MASONIC FESTIVAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XL, Issue 2919, 31 January 1884, Page 5

MASONIC FESTIVAL.

The visit of the District Grand Lodge of Freemasons, which has been looked forward to with so much eager ness by members of the craft, took place on Thursday, January 17, m St. John's Lodge. The event must be considered as the most noteworthy that has CTer taken place m Freemasonry here. By tho express from Christchurch there arrived over 60 of the leading members oi tho craft, who were received by the Reception Committee and escorted to their hotels. At 3 p.m. precisely St. John's Lodge was opened, and a few minutes after the silver trumpet of Bro. Bogers announced the entranco of the District Grand Lodge, who were received with honors, and conducted to their scats, when D.Q-. Lodge was opened m duo form by D.D.G. Master Bro. H. Thomson and his officers. There was a very largo attendance of Masons from all parts of New Zealand, and the proceedings passed off with great eclat. At 7.30 Urn installation of W.M. and tho officers of St. John's took place. The whole of the ceremonies -were performed by D.D.G.M. Bro Thomson and officers of the D.Gk Lodge m a very imposing and impressive manner, the beautiful teachings of Masonry, the grand and sublime precepts of the craft, which was expounded by Bro Thomson, making a great impression on the members. Tho following is tho list of officers for the ensuing year : — W.M., Bro F. J. Wilson ; Treasurer, Bro 0. S.Fraser ; J.P.M., Bro A. J. Parsons ; Chaplain, Rev. Bro W. Beck j S.W., Bro F. W. Cook ; J.W., Bro B. E. Hibbard; S.D., Bro W. Darby ; J.D., Bro G. C. MDes. At 10 the visitors were entertained at a splendid banquet, held m Maclean and Stewart's large buildings. Covers were laid for 160, and the menu was one of the very best we havo ever scon m the colony. Tho tables groaned under the delicacies placed upon them. Tho chair was taken by Bro Wilson, W.M., having on his right the D.D.G.M. Bro Thomson, Rev. Bro East, and Brtra Hardy and Zieslcr, and on his loft P.M. Bro Hardy, Bros Proctor, J. Jackson, Allwright, Wakefield, and other distinguished inemberti of tho craft.

The second day's proceedings of the abore festival commenced on Friday, Jan. 13, preoisoly at 11 o'olock, when tho Boyal Arch Chapter attached to St. John's was opened by. the Principal* and Oflicora. There was a large attendance of Royal Aroh Masons. Comp. W. M. Sims relieves E.P., A. J. Parsons, as First Principal ; Comp. W. Deßemy was inntailed Second Principal ; and Comp. F. J. Wilson, Third Principal ; Oomp. E. W. Cook, P.S. ; Comp. O. Filmer, S.B. j Oomp. T. 0. Plante, S.N. The ceremonies wore performed by H. Principals, H. Thomson, F. .). Smith, Sundry, Zieslor, Parsone, Lander, and Palliser. At 3 p.m., the Plantagnnet Preceptory of Knights Templar was opened by B. Preceptor, Sir Knt. A. J. Parsons and the Knights of the Order. The Moßt Eminent Grand Provincial Prior of New Zealand, Sir Knt. W. Diomer, M.D. 33, was announced, and passing under the Arch of Steel was esonrted to the Throne, and installed Sir Knt. W. Zio«ler, ID. Preceptor, m place of Sir Knt. Parsons. The imposiug and beautiful ceromony was performed m a very solemn and impressive manner, and after aomn very complimentary speeches from Sir Knights Thomson, Hulbert and Parsons, tho proceptory was closed, and then ended the most brilliant gathering of Masons and Knights Templars ever seen m this part of tbe world.