DRUIDISM.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7724, 25 March 1904, Page 5

DRUIDISM.

Opening - of the Myrtle Lodge, Eketahuna.

Successful Function.

A large number of Druids from all parts gathered at Eketahuna, yesterday, to take part in the opening ceremonies of tbe Myrtle Lodge, under the jurisdiction of the North Island Grand Lodge, U.A.O.D. About forty members from various district Lodges, including Stonehenge Lodge (Masterton), Totara Lodge (Carterton), Pahiatua Lodge, Excelsior Lodge (Wellington), and from various other centres in New Zealand were present, including Bro. Mackay, Secretary of the District Grand Lodge, and Bro. Pauling, P.D.P., of the Ashburton Lodge, Canterbury. Owing to the Masterton and other brethren returning early to town the Lodge opened at 3 o'clock in the -afternoon. Bro. Maekay, in absence of District Grand President, presided, when a large number of candidates were formally initiated into the rights and mysteries of Druidism. Bro. Smith, P.A., Excelsior Lodge, Wellington, acted as Arch Druid, Bro. Pauling as Past Arch Druid, whilst Bros. Mackay and Shackleton acted as Directors of Ceremonies. The initiating ceremonies having been concluded, the D.G.S. took the chair, and after Bro. A. Nicol had read the requisition the Lodge was duly consecrated. The olection of officers was proceeded with, Bro. Donnelly was appointed A.D., and Bro. C. Reeve secretary, by the Executive. All the officers were then duly installed. Hearty good wishes were tendered by the visiting lodges, and a special vote of thanks was accorded to the acting JD.G.S., and M.'s.C. At the special request of the Stonehenge and Totara Lodges, Bro. E. Martin was installed as D.P. of No. 1 district. After the proceedings had terminated, a banquet was held in the evening at the Railway Hotel, Bro. Donnelly, A.D., presiding. Songs were sung by Bros. Robinson (1), Nicol (3), Holtz (1), Aulin (1), and H. Fawcett (2). An excellent recitation was also given by Bro. J. Henderson. The usual loyal toasts were honoured, and the proceedings brought to a most successful termination by all present joining in singing " Auld Lang Syne."