MASONIC.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9336, 29 January 1892, Page 2

MASONIC.

FAREWBLL TO BRO. BARRETT.

There was a very large gathering of Free-

masons at the Masonic Hall on Wednesday evening, when officers of District Grand Lodges, 8.C., and S.C., attended the meeting of Lodge St. Patrick to say. farewell to P.M. Bro Barrett. fegn Bro. T. S. Graham, D.G.M., 8.C., took the chair as the senior Past Master of St. Patrick's Lodge, and said that in the absence of Eight Worshipful Bro. Gore he had the pleasure, on behalf of the three constitutions, of presenting Bro. Barrett with an address. But before doing so he desired to express the deep regret they all felt at Bro. Barrett leaving Dunedin, where he had been such a valued citizen and brother Mason. The address was in the following terms: — To Bro. Abraham Barrett, P.D.G.C, S.C.'and P.M., 1.C., . Worshipful Sir and Dear Brother,—We' have heard with regret of your intention to leave Dunedin. Before your departure we desire to place on record our appreciation of the many and valuable services you have rendered our fraternity during the many years you have resided amongst us. We also desire to thank you for your efforts to improve the tone of the craft and its members and we beg to add our warmest wishes for your welfare and happiness. [The address, which has been most tastefully illuminated by Mr W. M. Hodgkins, bears the signatures of the district grand masters of the Enghsn and Scottish Constitutions, of the provincial grand superintendent of Irish constitution and of about 40 past masters and masters.] Bro. Barrett, during Ms long career in Freemasonry, had1 done everything he could to elevate the tone of the craft and of brethren connected with it, and had acted with perfect self-denial in furthering the interests of the fraternity in every way. He had, at expense and loss of time to himself, very materially helped the cause of Freemasonry, and in parting from him they begged to express the sincere hope that they would have the pleasure of seeing his pbasant face among them soon again. Bro. H. Neilt. spoke in complimentary terms of the services rendered to the District Grand Lodge by Bro. Barrett, aud of the unanimity that had always prevailed between him and the other officers. They, had always found Bro. Barrett aiding every cause, and particularly the good cause of charity. The following certificate.was then read :— District Grand Lodge, S.C., N.Z. South.

Dunedin, January 27, 1892. To P.M. Brq. A. Barrett, District Grand Chaplain. Dear Sir and Brother, —At the quarterly communication of the above District Grand Lodge, held at the Masonic Hall, Dunetliu, on the 27tli November IS9I, on your resignation of your position as District Grand Chaplain, it was unanimously resolved as under:—"That the members of this District ■ Grand Lodge desire to place on record the deep regret they feel at having to accept the resignation of P.M. Bro. Barrett as District Grand Chaplain a position he has held for a great number of years and embrace this opportunity of recording their appreciation of the able, zealous, faithful and efficient manner in which he has discharged the duties of his office. That whilst his colleagues in office regret the occasion of parting from Bro. Bafrett, they trustthat the 'Giver of All Good" will endue him with health, prosperity, and happiness in all his future undertakings." It was further resolved—" That the secretary be instructed to prepare a copy of the foregoing resolution, and forward the same to Bro. Barrett. Signed on behalf of the District Grand Lodge, James Gore, D.G.M. Henky Neiix, D.G. Sec. Bro. Graham, again addressing Bro Barrett, asked his acceptance, on behalf of the members of St. Patrick's Lodge, of a past master's apron, and trusted he would long wear it, and that whenever he put it on it would afford him pleasant recollections of his old lodge. The apron bore the following inscription:—"Presented to P.M. Bro. A. Barrett by the members of Lodge St. Patrick, No. 468, I.C. Dunedin January 27, 1892." .

I In replying, Bro. BAnimrr spoke with very considerable feeling, and found it difficult to reply in suitable terms. Ho addressed the brethren ou the benefits and objects of Freemasonry ; referred to the many pleasant associations he had formed in Dunedin ; and said that during his long residence in this city he had benefited both physically and otherwise. In conclusion, he wished prosperity to them all and thanked them heartily for their kindness that night. >

A petition bearing 29 signatures from settlers at Catlm.s to have the ruait opened tlirougli Mr J.rowMs property to block IX, G'lunonmni, has been forwarded to l.h« Land.-, department, Mr brown often, the land required for L1(KI, the money to be expended ou metalling roads, thus virtually making a present of it to the Government