FREEMASONRY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIII, Issue 15000, 14 July 1898, Page 3

FREEMASONRY.

St. Andrew Lodge. { Oue of the largest gatherings of Freemasons ever known in Wanganui aseembled 6u Tuesday, at the Masonic Hall, to witness the installation of Bro. J, C. Richardson as Worshipful Master. As 'this was the first meeting of the Lodge after the official recognition of the Grand Lodge of Now Zealand by the Grand Lodge of England, the Master and Wardens, Officers and Brethren of Tonfariro Lodge assembled in force to do onour to the occasioa. Amongst the other Isdges represented were : — The Victory (Feuding), Rangitikei (Marton), Raneitira, Kilwinning (Patea), Hawera, Stratford, Ngamotn, Southern Cross, . Tauranga (E.C.), St Mark's (Wairarapa), United Service, &c The clergy were : - represented by the Kev. A. 0. Williams, who officiated as Chaplain, the Itevs. T. B. Maclean and G. Bond. The viiriting brethren numbered in all nearly seventy. gWor. Bro. N. Meuli, Assistant Grand Sword Bearer in the Grand Lodve ef New Zeaiand, was the Installing Master, and performed his dnties in a most impressive manner. He was ably assisted . by the Past Masters of the Lodge, Wor. • Bros. Keesing (as Director of Ceremonies), J. Stevenson, J. L. Stevenson, Salek, Fairbnrn, Caiman, Blennerhassefct, Dickson and Hughes. The work throughout was performed in a masterly manner, •. 'the service being rendered additionally solemn by the excellent vocal and instrn- I mental music contributed by the choir and orchestra under the conductorship of Bro. Crichton. Bro. Lennard presided efficiently at the organ, and the sclos of Bros. Davies and Ridgway were much appreciated. In addition to the large number of visitors, there was a full attendance of ths members of the Kilwinning Lodge. Bro. G. Carson, M.H.K., was unable to be present owing to his Parliamentary dnties, and letters of apology were received from other members unavoidably absent through illness and other valid reasons. Many letters of apology were read by the Secretary from distinguished brethren in all parts of the colsny. After the installation ceremony Bro. Fairburn, P.M., had entrusted to him the pleasing dutv of presenting to Bro. G. Caiman, the Immediate Past Master's jewel subscribed tor by the members of the lodge, which he did in a few words. Bro Caiman thanked the lodge for so handsome a token of their good will an 1 appreciation of bis services ; he had always done his best for the welfare and prosperity, of St. Andrew Kilwinning and such a presentation was as gratifying as it was unexpected. Bro. F. M. Spnrdle, P.M., then in- •' vested and addressed a few words to the following Lodge officers : — 1. P.M.,- Bro. G, Caiman; S.W., Bro. G. Carson j J.W., Bro. J. T. Mnir ; Treasurer, Bro. J. L. SteveDsonj Secretary, Bro. D. McFarlane; Choirmaster, Bro. W. Holden ; Organist, Bro. A. C. Lennard ; S.D., Bro. W. S. Dustin ; J.D., Bro. A. Bignall ; 1.G., Bro. G. Spriggens ; Tyler, . Bro. E. Perry; S.S., Bro. J. G. Me- ' Naught ; J.S., Bro.D. Bell. Itvas 10.30 o'clock beforo the Lodge was closed, after which the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall ; the tables were tastefully laid, and the menu comprised every dainty which is in season ; the Masonio duty of hospitali y was discharged in lavish style, and Bro. Dustin, the popular caterer, is to be congratulated ob the success which attended his efforts to sHrpass himself. Tha toasts honoured were—" The Queen and Ihe Cratt" (proposed by the W.M.), "The M.W.G.M. and N.Z. Constitution" (Bro. Spuidle), "The Sister Constitutions" (proposed by Bro. Salek, and responded to by Wor. Bro. Atkins, Master of the Tongariro Lodge, E.C. ), " The W.M. and His Officers ''(Bro Caiman), "The [.P.M.* (Bro. J. L. Stevenson), "The Installing Master" (Bio. D. McFarlane), "Visiting Brethren" (Bro. Keesing), 'fMasoni Wives and Bairns " (Bro. G. Spriggens), " and the " Tyler's Toast " (Bro. G. Perry). The toasts were interspersed with song* and recitations, given by the following brethren : — Bros. ' Ridgway, Hookei (Hawera), Haybittle (Fielding), Davies, Booth (Huuterville), Keen (Hawera), Larking (Patea), Neverman, Day, Mowtel!, James, Meuli, Spriggens, Perrett and Pawson. Mr J. K. Manning played all the accompaniments in a most satisfactory manner. Bro. Richardson, who presided over his lodge for the first time, made an admirable chairman, and an evening, which will long be remembered, by all who had the privilege of being present was brought to a close at a late (or rather an early) hour, by all joining jn"Auld Lang Syne."