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Article CONSECRATION OF THE ST. LEONARD LODGE, No. 1766. ← Page 2 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE ALBERT VICTOR LODGE, No. 1773. Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF THE ALBERT VICTOR LODGE, No. 1773. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND. Page 1 of 1 Article Obituary. Page 1 of 1
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Consecration Of The St. Leonard Lodge, No. 1766.
present at its birth that it should become so . He was not new at consecrating lodges ; this was the 107 th lodge that it had been his honour and pleasure to assist in consecratin ' -f , and , therefore , he assured the brethren that if , as the W . M . had said , the ceremony had been performed to his and the brethren ' s satisfaction , it would be a very poor comp liment to himself ( Bro . Terry ) , if after securing their
patience and their time he was unable to render the ceremony worthy of their acceptance . The gratification he had in consecrating the lodge was increased by the honour he had had of installing in the chair a brother like Bro . Stcan , who had filled the various offices in Masonry , and with whom he had worked for many years . When the W . M . stated in the course of his observations that he hopeel
lhc day would come when every chair of the lodge might be endowed as Vice-President of one or other of the Institutions , that was all that he ( Bro . Terry ) could take exception to . It was not what the W . M . meant . What the W . M . meant to convey was that he wisheel to sec the brethren Vice-Presidents of all the Institutions . The Masonic Institutions had achieved a very great success—during the last
five or six years an unprecedented success—a success beyond any they had achieved before . Why was this ? Since the advent of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to the throne of the Grand Master there had been an immense increase in the number of lodges . Before that time the Gram ' . Master used to grant about forty warrants in a year ; now there were ninety-eight or a hundred granted . With
the increase 111 the number of lodges there had been a corresponding growth in the number of subscribing members to the Craft , anil over and above all that had been this one thing , the very great desire of those who were initiated to do all they could to promote its interest and increase its elignity . That , lie trustee ' , would be the guiding spirit of the fraternity . With the practise of other virtues let them
practise charity—not in mere almsgiving , not in the bestowal of gifts only , but in the more kindly feelings of man to man , overlooking faults and giving a better colouring U » tilings , which in the woilel they would not pass by . Let those things pass by , and the next elay meet their brethren with outstretched hand . Some of these feelings guided the brethren of the St . Leonard Lodge . He knew it would
be their desire that it should be so . Anil let him ask that some kind feclingshould be given to the poor and distressed brethren . Wc could not all bc in a state of prosperity ; as the W . M . had said , wc did not know how we might bc treading . We knew that during the past fortnight a great change had taken place in a sister country , where many people who had thought themselves in alllucnce were now
in poverty and distress . While wc had the opportunity , while the privilege was accorded to us of being stewards of other persons' money as well as our own , and while we hail been husbanding gifts , let us think of the poor who ramc and asked elay and day , and hour by hour . Sometimes it was not in their power to extend relief . If the brethren only knew the cases that came officially before the
managers of the Masonic Institutions , the letters which they received about those cases , cases which they could not help or reFcvT , which the laws and constitutions never provideel for , they would go away with an aching heart ami wishing that the power of aiding suffering humanity might be extended . The Boys' School , the Girls' School , and the Benevolent Institution , were all deserving of support . They
had prospered anil were prospering ; and he hoped and trusted that in the coming year ih ' 79 , for which the Secretaries were putting forth their best exertions to accomplish as great good in the future as they had in the past , would have the kind support of the Craft to attain their end . I Ic was proud to be able to announce that his own Institution ¦—the licnevolent Institution—hail succeeded in obtaining
for ils next festival on the 12 th February , iSp ) , a Chairman in the person of the Right Worshipful Bro . Lieut .-Col . Le Gendrc N . Starkie , Provincial Grand , Master for East Lancashire , and lie ( Bro . Terry ) was looking forward to the occasion for a certain amount of success . Col . Starkie was the Provincial Grand Master of one of the largest Masonic provinces in England . He presided over seventy-eight
or eighty lodges ; and if those lodges would only give the licnevolent Institution £ 20 a piece £ 1600 would be collected at once . West Lancashire on one occasion gave £ 1700 . I le believed that when trie list was called over on ihe 12 th February next it would be found that £ 3000 would he brought up . I le could not ask for a Stewanl from the St . Leonard Lodge , but he would ask lhc brethren
to bear in mind when Ihey found themselves in a state of prosperity , if they c'id not wish to bestow their money on the banquet tabic , to bestow it on the Benevolent Institution , and the Boys' and Girls' Schools . To whichever ' f those Institutions they look their money il would be thankfully received and faithfully applied . Bro . W . T . Howe , G . P ., t' en gave his name in as
Steward for the Benevolent Institution on behalf of the Thames Valley Loelge , No . 1460 . I'he other toasts were then given , and the brethren separated . The pleasures of the evening were greatly enhanceel by the singing ot some beautiful songs by Bros . H . Ashton , < V Hubbard , G . Musgrave , and F . II . Cozens .
Consecration Of The Albert Victor Lodge, No. 1773.
CONSECRATION OF THE ALBERT VICTOR LODGE , No . 1773 .
The alread y extensive list of lodges in the province of -ast Lancashire was increased on Wednesday , 23 rd ult ., by the creation and consecration of this new lodge " , in the 1 ' -niueton Town Hill -n ... ;„ ,,, „ . rr , ,, „ . o „ , i 1 , « .,,,. it ,, 1
eeremony was performed by the R . W . P . G . M . Ch 1 ? ? endrt' N - Starkie ) , assisted by the Rev . W . . ,, 1 , r ' •'"• •• - ' ¦ an 't other provincial officers , amongst whom werc-Bros . J . \ . Hinc , P . P . G . S . W . ; Edwin Ash-
Consecration Of The Albert Victor Lodge, No. 1773.
worth , P . G . S . W . ; W . O . Walker , P . G . J . W . ; J . A , Birch , P . P . | . W . ; Chas . Hey word , P . P . G . R . ; T . Ainsworth , P . G . R . ; T . f . Hooper , P . P . G . T . ; John Tunnah , P . G . S . ; J . P . Salmon , P . G . D . of C . ; J . H . Sillitoe , I ' . P . G . C . of C . ; and others . About 60 brethren were present , am ! the following choir , viz ., Bros . Kershaw , Dumville , Bailey , and Howe , under the able direction of Bro . J . Itanilall
Fletcher , the P . G . O ., sang the anthems anil glorias most effectively . At the conclusion of the consecration the first W . M ., Bro . Samuel Statham , P . P . G ., Treasurer , was installed , and the following officers duly invested , viz ., Bros . J . Harrop , I . P . M . ; Rev . F . H . Wright , S . W . * , Waters , ] . W . ; W . Slater , Treasurer ; D . Asquith , Secretary ; Eli Winterbottom , S . D . ; J . Almond , J . D . ; Hardcastle , I . G .:
W . Topham , Steward ; and J . W . M . Heydon , Tyler . The newly-installed W . M . expressed the thanks of the members of the new lodge to the R . W . P . G . M ., for his attendance , and the services which he had rendered to them . After the lodge was closed , about 50 brethren adjourned to the laige hall , where a sumptuous banquet was served . The newly-installed W . M . ( Bro . S . Statham ) presided ,
and was supported by Colonel Starkie , the R . W . P . G . M ., and other provincial officcis . The usual Masonic toasts were ably responded to . The R . W . P . G . M ., in replying to the toast of his health delivered a most eloquent and forcible speech , which called forth the plaudits of the assembly ; and the P . G . C ., in proposing " Prosperity lo the Masonic Charities , " discoursed at some length upon the excellence cf the
institutions , and was exceedingly impressive 111 his remarks . Other toasts followed , and during the evening the choir rendered good service by singing glees and songs in a . very praiseworthy manner . Too much praise cannot bc given to the Committee for the admirable arrangements and to the assistance given to the W . M . during the formation of the lodge , Bros . Harrop , ami Topham being indefatigable in their cxeilions to ensure the comfort of Ihe brethren .
Freemasonry In New Zealand.
FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND .
A ceremonial of a very imposing character , connected with the mystic tie , took place at the Freemasons' Hall , Piinccs-strect , Auckland , on Thursday , 12 th Sept ., when the members of Lodge Prince of Wales , No . 1338 , E . C ., held their regular monthly meeting ; the chiet business on this occasion being the installation of Bro . Dr . Dawson as
W . M . fur the ensuing twelve months . A very large number of brethren attended the meeting , so large-, indeed , as to make the want of a large hall with fitting accommodation for Masonic purposes severely felt ; a want whicli received unfavourable comment from the brethren present
but one which , we are glael to learn , is about to be supplied . Many District Grand Lodge Officers and other visitors of distinction arrived before the opening of the lodge and during the evening , amongst these may be mentioned : — Bros . P . Pierce , P . M ., P . G . M ., l . C ; E . T . Wildman , P . M .,
D . D . G . M ., E . C ; W . Lodder , P . M ., D . S . G . W ., E C . ; C . T . Goldsbro ' , P . M ., D . G . Treas ., E . C ; 11 . G . Wade , P . M , D . G . Sec , E . C ; W . J . Rces , P . M ., P . G . Sec , I . G . 5 A , Brock , P . M ., P . G . S . D ., l . C . ; M . Levy , W . M . 34 8 , l . C ; J . Warren , W . M . i 5 * jo E . G . ; H . Rees George , 1 7 , E . C . ; H . N . Montague , P . M . Si 7 , E . C , ami P . M . 277 , S . C , P . P . G . Sec . ; * M . M . Irving , -13 ; II . Brett , Director
of Music , P . G . Lodge , S . C ; and the following P . M . ' s W . II . Skinner , 1338 , E . G . ; M . S . Leers , 042 , E . C , 1338 E . C , and -, 8 o , l . C . ' ; G . M . Mitfonl , 348 , l . C , and i-j ' jS , E . C . The W . M . Bro . the Rev . C M . Nelson , opened the lodge in form at half-past seven , and after the usual ceremonial and preliminary routine business , Bro . Dr .
Dawson , S . W . of the lodge , W . M . ( elect ) , was presented for installation to the W . M ., who on this occasion , acted for the first time as Installing Officer , a duty hitherto performed in the most zealous and efficient manner by W . Bro . Leers , P . M . Bro . Nelson showed himself however , in nowise wanting in the high qualifications requisite for this important duty ; the elegant , and indeed eloquent and
impressive delivery of the ancient charges and impoi taut portions of the ritual of this ceremony , could not fail to ciichance the beauties of Masonry in the heart of the listener , and those who hail in > l previously visited Lodge Prince of Wales , must have indeed felt gratified at the highly efficient mode in which the working and business til the lodge was conducted .
During the evening some very excellent anthems were chanted by a choir , consisting of Bros . Brett , Skinner , Darker , VVilcocks , Irving , Rogers , anil Montagu , Bro . Rees , P . M ., acting as Organist . After the conclusion of the installation anil ceremonial tbe board of Installed Masters was closed , anil the brethren of lower grades were re-admiticd , and the
newlyinstalled W . M . then formed his lodge as follows : —Bros . F . W . E . Dawson , W . M . ; Hcv . C . M . Nelson , P . M . anil Chap . ; 11 . C . Dyer , S . W . ; W . Rattray , | . W . ; W . H . Skinner , P . M ., Treas . j M . S . Leers , P . M ., tec . ; K . S . Willcocks , Director ot Ceremonies ; S . Rogers , Organist ; Major-General J . W . Gossett , S . D . ; W . S . Collins , J . D . ; J . W . Gossett , jun ., I . G . ; C . Porter , Tyler .
The brethren having duly saluted the W . M ., W . Bro , Nelson then impressively addrcsseel the newly-appointed officers and the brethren generally on their respective duties , and the installation ceremonial being thus concluded , the lodge was closed in pe ? , ci * , love , and harmony , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet table , well supplied by Bro .
Hood . The manner in which all the wants of the inner man had been anticipated and provided for by mine host , was the theme of general commendation . After the weight on the board had been cous ' ulerably diminished , the good things had disappeared , and grace was said , the * exhilarating glass
Freemasonry In New Zealand.
was circulated in strictest moderation , ami the toasts of the evening received elue attention , interspersed by mellifluous strains from the vocalists previously mentioned , in solos , glees , and other concerted music . The W . M . proposed the following toasts in rapid succession , prefacing tbeni with appropriate remarks : — "The Queen and the Craft , " "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales ,
M . W . G . M . of England " ; " The M . W . Grand Masters of Scotland and Ireland , Sir M . Shaw Stewart and the Duke of Abercorn . " Bro . J . Adams proposed "The District Grand Master , E . C , Bro . G . S . Graham , the P . G . Master , S . C , Bro . F . Whitaker , and the P . G . Master , l . C , Bro . G . P . Pierce . " W . Bro . Nelson then proposed , in a most eulogistic
address , the toast of the evening , " The W . M . of the Prince of Wales Lodge , Bro . Dawson . " He alluded in feeling terms to the Masonic career of Bro . Dawson side by side with himself in the lodge , and but one step removed from him , ami felt convinced that the welfare of the lodge could be in no better hands , and concluding by exhorting the newly-appointed officers to support the Master by the duo
and earnest fulfilment of their duties . The W . M . replied very appropriately and feelingly , expressing grateful thanks for the kindness extended to him . Bro . W . H . Skinner , P . M ., gave " The Installing Master , "
and took occasion to allude to the excellent way in which the ceremonies of the evening had been conducted . Bro . Nelson expressed his sincere acknowledgments . "The Past-Masters cf the Prince of Wales Lodge" was then given by Bro . It . C . Dyer , S . W ., and suitably acknowledged in a few most pertinent remarks by Bro . Leers ,
P . M . This worthy brother then eloquently proposed "The Visaing Brethren , " coupling with the toast the name of Bro . Past Master Montagu , of Sydney , a brother of high distinction in the Craft , by whose presence the lodge was honoured that evening . Bro . Montagu , in reply , stated that he could wish one
of two things ; either that the hour was much later , so that he might bc spared the necessity of unworthily representing the number of distinguished brethren who were standing up in response to the toast , or that it were much earlier , so that he might have time to express the feelings he cxpcrienceil at the honour so distinctly conferred en him . He experienced on this occasion the full benefit of
the Masonic tie * . For lhc first time in the many years since he had been admitted to thj Craft , he found himself in a peculiar position . On other occasions , when travelling through the neighbouring colonies , accompanied by his treasured certificate , he had been so well known—through his position as a journalist and by brethren who had sat with him in lodge and could vouch for him—that he did
not require to use them . On this occasion , coming a stranger to a strange land ( except by letters of introduction ) , in the hurry of departure , he left his certificates behind , and hence had to work his way into lodge . He had satisfied the closest but very necessary , scrutiny 5 but once within the sacred circle of the mystic tie , the bonds of fellowship and
brotherhood were cast around him in close embrace , anil friends were secured where before everything seemed drear and cold . Next to benevolence and charity , hospitality was the great Masonic principle ; anil it became the brothel- who hail tasted of its benefits to repay the debt by standing forth as lhc champion of Masonry , whenever the breath of envy or malice attacked the purity of its
principles . Bro . Montagu concluded by congratulating the brethren of this lodge on the excellence of its working , judging from the conduct of the officers on this occasion . '' The Officers of the Lodge Prince of Wales " was then given by Bro . E . T . Wildman , D . D . G . M ., in one of the best speeches of the evening , supporting his well-merited praise of these brethren by the recapitulation of his own personal experience of their efficient conduct and general merits .
Bro . R . C Dyer , S . W ., responded . The following toasts also received able proposal and due recognition : "The D . G . L . Officers" ( Bro . Wildman , D . D . G . M ., in response ); " The Brethren who rendered the Music ; " " The Newly ( lately ) Initiatcel Brethren , "' by Bro , Rattray ; and " The Poor and Distressed Masons . " " The Host and Hostess " concluded the proceedings , and the brethren separated after a most agreeable evening .
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . JAMES JOHNSTONE . The late Bro . James Johnstone , sole proprietor of the Standard , who died at Hoolcy House , Coulsdon , on Monday last , the 21 st ult ., was initiated into Freemasonry , and passed to the Second Degree some twelve years ago . For private reasons he then temporarily retired from the Craft , but in 1871 ; , being anxious lo continue his progress and
take Ihe Third Degree , he went specially for that purpose , with his friend , Bro . A . E . T . Watson , to Llandudno , and was duly raised in the Lodge of St . Tudno , No . 755 , of which loelge the last named brother was a member . Soon after this the project of the Bayard Lodge , No . 1716 , was originated by Bro . Lieut .-Col . H . S . Somervi ' . le Burney , and Bro . James Johnstone , together with Bros . Lecson ( I . P . M . ) ,
Frank Richardson , Sir Thos . Dyer , Bart ., A . Ii . T . Watson ( W . M . ) , was among the founelers of this prosperous Masonic community . Unfortunately , continued illness prevented Bro . Johnstone ' s frequent attendance at lodge ; but if unable to attend to the outward ceremonies and observances of lhc Order , his life anil actions were in strict accordance with the principles of the Craft .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The St. Leonard Lodge, No. 1766.
present at its birth that it should become so . He was not new at consecrating lodges ; this was the 107 th lodge that it had been his honour and pleasure to assist in consecratin ' -f , and , therefore , he assured the brethren that if , as the W . M . had said , the ceremony had been performed to his and the brethren ' s satisfaction , it would be a very poor comp liment to himself ( Bro . Terry ) , if after securing their
patience and their time he was unable to render the ceremony worthy of their acceptance . The gratification he had in consecrating the lodge was increased by the honour he had had of installing in the chair a brother like Bro . Stcan , who had filled the various offices in Masonry , and with whom he had worked for many years . When the W . M . stated in the course of his observations that he hopeel
lhc day would come when every chair of the lodge might be endowed as Vice-President of one or other of the Institutions , that was all that he ( Bro . Terry ) could take exception to . It was not what the W . M . meant . What the W . M . meant to convey was that he wisheel to sec the brethren Vice-Presidents of all the Institutions . The Masonic Institutions had achieved a very great success—during the last
five or six years an unprecedented success—a success beyond any they had achieved before . Why was this ? Since the advent of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to the throne of the Grand Master there had been an immense increase in the number of lodges . Before that time the Gram ' . Master used to grant about forty warrants in a year ; now there were ninety-eight or a hundred granted . With
the increase 111 the number of lodges there had been a corresponding growth in the number of subscribing members to the Craft , anil over and above all that had been this one thing , the very great desire of those who were initiated to do all they could to promote its interest and increase its elignity . That , lie trustee ' , would be the guiding spirit of the fraternity . With the practise of other virtues let them
practise charity—not in mere almsgiving , not in the bestowal of gifts only , but in the more kindly feelings of man to man , overlooking faults and giving a better colouring U » tilings , which in the woilel they would not pass by . Let those things pass by , and the next elay meet their brethren with outstretched hand . Some of these feelings guided the brethren of the St . Leonard Lodge . He knew it would
be their desire that it should be so . Anil let him ask that some kind feclingshould be given to the poor and distressed brethren . Wc could not all bc in a state of prosperity ; as the W . M . had said , wc did not know how we might bc treading . We knew that during the past fortnight a great change had taken place in a sister country , where many people who had thought themselves in alllucnce were now
in poverty and distress . While wc had the opportunity , while the privilege was accorded to us of being stewards of other persons' money as well as our own , and while we hail been husbanding gifts , let us think of the poor who ramc and asked elay and day , and hour by hour . Sometimes it was not in their power to extend relief . If the brethren only knew the cases that came officially before the
managers of the Masonic Institutions , the letters which they received about those cases , cases which they could not help or reFcvT , which the laws and constitutions never provideel for , they would go away with an aching heart ami wishing that the power of aiding suffering humanity might be extended . The Boys' School , the Girls' School , and the Benevolent Institution , were all deserving of support . They
had prospered anil were prospering ; and he hoped and trusted that in the coming year ih ' 79 , for which the Secretaries were putting forth their best exertions to accomplish as great good in the future as they had in the past , would have the kind support of the Craft to attain their end . I Ic was proud to be able to announce that his own Institution ¦—the licnevolent Institution—hail succeeded in obtaining
for ils next festival on the 12 th February , iSp ) , a Chairman in the person of the Right Worshipful Bro . Lieut .-Col . Le Gendrc N . Starkie , Provincial Grand , Master for East Lancashire , and lie ( Bro . Terry ) was looking forward to the occasion for a certain amount of success . Col . Starkie was the Provincial Grand Master of one of the largest Masonic provinces in England . He presided over seventy-eight
or eighty lodges ; and if those lodges would only give the licnevolent Institution £ 20 a piece £ 1600 would be collected at once . West Lancashire on one occasion gave £ 1700 . I le believed that when trie list was called over on ihe 12 th February next it would be found that £ 3000 would he brought up . I le could not ask for a Stewanl from the St . Leonard Lodge , but he would ask lhc brethren
to bear in mind when Ihey found themselves in a state of prosperity , if they c'id not wish to bestow their money on the banquet tabic , to bestow it on the Benevolent Institution , and the Boys' and Girls' Schools . To whichever ' f those Institutions they look their money il would be thankfully received and faithfully applied . Bro . W . T . Howe , G . P ., t' en gave his name in as
Steward for the Benevolent Institution on behalf of the Thames Valley Loelge , No . 1460 . I'he other toasts were then given , and the brethren separated . The pleasures of the evening were greatly enhanceel by the singing ot some beautiful songs by Bros . H . Ashton , < V Hubbard , G . Musgrave , and F . II . Cozens .
Consecration Of The Albert Victor Lodge, No. 1773.
CONSECRATION OF THE ALBERT VICTOR LODGE , No . 1773 .
The alread y extensive list of lodges in the province of -ast Lancashire was increased on Wednesday , 23 rd ult ., by the creation and consecration of this new lodge " , in the 1 ' -niueton Town Hill -n ... ;„ ,,, „ . rr , ,, „ . o „ , i 1 , « .,,,. it ,, 1
eeremony was performed by the R . W . P . G . M . Ch 1 ? ? endrt' N - Starkie ) , assisted by the Rev . W . . ,, 1 , r ' •'"• •• - ' ¦ an 't other provincial officers , amongst whom werc-Bros . J . \ . Hinc , P . P . G . S . W . ; Edwin Ash-
Consecration Of The Albert Victor Lodge, No. 1773.
worth , P . G . S . W . ; W . O . Walker , P . G . J . W . ; J . A , Birch , P . P . | . W . ; Chas . Hey word , P . P . G . R . ; T . Ainsworth , P . G . R . ; T . f . Hooper , P . P . G . T . ; John Tunnah , P . G . S . ; J . P . Salmon , P . G . D . of C . ; J . H . Sillitoe , I ' . P . G . C . of C . ; and others . About 60 brethren were present , am ! the following choir , viz ., Bros . Kershaw , Dumville , Bailey , and Howe , under the able direction of Bro . J . Itanilall
Fletcher , the P . G . O ., sang the anthems anil glorias most effectively . At the conclusion of the consecration the first W . M ., Bro . Samuel Statham , P . P . G ., Treasurer , was installed , and the following officers duly invested , viz ., Bros . J . Harrop , I . P . M . ; Rev . F . H . Wright , S . W . * , Waters , ] . W . ; W . Slater , Treasurer ; D . Asquith , Secretary ; Eli Winterbottom , S . D . ; J . Almond , J . D . ; Hardcastle , I . G .:
W . Topham , Steward ; and J . W . M . Heydon , Tyler . The newly-installed W . M . expressed the thanks of the members of the new lodge to the R . W . P . G . M ., for his attendance , and the services which he had rendered to them . After the lodge was closed , about 50 brethren adjourned to the laige hall , where a sumptuous banquet was served . The newly-installed W . M . ( Bro . S . Statham ) presided ,
and was supported by Colonel Starkie , the R . W . P . G . M ., and other provincial officcis . The usual Masonic toasts were ably responded to . The R . W . P . G . M ., in replying to the toast of his health delivered a most eloquent and forcible speech , which called forth the plaudits of the assembly ; and the P . G . C ., in proposing " Prosperity lo the Masonic Charities , " discoursed at some length upon the excellence cf the
institutions , and was exceedingly impressive 111 his remarks . Other toasts followed , and during the evening the choir rendered good service by singing glees and songs in a . very praiseworthy manner . Too much praise cannot bc given to the Committee for the admirable arrangements and to the assistance given to the W . M . during the formation of the lodge , Bros . Harrop , ami Topham being indefatigable in their cxeilions to ensure the comfort of Ihe brethren .
Freemasonry In New Zealand.
FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND .
A ceremonial of a very imposing character , connected with the mystic tie , took place at the Freemasons' Hall , Piinccs-strect , Auckland , on Thursday , 12 th Sept ., when the members of Lodge Prince of Wales , No . 1338 , E . C ., held their regular monthly meeting ; the chiet business on this occasion being the installation of Bro . Dr . Dawson as
W . M . fur the ensuing twelve months . A very large number of brethren attended the meeting , so large-, indeed , as to make the want of a large hall with fitting accommodation for Masonic purposes severely felt ; a want whicli received unfavourable comment from the brethren present
but one which , we are glael to learn , is about to be supplied . Many District Grand Lodge Officers and other visitors of distinction arrived before the opening of the lodge and during the evening , amongst these may be mentioned : — Bros . P . Pierce , P . M ., P . G . M ., l . C ; E . T . Wildman , P . M .,
D . D . G . M ., E . C ; W . Lodder , P . M ., D . S . G . W ., E C . ; C . T . Goldsbro ' , P . M ., D . G . Treas ., E . C ; 11 . G . Wade , P . M , D . G . Sec , E . C ; W . J . Rces , P . M ., P . G . Sec , I . G . 5 A , Brock , P . M ., P . G . S . D ., l . C . ; M . Levy , W . M . 34 8 , l . C ; J . Warren , W . M . i 5 * jo E . G . ; H . Rees George , 1 7 , E . C . ; H . N . Montague , P . M . Si 7 , E . C , ami P . M . 277 , S . C , P . P . G . Sec . ; * M . M . Irving , -13 ; II . Brett , Director
of Music , P . G . Lodge , S . C ; and the following P . M . ' s W . II . Skinner , 1338 , E . G . ; M . S . Leers , 042 , E . C , 1338 E . C , and -, 8 o , l . C . ' ; G . M . Mitfonl , 348 , l . C , and i-j ' jS , E . C . The W . M . Bro . the Rev . C M . Nelson , opened the lodge in form at half-past seven , and after the usual ceremonial and preliminary routine business , Bro . Dr .
Dawson , S . W . of the lodge , W . M . ( elect ) , was presented for installation to the W . M ., who on this occasion , acted for the first time as Installing Officer , a duty hitherto performed in the most zealous and efficient manner by W . Bro . Leers , P . M . Bro . Nelson showed himself however , in nowise wanting in the high qualifications requisite for this important duty ; the elegant , and indeed eloquent and
impressive delivery of the ancient charges and impoi taut portions of the ritual of this ceremony , could not fail to ciichance the beauties of Masonry in the heart of the listener , and those who hail in > l previously visited Lodge Prince of Wales , must have indeed felt gratified at the highly efficient mode in which the working and business til the lodge was conducted .
During the evening some very excellent anthems were chanted by a choir , consisting of Bros . Brett , Skinner , Darker , VVilcocks , Irving , Rogers , anil Montagu , Bro . Rees , P . M ., acting as Organist . After the conclusion of the installation anil ceremonial tbe board of Installed Masters was closed , anil the brethren of lower grades were re-admiticd , and the
newlyinstalled W . M . then formed his lodge as follows : —Bros . F . W . E . Dawson , W . M . ; Hcv . C . M . Nelson , P . M . anil Chap . ; 11 . C . Dyer , S . W . ; W . Rattray , | . W . ; W . H . Skinner , P . M ., Treas . j M . S . Leers , P . M ., tec . ; K . S . Willcocks , Director ot Ceremonies ; S . Rogers , Organist ; Major-General J . W . Gossett , S . D . ; W . S . Collins , J . D . ; J . W . Gossett , jun ., I . G . ; C . Porter , Tyler .
The brethren having duly saluted the W . M ., W . Bro , Nelson then impressively addrcsseel the newly-appointed officers and the brethren generally on their respective duties , and the installation ceremonial being thus concluded , the lodge was closed in pe ? , ci * , love , and harmony , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet table , well supplied by Bro .
Hood . The manner in which all the wants of the inner man had been anticipated and provided for by mine host , was the theme of general commendation . After the weight on the board had been cous ' ulerably diminished , the good things had disappeared , and grace was said , the * exhilarating glass
Freemasonry In New Zealand.
was circulated in strictest moderation , ami the toasts of the evening received elue attention , interspersed by mellifluous strains from the vocalists previously mentioned , in solos , glees , and other concerted music . The W . M . proposed the following toasts in rapid succession , prefacing tbeni with appropriate remarks : — "The Queen and the Craft , " "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales ,
M . W . G . M . of England " ; " The M . W . Grand Masters of Scotland and Ireland , Sir M . Shaw Stewart and the Duke of Abercorn . " Bro . J . Adams proposed "The District Grand Master , E . C , Bro . G . S . Graham , the P . G . Master , S . C , Bro . F . Whitaker , and the P . G . Master , l . C , Bro . G . P . Pierce . " W . Bro . Nelson then proposed , in a most eulogistic
address , the toast of the evening , " The W . M . of the Prince of Wales Lodge , Bro . Dawson . " He alluded in feeling terms to the Masonic career of Bro . Dawson side by side with himself in the lodge , and but one step removed from him , ami felt convinced that the welfare of the lodge could be in no better hands , and concluding by exhorting the newly-appointed officers to support the Master by the duo
and earnest fulfilment of their duties . The W . M . replied very appropriately and feelingly , expressing grateful thanks for the kindness extended to him . Bro . W . H . Skinner , P . M ., gave " The Installing Master , "
and took occasion to allude to the excellent way in which the ceremonies of the evening had been conducted . Bro . Nelson expressed his sincere acknowledgments . "The Past-Masters cf the Prince of Wales Lodge" was then given by Bro . It . C . Dyer , S . W ., and suitably acknowledged in a few most pertinent remarks by Bro . Leers ,
P . M . This worthy brother then eloquently proposed "The Visaing Brethren , " coupling with the toast the name of Bro . Past Master Montagu , of Sydney , a brother of high distinction in the Craft , by whose presence the lodge was honoured that evening . Bro . Montagu , in reply , stated that he could wish one
of two things ; either that the hour was much later , so that he might bc spared the necessity of unworthily representing the number of distinguished brethren who were standing up in response to the toast , or that it were much earlier , so that he might have time to express the feelings he cxpcrienceil at the honour so distinctly conferred en him . He experienced on this occasion the full benefit of
the Masonic tie * . For lhc first time in the many years since he had been admitted to thj Craft , he found himself in a peculiar position . On other occasions , when travelling through the neighbouring colonies , accompanied by his treasured certificate , he had been so well known—through his position as a journalist and by brethren who had sat with him in lodge and could vouch for him—that he did
not require to use them . On this occasion , coming a stranger to a strange land ( except by letters of introduction ) , in the hurry of departure , he left his certificates behind , and hence had to work his way into lodge . He had satisfied the closest but very necessary , scrutiny 5 but once within the sacred circle of the mystic tie , the bonds of fellowship and
brotherhood were cast around him in close embrace , anil friends were secured where before everything seemed drear and cold . Next to benevolence and charity , hospitality was the great Masonic principle ; anil it became the brothel- who hail tasted of its benefits to repay the debt by standing forth as lhc champion of Masonry , whenever the breath of envy or malice attacked the purity of its
principles . Bro . Montagu concluded by congratulating the brethren of this lodge on the excellence of its working , judging from the conduct of the officers on this occasion . '' The Officers of the Lodge Prince of Wales " was then given by Bro . E . T . Wildman , D . D . G . M ., in one of the best speeches of the evening , supporting his well-merited praise of these brethren by the recapitulation of his own personal experience of their efficient conduct and general merits .
Bro . R . C Dyer , S . W ., responded . The following toasts also received able proposal and due recognition : "The D . G . L . Officers" ( Bro . Wildman , D . D . G . M ., in response ); " The Brethren who rendered the Music ; " " The Newly ( lately ) Initiatcel Brethren , "' by Bro , Rattray ; and " The Poor and Distressed Masons . " " The Host and Hostess " concluded the proceedings , and the brethren separated after a most agreeable evening .
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . JAMES JOHNSTONE . The late Bro . James Johnstone , sole proprietor of the Standard , who died at Hoolcy House , Coulsdon , on Monday last , the 21 st ult ., was initiated into Freemasonry , and passed to the Second Degree some twelve years ago . For private reasons he then temporarily retired from the Craft , but in 1871 ; , being anxious lo continue his progress and
take Ihe Third Degree , he went specially for that purpose , with his friend , Bro . A . E . T . Watson , to Llandudno , and was duly raised in the Lodge of St . Tudno , No . 755 , of which loelge the last named brother was a member . Soon after this the project of the Bayard Lodge , No . 1716 , was originated by Bro . Lieut .-Col . H . S . Somervi ' . le Burney , and Bro . James Johnstone , together with Bros . Lecson ( I . P . M . ) ,
Frank Richardson , Sir Thos . Dyer , Bart ., A . Ii . T . Watson ( W . M . ) , was among the founelers of this prosperous Masonic community . Unfortunately , continued illness prevented Bro . Johnstone ' s frequent attendance at lodge ; but if unable to attend to the outward ceremonies and observances of lhc Order , his life anil actions were in strict accordance with the principles of the Craft .