MASONIC CEREMONY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1188, 5 September 1874, Page 10

MASONIC CEREMONY.

The instalhticm of Brr>. John Hislop as It-ght Worshipful I'rmineial Grand Master of JN T ew Zealand, mkl officers of tho V. (i. L'»dye, S.U, v, hiohtuok place on Wednesday in the Masonic Hall, may indeo 1 be considered a "red letter day" in tho annals of Scottish Fret in is' inry in Dunedui. Never perhaps has the elect ion of any brother to such an impottant office given greater satisfaction to the brethren, generally; nor do we think, dining the puuod in which the "mystic rite" has been practised upon Otago's shores, has there been a larger gathering of tlie brotherhood hailing

under the various Constitutions, than were present upon the occasion of which we write. Among the distinguished visitors present, we observed the Worshipful Grand Master Bro. J. Hyde Harris, and officers of the D. G. Lodge ; the W. M. Bro. George Wilson, and officers of the Port Chalmers Marine Lodge; tbe R.W. M. Bro. Henry Aitkeu, Oamaru Kil winning, S.C. ; the B, W. Master Bro. Dunran M'Kellar, Cromwell Kilwinriing, SC, and representatives of the various Lodges in Dunedin holding under the Grand Lodge of England. There were also present brethren whose regalia pointed them out as having been "rnleism tl>e Craft;" Masons who wure uuon their breasts jewels which denoted the highand honourable distinctions to which they hid attuned — Mark, Excellent, and Royal Arch, KnightTemplar and Knight Commander — all were there, to witness and do honour to the worthy brethren whom they have chosen to preside over tho destinies of the craft. The ecreniony of installation and investiture of officers, which is 'in itself most impressive, was reridei ed doubly so by the very able and intelligent manner in which it was conducted by the P. P.G M Bro. Vincent Pyke, assisted by the Director of Ceremonies, Bro. Jules Lanseigne. The banquet which followed may be looked upon as a " master-piece of the caterer's art," the substantial and wines provided being of excellent quality. The Chair was taken by the newly-installed P. G. Master, supported on the right hv the T) P.G.M. aud on the left by the R. W.M. of the Ocago Kilwinning Lodge, the vice-char being occupied by P.G. S.W. Bro. G. F. llcid.

The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been proposed and acknowledged, the toast of the evening, "The P.G. Master of New Zealand," was proposed in a few and appropriate remarks by the P.M. Bro Robert Stout, and suitably responded to by the P.G.M.

The fallowing are the officers of the P. Grand Lodge appointed by t.e P. Grand Yl>.ter: Brother George F. Reid, PG S.W ; Brother Walter J. Burton, P.G J.W. ; Brother Alexander Livingston, P.G. Treasurer; Brother Spencer G. H. Smith, P.G. Secretary; Brother John B. Park, P.G. Chnjilain.

The following officers were alao invested : Brother Franz Beissel, P.ft.S.D.; Brother Henry M'Donnell, P.G-.J.D ; Brother -Mfrv-il H. Burton, PG. Director; Brother Nalhaniei Y. Wales, PG. Architect; Brother Wilhrim Bremer, P.G.S. of Stewards ; Brother John M. Brown, P.G. Hirector of Ceremonies ; Brother James B'.iek, P.G. Marshal; Brother James G. M'Leod, P G. Director of Music ; Brother Thomas Moodif, P.G. Swor-1-Bearer ; Brot'ier George Smith, P.G. Tyler; Brother 'William Patrick, P.G. Steward.