LORD PLUNKET'S FAREWELL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2934, 8 June 1910, Page 16

LORD PLUNKET'S FAREWELL.

MASONIC PRESENTATION. WELLINGTON,. June 1. The presentation by the Freemasons to Lord Plunket, which was postponed on account of the King's death, was made this afternoon at the'office of the Grand Secretary in the presence, of a number of leading Masons. The Grand Master, Mr Griffiths, of Blenheim, spoke briefly of the gratitude felt by Masons for the constant anxiety and zeal his Excellency had shown for their welfare, and hoped he would live long to shine as an illustrious ornament of the fraternity. The service of plate consists of a centre piece and two side dishes. The centre piece is an epergne consisting of a large jardiniere, engraved with the. arm 6 of his Excellency on the obverse side. The following inscription is on the reverse: " Presented by the Freemasons of New Zealand to his Excellency Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G., K.C.V.0., Most Worshipful Grand Master, 1906 to 1910, in recognition of his eminent services to the fraternity. Wellington, 12th May, 1910." There were two other presentations. Bro. Williams, on behalf of the Grand Lodge, presented his Excellency with a suit of regalia for use in visiting lodges in the Old Country, and on behalf of the Marlborough and Nelson brethren, Bro. Malcolm Niccol made a presentation of a greenstone paper-weight. In response Lord Plunket said he was glad to acknowledge the kind words which had been spoken. He never felt his powers of expressing thanks so inadequate as on the present occasion. He had been chosen Grand Master and reelected on three occasions. They had shown in this way the confidence reposed in him. Now, when he himself might be expected to show some token of his appreciation of his brethren, they further added to the debt of gratitude which he felt towards them by the presentation of the magnificent mementoes he saw before him. He would consider it an heirloom of his family in memory of the regard shown him by the Freemasons of New Zealand. His Excellency concluded with a reference •to the benefits of the craft in the matters of morality, good-fellowship, and charity.