MASONS WELCOME GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19239, 28 November 1930, Page 14

MASONS WELCOME GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

BALL MARKS END OF GRAND LODGE SESSION. Lord Bledisloe, Governor-General of New Zealand, received a wonderful welcome when last night he attended a gathering arranged by the Masonic Grand Lodge of New Zealand at the kiosk in the Addington Trotting Grounds. A short concert and afterwards dancing were features of the welcome to Lord Bledisloe as the new Grand Master of the Lodge. There have been some notable gatherings in the kiosk, but one has to go back to the Duke of York’s ball to find a parallel to that of last night. With their wives and lady friends the Masons numbered little short of a thousand. The seating in the kiosk was crammed, and the whole room was filled when the Governor-General and his suite arrived. The concert was given by the Civic Troubadours, and a bright entertainment it was. There were many vocal items, well chosen and cheerful, and between whiles the members of the troupe brought ready laughter to the audience with their jest and anecdote. Mr J. J. Clarke, the immediate Past Grand Master, welcomed the new Grand Master in a short speech. '“ In New Zealand we have had as Governor-General first a great sailor, and then a great soldier.” said Mr Clarke. “ Now in Lord Bledisloe we have a man who is outstanding in a more peaceful line. He is a great agriculturalist, a scientific farmer who has a fund of knowledge and advice for us in our new country. As Masons, we are more than glad to have him with us to-night, and as New Zealanders we are more than proud that he is our Governor-General.” His Excellency Appreciative. “When Mr Clarke asked me if he might make a speech,” said Lord Bledisloe, “ I thought that perhaps he was going to give the concluding item of the concert. I certainly would have demurred had I thought that he was going to be so excessively laudatory. I have a profound admiration for the Masons of New Zealand, and I blush with the praise of our almost extravagantly oratorical brother. I cannot say how much I appreciate your welcome. “ I must say how much I the concert. I don’t know whether all the towns of New Zealand have as much talent as Christchurch. If they have, no matter how deep the depression you will never have to take in one another’s washing. You can give one another entertainments! When I came out here first I was told that New Zealanders were far too busy making money and improving their great little country for art. Now I find that is not correct, certainly iii so far as music and the drama are concerned.”