so manladies present, for he had always advoy cated the presence of ladies at festivities of the Masons. During all his travels he had never made himself known at any Lodge, unless he had been specially invited. He had received the greatest kindnesses from the Brethren, and it would afford him great pleasure to deliver a lecture under the patronage of the Lodges in the interests of Masonry. Song—Brother Greenfield — " Jennie, who Lives in the Dell." W. S. Brother E. G. Lane proposed, " The Director of Ceremonies," in a most facetious speech. Song—Miss Procter, "Happy be Thy Dreams." Brother Crawford thanked them for the wa3 7 the toast of his health had been received, and expressed his intention of

not making a' long speech, as the ladies were waiting to have a dance. Brother Procter proposed,' 'The Ladies." He was always under the impression the toast of the ladies was proposed by the oldest bachelor in the room, and responded to by the .youngest. He was very pleased to see the ladies present on that occasion, and, for his part, he hoped there would be a banquet every six months (laughter). He coupled the toast with the name of Brother Henderson. The toast was drunk with musical honours.

S OII g—Brother Hook, "Constance." Brother Henderson replied in suitable terms for the fair sex.

W.N. Brother Greenfield stated that he wished to rectify an omission in not expressing his thanks to the District Grand Master, John Hyde Hams, for having conferred upon him a greed honor in granting a dispensation to lay the stone and act as his deputy. "The Press" was proposed by Bro. Locke, and responded to by representatives of the Mail and " Times."

W.M. Bro. Greenfield proposed the healths of the caterers, Messrs. Cockbum and Davidson, and thought that all would acknowledge they had served up the banquet in capital style. P. W.M. Bro. Jas. Bee called upon Bro. Evans to propose the toast, " Friendly. Societies," which had been inadvertently omitted.

P.M. Pro. Evans, M.U.1.0.0.F., duly proposed the toast, and stated as those present were anxious to commence the more enjoyable portion of the evening's programme, he would not enlarge upon the benefits of Friendly Societies, but merely call upon Bro. Brownlee to respond. Bro. Brownlee, 1.0. G.T., suitably replied. The banquet closed with the singing of the National Anthem.

The hall was cleared as if by magic in a very short time, and dancing commenced, and was kept up till an early hour this morning.