THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1604, 20 February 1867, Page 4

THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT.

PRESENTATION OF ADDKE3S FUOII THE FREEMASONS.

Yt-Bterday at noon, the members of the various Masonic lodges assembled at the Provincial Council Chambers, for the purpose of presenting an address to Hi* Excellency the Governor.

There were about one hundred and fifty of the members present, who wore the Masonic insignia and jewel**. Tfie English Constitution was rcprcstnteJ by Bro. John Hyde Harris, R.W.P.G.M. and the following officers of the various Lodges were present:—Bro. Alexander Carrick, W.D.P.G.M, Brother George Smith. W.P. S.G.W., Brother E. Nathan, W.P.P.S.G.W., Brother John Daniel., F.W.J.G.W., Bro. A. C. Rees, W S.G.D., lira. Joseph Harding, acting J.G.D, lira. M. S. F.sh, W.P.G.S., Bro. J. Millar, P.G. Superintendent of Work", Bro. Julius Ilynian, W.P.G. Director of Ceremonies. The Saottisa Constitution was represented by Bro. Vincent Pyke, R.W.P.G.M.; and among thoss a^embled1 were the following officers:—Bro. James Mills, R W.S.P.G.M., Bro. M. W. Hawkins, P.G. Cierk, Br». J. MTiindrcss, P.G. Steward, Bro. R. R*:ntcra, P.G.S.D., Bro, G. Dernier, P.G.J.D.

Bro. Clurks White, D.G. Registrar of the lisjh Constitution, represented that portion of the Order, and was supported by the following officers and brethren of the Shamrock Lodce:—Bro. T. S. Graham, Uro. T. M. Wilkinson, Bro. W. O. Ball, and Bro. \WJ. Hermint*harn. Bro. Julius Hyman, the Grand Provincial Director of Ceremonies, placed the brethren in position to receive Hia Excellency; and oa his acrlval he wa3 met by the Director, Deacons, and Stewards), who attended him to the dais placed at the further end of the room; ' As His Excellency passed tip, the brethren were ranged in line on each side, with; raired vraudi; and the National Anthem was played by Bro. West, Provincial Grand Organist. : - The Director of -Ceremonies then introduced the representatives of each Constitution,' with the officers of the various lodges. . Bro. J. H. Harris, U.W.P.G.M., presented the following address:— ?

To His, Excellency Sir George Grey,* KC.B., ' Governor &nd Commauder-in-Cftlef In r.nd ovtx the Island of New Zealand, and Vice-Admlralot the wurie. 3 May it plesta yoat Eacellency—We, the

undersfgned, representing the cistcr Constitution 6f England, Scotland, wkl Ireland, and on b.half nf the free and ncctptcd Miuons of Otago, holding under the aforesaid Conetitutiooe, deeire to approach your ExtS-Jltnuv with i»*sQrances of tho coniifiUHtica of that attachment to the Pcr-on of Her m >st Grac'ous Majesty our Queen, nnd of loyalty to the Throne, which h«8 ever characterised our ancient and illustrious ordtr.

We hail the arrival of your Excellency in tho Province ofOtngo with the more pleasure that it affords us an opportunity of demonstrating to your Excellency that Freemasonry hue grown with its growth, and strengthened with its strength, nnd that the great and unalterable p:incip!e3 of the Craft, aa iccogniscd and estabiihcd lor centuries in our Mother Country, arc firmly maintuiued in this far distant Colooy.

We pray that the Almighty Architect of the Universe may co tmue to b; stow upon your Kx«-l!tncy tho bh-ss-ings of wi^lnm, of health anil prosperity, and that our beloved Queen (iK-rsdf a Mason's dnusrht- r) may lon« live to rtiiiu over the rtulm of Britain, ami in the lvar;» of h< r faithful and devoted subject", the Brethren of the Mystic Tie.

And may h.-otherly love con'inuc,

Subrcritci for, and on behalf of. th? brethren n£ the Relish, Sotoh, and Irish CmHtiituions of tin; I'rvo and A< vei-pted Mn«nrs iv Gtigo, on the 19th dvy of February, 18G7. J Hviik llakuis. 1'.0.M.K.C. Visci:st 1 yki;, 1'.0.^.5.0. Ckabujb Whitk. D.t'.G U.I.C. His Excellency replied.

Go itlemen—lc is with tin greatest picture I have heard your assurance* of ycur loyat'.y to the I'hrune, and ot nttunhment to tin1 Pcraon of our Most G*aci'JU4 Qif<n ; as nlno your statement that teatimtnts of d.-t'p loyally have ('ver chirsctcriscd your Ancii-nt Order.

I thank you tnott sincerely for tho wishes you have '.xorcs^d for my health and prosperity. Inm glad to learn that yo:ir Sockty is in a prosperous state,ns 1 knr>j<r that your prospeilty will he the means of securing ejinpathy and relief for the widow, the orphan, and the destitute; and I wish you a long career of success in the promotion of those worki of Charily and Lovi% which I attf sure will receive your constant car.1.

At the conclusion o! the reading of the Reply, His Excellency wns saluted with Masonic honorp, and >ia* then conducted to his carriage by the representatives of the various Constitutions, with the Director of Ccrcmoriic--), Deacons, mil Stewards.

When His Excellency had retired, Bio. J. 11. Harris thanked those present for their attendance upon so short a summons. The "loving cup" was then partaken of, and the proceedings concluded.

During the ceremony, which was most impressive, Ii o. G We-t played the march from '• Le Prophete,1' and other solos.

The following Brethren acted us stewards:—B. Isaac, J. Swilzer, A. Lazirus, and F. Russell.