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Article CONSECRATION OF THE ROTHESAY LODGE, No. 1687. ← Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND. Page 1 of 1 Article SALE OF THE SURREY MASONIC HALL. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Rothesay Lodge, No. 1687.
man could be a real Mason . He recommended to the attention of the brethren the three noble Institutions of Freemasonry , with one of which Bro . Little , the Consecrating Officer of to-day , was connected as Secretary . He only regretted that Bro . Little ' s state of health prevented him from replying to this toast , because had he been able
to reply the brethren would have had a much more eloquent and powerful address than he ( Bro . Levander J was capable oi giving . After the Tyler ' s toast the brethren separated . Bro . Louis B . ck ' s band played during dinner , and the singing after banquet was performed by Bro . Farquharson and Mr . Cotte . Bro . Louis Hermann was pianist .
Freemasonry In New Zealand.
FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND .
IsA-Gur . ATIO _ OF A MASONIC Loi . GE AT PALMERSTON . Thursday May , the 24 th , will long be regarded by members of the Masonic Order as a day worthy of holding a prominent place in their recollection ; for , not only was it the birthday of her Majesty Queen Victoria , but [ the occasion also of laying the foundation-stone of the new hall
of the Palmerston Lodge . The site selected is an elevated one , and affords visitors thereto an excellent view of the townships and districts adjacent . Already the building has been raised several feet above the basement , and nearly all the materials for enabling the contractor , Mr . Clarke , of Palmerston , to make an early completion , are on the ground . At about 4 p . m . the members of the
Craft residing in Palmerston , and the Dunedin and Oamaru brethren , as well as those from other places , assembled at the local Town Hall . There , at half-past 1 o ' clock , the District Grand Lodge of Otago and Southland was opened by dispensation , and , shortly adjourning , a procession was marshalled by District Grand Director of Ceremonies , Bro . D . H . Rhodes .
Captain Kitchener , on behalf of the members of the new lodge , invited theR . W . D . G . M ., Bro . J . H . Harris , to lay the foundation stone , whereupon that gentleman intimated that it gave himself and the brethren who had accompanied him from Dunedin great pleasure to be present , and assist , to the best of their ability , the Palmerston brethren in performing the interesting ceremony about to
be proceeded with . A plan of the building having been produced , Thc R . W . D . G . M . stated that it had been prepared by Mr . Lawson , architect , that it appeared complete and suitable for the purpose for which it was intended . He next called upon the proper officer to read the scroll , which which was afterwards placed in a bottle and deposited in
the cavity ; as also were copies of the Daily Times , Guardian , Palmerston and Jf ' aikouiiti Times , and Freemason . The following coins were likewise deposited by the D . G . T ., Bro . Gilligan—One sovereign , one half-sovereign , one five-shilling piece , half a crown , two-shilling piece , one shilling , sixpenny piece , fourpenny piece , threepenny piece , a penny , and halfpenny .
Bro . A . H . Burton offered up prayer as follows : — Almighty and Eternal God , Architect and Ruler of the Universe , at whose creative fiat all things first were made ; we , the fi ail creatures of Thy providence , humbly beseech Thee to pour down upon this congregation the continual dew of Thy blessing . More especially we invoke Thy blessing on this our undertaking , ever remembering the
object and aim of this Institution—obedience to Thy holy law . Grant , we beseech Thee , that our Order may nourish in every part of the globe , become increasingly influential in the diffusion of the light of wisdom , aiding and strengthening reason , and dissipating and lessening human error , misery , and vice . May it teach us to regulate our actions by the rule of rectitude , square our
conduct by thc principles of morality , and guide our conversation and our thoughts within the compass of propriety . May the edifice which is this day commenced be carried forward to its completion prosperously . Do Thou protect the workmen ; secure them from all injury ; and when completed , may it be the means of strengthening our Order . Finally , grant us the knowledge of Thy
truth ; do Thou be our guide and ruler , and ultimately admit us into Thine everlasting Kingdom—that house , not made with hands , eternal in the Heavens . Amen , so mote it be . The D . G . D . of Ceremonies , Bro . Rhodes , then gave instructions for the stone to be lowered three degrees ; while 'his was being done the band played " God Save the
Queen . " Bro . Rhode , next called upon the brethren to salute three times three ; and similar salutes were given as the remaining stages of lowering the stone proceeded . Addressing successively the officers having the custody of the square , level and plumbrule , and having obtained the usual answers to the satisfactory performance of their respective duties ,
The R . W . D . G . M ., Bro . Harris , said : Worshipful brethren , having full confidence in your skill in our Royal art it only remains for me to finish the work you have begun . Having struck the stcne three times with a gavel , he added : —May the Almighty Architect of the Universe smile benignantly on the work now commenced , and may the Craftsmen conduct and complete the building according .
to the grand plan , in peace , harmony , and brotherly love . P . M . Bro . Geo . Smith then poured corn on the stone . D . S . G . W . Bro . A . H . Burton , streivd wine on the stone . D . D . G . M . Bro . Joyce poured oil on the stone . The R . W . D . G . M ., Bro . Harris , then said that it had been the custom amongst Masons from time immemorial that the person Jon whom devolved thc honour of laying the
foundation stone should offer a few remarks which he should think suitable to the occasion . The remarks which he intended to make would be addressed to those who were not Masons , because , so far as Masons . hernelves were concerned , the observations which he should ffer would be unnecessary and uncalled for . Masonry , s he viewed it , was a religious , moral , and social
Freemasonry In New Zealand.
institution . In its religious and moral aspects it taught them to believe that the whole universe , the whole material universe , owed its origin to the one great creative power ; it taught them their duty to that great Supreme Being , to reverence His Holy Name , to obey His laws , and in all respects to fear and love Him . Masonry taught them their duty to their neighbour , and the
commands in the Decalogue were included in the Mason s belief . Referring to the social aspect , he might say that Masonry was of the greatest antiquity ; it was founded on truth ; it had survived the attacks of its enemies , and the wreck of nations , and he had almost said , would probably survive even the world itself . Within its ranks had been found kings , princes , rulers , statesmen—the highest in all
lands had not felt ashamed to become members of the Craft . Their ranks were opened to every true man , no matter what his language or colour ; so long as he was a true man , and believed in these principles , he could be admitted to their ranks . It was in connection with that great and noble Institution that they had assembled that day . They had been told by the Worshipful Master
elect that this was the foundation stone of a temple dedicated to Masonry ; and he now wished to a Id that the work which had been the cause of the visit here of himself and brethren was to them a work of love . They rejoiced to find that Masonry was spreading in this comparatively remote district of the Province of Otago , and he was sure that if carried out according to its tenets it would be found
to be a blessing , not a curse , to this neighbourhood . He expressed the hope that in that Temple , the foundation of which they had that day laid , would be found for many years to come the true spirit and principles of Masonry . With those few remarks he begged to thank the public for their attendance , for the kind manner in which they had listened to the few remarks he had made , and for the
quiet and orderly way in which everything connected with the ceremony had proceeded . Bro . Capt . Kitchener having thanked , in a few well chosen remarks , the R . W . D . G . M ., and the other visiting brethren , for their attendance , the procession returne d to the Town Hall , where the Grand Lodge was closed . At about ; p . m . the visiting brethren , the members of
the Palmerston Lodge , and other gentlemen , to the number of about forty , assembled in the large hall . The W . M . elect of the Palmerston Lodge , Bro . Capt . Kitchener , presided . Immediately on his right was the R . W . D . G . M ., Bro . Harris , and the other brethren from Dunedin occupied seats in the vicinity . The hall was nicely decorated with flags , banners , and evergreens ; and
the Palmerston Brass Band added materially to the general enjoyment . The Chairman proposed the toasts of " H . R . H ., the Prince of Wales , Most Worshipful Grand Master of England ; " and " The Grat . d Masters of the Irish and Scotch Constitutions , " which were enthusiastically responded to .
The Chairman said that with the next toast "The District Grand Lodge of Otago and Southland , " he desired to couple the name of their worthy friend and guest , the R . W . D . G . M ., Bro . the Hon . J . H . Harris , who had kindly come all the way from Dunedin , to assist the Palmerston brethren , aided by the other gentlemen , who had also kindly accompanied him . The brethren here were
thankful that Bro . Harris had consented to pay them this visit . ( Hear , hear . ) The gentlemen to whom he referred had , at great inconvenience to themselves , left home to render all the assistance in their power in carrying out satisfactorily the interesting ceremony of that day ; they well merited the sincere thanks of the Palmerston brethren , and he asked them to drink in bumpers the toast of " The
District Grand Lodge of Otago and Southland . " The toast was heartily received . The R . W . D . G . M ., Bro . Harris , on rising to respond on behalf of himself and visiting brethren , returned his sincere thanks for the kind manner in which the Palmerston brethren had treated them . And while tendering his thanks , he must also add that the Chairman had
somewhat overrated sacrifices which he himself , at any rate , was supposed to have personally made . Speaking for himself , however , and for the gentlemen who had accompanied him , he believed that had their visit to Palmerston involved any personal sacrifices , those sacrifices would have been cheerfully made . ( Applause . ) But it so happened that what they had done was simply an
important duty . A District Grand Lodge for Otago and Southland had been constituted , and it was the duty of the Grand Master to assist all the outlying districts in the formation of lodges , and to instruct them when instruction was required ; to render , in fact , every possible assistance that one body of Masons could render to another . But , as he had said once before that day , the performance of
this important duty had been , at the same time , a labour of love ; and he hoped-they would all live to see completed , in a very short time , the building , the foundation stone of which they had that day laid . ( Applause . ) Further , he hoped they would all live to see the cope stone laid , and that the Worshipful Master elect , all the members of the lodge , and many members from different parts of the
colony , would meet to see completed what he could only regard as a reproach to the Masons of Dunedin , who were now in the position of being without a building they could call their own I He was glad to be able to say , however , that there was reason to believe that that reproach would ere long be removed , as steps were being taken which would probably result in obtaining a suitable building for the purposes of Masonry in all its branches . ( Hear , hear . )
He had further to say that they might rest assured that any communications , by their recognised officers to Dunedin lodges asking for assistance would meet with prompt and proper responses , ( Hear , hear . ) As regarded the step the Palmerston brethren had taken , it was one of which they need not feel ashamed ; they ought rather to rejoice in it , if properly carried out . Their Institution was an old one ; it had weathered the storms of many cen-
Freemasonry In New Zealand.
turies ; it permeated all society , the whole of the civilised and , he had almost said , thc uncivilised world . He congratulated the Palmerston brethren on thc step they had taken in this somewhat remote district from the centre of Masonry in this Province , and felt sure that , if properly carried out , the step would prove a blessing to the inhabitants of the town and district . He again returned thanks
for the kind manner in which the toast had been received . ( Applause . ) Bro . J . H . Harris said the duty he had now to perform was a very agreeable one to himself . They had witnessed that day what he believed many would consider a very interesting ceremony ; they had also partaken of a very excellent dinner , which was another matter for
gratification . All that had been done could not have been accomplished unless a good deal of important work had been done previously by somebody . Financial arrangements , among other things , had to be made for buileling the new hall , and a great deal of other important preliniinary work . In ' . he first place he wished to congratulate the Palmerston brethren on the selection of their Worshi pful
Master . He thought , for two reasons , that they had acted wisely in that respect . It was important that the first Master should be a man , not only of good standing in the district , but a man who could exercise a consider , able amoant of personal influence over the lodge itself . Moreover , they had selected a very old and experienced Mason , who not only stood high in blue Masonry , but in
the higher degrees of Masonry ; and the dunes devolving upon them that day would be imperfectly performed if they did not ask them to join in drinking " The Health of Bro . Capt . Kitchener , the Worshipful Master Elect ; and prosperity to the Palmerston Lodge . " ( Applause . ) The Chairman , in responding , returned thanks for the kind manner in which the toast had been proposed and
received ; it had been proposed , in tact , in terms wh . ch , as applied to himself , were too flattering . True , he had risen to a certain height in Masonry , but that had been the re . suit more of spasmodic action than real hard work . He now hoped he was about to depart from his old ways of being raised in that way , and that hereafter he should be brought face to face with real work , so that he would be
able to learn his duty sufficiently well to teach those under him . He intended to do his best , and he was sure that he would be cheerfully and willingly assisted by the brethren . ( Applause . ) He trusted that that day twelve months , if they had the good fortune to induce Bro . Harris , and assistants , to again come to Palmerston , he would find that the Palmerston Lodge had advanced in a manner even
beyond expectation . ( Applause . ) Bro . S . W . Cobden proposed the toast of " The Lodges under the English Constitution , " coupled with the name oi Bro . A . H . Burton . He would simply say he trusted that the harmony which existed at the present time between the various bodies would ever do so , and that the sooner one great union took place the better it would be . ( Applause . )
Bro . Burton replied . Bro . Gilligan also made a few remarks , intimating that the Palmerston brethren would b- g lad to see the visitors here again when the lodge was opened , about the 15 th August . Bro . M'Kenzie returned thanks on behalf of the Scotch Constitution .
" The Health of the Officers Elect of the Palmerston Lodge" was proposed by P . M . Bro . Smith , coupled with the name of Bro . Keen . Bro . Keen said that , as junior officer , he begged to return thanks . He was pleased and proud that that day they had opened their English lodge . He must say , however , he was surpriseel to find a peculiar feeling existing as
regarded the English , Scotch , and Irish Constitutions . He had come to the antipodes to learn , for the first time , that there was any difference ; hc hoped he should never hear such an opinion expressed again . Bro . Burton proposed " Prosperity to the Town of Palmerston , " coupled with the name of Bro . Gilligan , formerly Mayor of Palmerston .
Bro . Gilligin responded . Bro . Joyce proposed the toast of " All poor and distressed Masons . " The Mayor , Mr . C . Haynes , returned thanks on behalf of the visitors for the hospitable manner in which they haa
been entertained . "The Health of Host Duncan "having been proposed and drank , with three times three for " Mr . Duncan and family , " that gentleman responded , and The proceedings , which passed off most satisfactorily were closed . —Palmerslon Times .
Sale Of The Surrey Masonic Hall.
SALE OF THE SURREY MASONIC HALL .
The announcement of the public sale of this well-known and handsome building attracted a large and influential assemblage at the Auction Mart on Tuesday last , amongst whom we noticed the faces of several well-known
brethren . , Bro . J . Green ( of the firm of Bros . Wcathcrall ana Green ) officiated , and after a few introductory remarks as to the character and capabilities of the structure , and expressing his hope as an old Mason that the building mig '
be secured by the Craft , so as to avoid what our corre . ^ pondent last week characterised as a staneling disgrace ^ the fraternity if it ever became anything else t >" Masonic Hall , a first bid of £ 3000 was P "l " f made , which was , rapidly followed by biddings when W
£ 100 each , until £ 4000 was reached , - Green announced that low as the price was , hi ^ serve was obtained , and the property was entirely 1 hands of the public . Biddings of £ 50 each / o ! lo " f ( .. | at numerous competitors , and the hammer ult ' mate Jf xj . £ 4600 , offered on behalf of Bro . John Oliver , by _ *<*• Sansom , of Kennington-road .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Rothesay Lodge, No. 1687.
man could be a real Mason . He recommended to the attention of the brethren the three noble Institutions of Freemasonry , with one of which Bro . Little , the Consecrating Officer of to-day , was connected as Secretary . He only regretted that Bro . Little ' s state of health prevented him from replying to this toast , because had he been able
to reply the brethren would have had a much more eloquent and powerful address than he ( Bro . Levander J was capable oi giving . After the Tyler ' s toast the brethren separated . Bro . Louis B . ck ' s band played during dinner , and the singing after banquet was performed by Bro . Farquharson and Mr . Cotte . Bro . Louis Hermann was pianist .
Freemasonry In New Zealand.
FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND .
IsA-Gur . ATIO _ OF A MASONIC Loi . GE AT PALMERSTON . Thursday May , the 24 th , will long be regarded by members of the Masonic Order as a day worthy of holding a prominent place in their recollection ; for , not only was it the birthday of her Majesty Queen Victoria , but [ the occasion also of laying the foundation-stone of the new hall
of the Palmerston Lodge . The site selected is an elevated one , and affords visitors thereto an excellent view of the townships and districts adjacent . Already the building has been raised several feet above the basement , and nearly all the materials for enabling the contractor , Mr . Clarke , of Palmerston , to make an early completion , are on the ground . At about 4 p . m . the members of the
Craft residing in Palmerston , and the Dunedin and Oamaru brethren , as well as those from other places , assembled at the local Town Hall . There , at half-past 1 o ' clock , the District Grand Lodge of Otago and Southland was opened by dispensation , and , shortly adjourning , a procession was marshalled by District Grand Director of Ceremonies , Bro . D . H . Rhodes .
Captain Kitchener , on behalf of the members of the new lodge , invited theR . W . D . G . M ., Bro . J . H . Harris , to lay the foundation stone , whereupon that gentleman intimated that it gave himself and the brethren who had accompanied him from Dunedin great pleasure to be present , and assist , to the best of their ability , the Palmerston brethren in performing the interesting ceremony about to
be proceeded with . A plan of the building having been produced , Thc R . W . D . G . M . stated that it had been prepared by Mr . Lawson , architect , that it appeared complete and suitable for the purpose for which it was intended . He next called upon the proper officer to read the scroll , which which was afterwards placed in a bottle and deposited in
the cavity ; as also were copies of the Daily Times , Guardian , Palmerston and Jf ' aikouiiti Times , and Freemason . The following coins were likewise deposited by the D . G . T ., Bro . Gilligan—One sovereign , one half-sovereign , one five-shilling piece , half a crown , two-shilling piece , one shilling , sixpenny piece , fourpenny piece , threepenny piece , a penny , and halfpenny .
Bro . A . H . Burton offered up prayer as follows : — Almighty and Eternal God , Architect and Ruler of the Universe , at whose creative fiat all things first were made ; we , the fi ail creatures of Thy providence , humbly beseech Thee to pour down upon this congregation the continual dew of Thy blessing . More especially we invoke Thy blessing on this our undertaking , ever remembering the
object and aim of this Institution—obedience to Thy holy law . Grant , we beseech Thee , that our Order may nourish in every part of the globe , become increasingly influential in the diffusion of the light of wisdom , aiding and strengthening reason , and dissipating and lessening human error , misery , and vice . May it teach us to regulate our actions by the rule of rectitude , square our
conduct by thc principles of morality , and guide our conversation and our thoughts within the compass of propriety . May the edifice which is this day commenced be carried forward to its completion prosperously . Do Thou protect the workmen ; secure them from all injury ; and when completed , may it be the means of strengthening our Order . Finally , grant us the knowledge of Thy
truth ; do Thou be our guide and ruler , and ultimately admit us into Thine everlasting Kingdom—that house , not made with hands , eternal in the Heavens . Amen , so mote it be . The D . G . D . of Ceremonies , Bro . Rhodes , then gave instructions for the stone to be lowered three degrees ; while 'his was being done the band played " God Save the
Queen . " Bro . Rhode , next called upon the brethren to salute three times three ; and similar salutes were given as the remaining stages of lowering the stone proceeded . Addressing successively the officers having the custody of the square , level and plumbrule , and having obtained the usual answers to the satisfactory performance of their respective duties ,
The R . W . D . G . M ., Bro . Harris , said : Worshipful brethren , having full confidence in your skill in our Royal art it only remains for me to finish the work you have begun . Having struck the stcne three times with a gavel , he added : —May the Almighty Architect of the Universe smile benignantly on the work now commenced , and may the Craftsmen conduct and complete the building according .
to the grand plan , in peace , harmony , and brotherly love . P . M . Bro . Geo . Smith then poured corn on the stone . D . S . G . W . Bro . A . H . Burton , streivd wine on the stone . D . D . G . M . Bro . Joyce poured oil on the stone . The R . W . D . G . M ., Bro . Harris , then said that it had been the custom amongst Masons from time immemorial that the person Jon whom devolved thc honour of laying the
foundation stone should offer a few remarks which he should think suitable to the occasion . The remarks which he intended to make would be addressed to those who were not Masons , because , so far as Masons . hernelves were concerned , the observations which he should ffer would be unnecessary and uncalled for . Masonry , s he viewed it , was a religious , moral , and social
Freemasonry In New Zealand.
institution . In its religious and moral aspects it taught them to believe that the whole universe , the whole material universe , owed its origin to the one great creative power ; it taught them their duty to that great Supreme Being , to reverence His Holy Name , to obey His laws , and in all respects to fear and love Him . Masonry taught them their duty to their neighbour , and the
commands in the Decalogue were included in the Mason s belief . Referring to the social aspect , he might say that Masonry was of the greatest antiquity ; it was founded on truth ; it had survived the attacks of its enemies , and the wreck of nations , and he had almost said , would probably survive even the world itself . Within its ranks had been found kings , princes , rulers , statesmen—the highest in all
lands had not felt ashamed to become members of the Craft . Their ranks were opened to every true man , no matter what his language or colour ; so long as he was a true man , and believed in these principles , he could be admitted to their ranks . It was in connection with that great and noble Institution that they had assembled that day . They had been told by the Worshipful Master
elect that this was the foundation stone of a temple dedicated to Masonry ; and he now wished to a Id that the work which had been the cause of the visit here of himself and brethren was to them a work of love . They rejoiced to find that Masonry was spreading in this comparatively remote district of the Province of Otago , and he was sure that if carried out according to its tenets it would be found
to be a blessing , not a curse , to this neighbourhood . He expressed the hope that in that Temple , the foundation of which they had that day laid , would be found for many years to come the true spirit and principles of Masonry . With those few remarks he begged to thank the public for their attendance , for the kind manner in which they had listened to the few remarks he had made , and for the
quiet and orderly way in which everything connected with the ceremony had proceeded . Bro . Capt . Kitchener having thanked , in a few well chosen remarks , the R . W . D . G . M ., and the other visiting brethren , for their attendance , the procession returne d to the Town Hall , where the Grand Lodge was closed . At about ; p . m . the visiting brethren , the members of
the Palmerston Lodge , and other gentlemen , to the number of about forty , assembled in the large hall . The W . M . elect of the Palmerston Lodge , Bro . Capt . Kitchener , presided . Immediately on his right was the R . W . D . G . M ., Bro . Harris , and the other brethren from Dunedin occupied seats in the vicinity . The hall was nicely decorated with flags , banners , and evergreens ; and
the Palmerston Brass Band added materially to the general enjoyment . The Chairman proposed the toasts of " H . R . H ., the Prince of Wales , Most Worshipful Grand Master of England ; " and " The Grat . d Masters of the Irish and Scotch Constitutions , " which were enthusiastically responded to .
The Chairman said that with the next toast "The District Grand Lodge of Otago and Southland , " he desired to couple the name of their worthy friend and guest , the R . W . D . G . M ., Bro . the Hon . J . H . Harris , who had kindly come all the way from Dunedin , to assist the Palmerston brethren , aided by the other gentlemen , who had also kindly accompanied him . The brethren here were
thankful that Bro . Harris had consented to pay them this visit . ( Hear , hear . ) The gentlemen to whom he referred had , at great inconvenience to themselves , left home to render all the assistance in their power in carrying out satisfactorily the interesting ceremony of that day ; they well merited the sincere thanks of the Palmerston brethren , and he asked them to drink in bumpers the toast of " The
District Grand Lodge of Otago and Southland . " The toast was heartily received . The R . W . D . G . M ., Bro . Harris , on rising to respond on behalf of himself and visiting brethren , returned his sincere thanks for the kind manner in which the Palmerston brethren had treated them . And while tendering his thanks , he must also add that the Chairman had
somewhat overrated sacrifices which he himself , at any rate , was supposed to have personally made . Speaking for himself , however , and for the gentlemen who had accompanied him , he believed that had their visit to Palmerston involved any personal sacrifices , those sacrifices would have been cheerfully made . ( Applause . ) But it so happened that what they had done was simply an
important duty . A District Grand Lodge for Otago and Southland had been constituted , and it was the duty of the Grand Master to assist all the outlying districts in the formation of lodges , and to instruct them when instruction was required ; to render , in fact , every possible assistance that one body of Masons could render to another . But , as he had said once before that day , the performance of
this important duty had been , at the same time , a labour of love ; and he hoped-they would all live to see completed , in a very short time , the building , the foundation stone of which they had that day laid . ( Applause . ) Further , he hoped they would all live to see the cope stone laid , and that the Worshipful Master elect , all the members of the lodge , and many members from different parts of the
colony , would meet to see completed what he could only regard as a reproach to the Masons of Dunedin , who were now in the position of being without a building they could call their own I He was glad to be able to say , however , that there was reason to believe that that reproach would ere long be removed , as steps were being taken which would probably result in obtaining a suitable building for the purposes of Masonry in all its branches . ( Hear , hear . )
He had further to say that they might rest assured that any communications , by their recognised officers to Dunedin lodges asking for assistance would meet with prompt and proper responses , ( Hear , hear . ) As regarded the step the Palmerston brethren had taken , it was one of which they need not feel ashamed ; they ought rather to rejoice in it , if properly carried out . Their Institution was an old one ; it had weathered the storms of many cen-
Freemasonry In New Zealand.
turies ; it permeated all society , the whole of the civilised and , he had almost said , thc uncivilised world . He congratulated the Palmerston brethren on thc step they had taken in this somewhat remote district from the centre of Masonry in this Province , and felt sure that , if properly carried out , the step would prove a blessing to the inhabitants of the town and district . He again returned thanks
for the kind manner in which the toast had been received . ( Applause . ) Bro . J . H . Harris said the duty he had now to perform was a very agreeable one to himself . They had witnessed that day what he believed many would consider a very interesting ceremony ; they had also partaken of a very excellent dinner , which was another matter for
gratification . All that had been done could not have been accomplished unless a good deal of important work had been done previously by somebody . Financial arrangements , among other things , had to be made for buileling the new hall , and a great deal of other important preliniinary work . In ' . he first place he wished to congratulate the Palmerston brethren on the selection of their Worshi pful
Master . He thought , for two reasons , that they had acted wisely in that respect . It was important that the first Master should be a man , not only of good standing in the district , but a man who could exercise a consider , able amoant of personal influence over the lodge itself . Moreover , they had selected a very old and experienced Mason , who not only stood high in blue Masonry , but in
the higher degrees of Masonry ; and the dunes devolving upon them that day would be imperfectly performed if they did not ask them to join in drinking " The Health of Bro . Capt . Kitchener , the Worshipful Master Elect ; and prosperity to the Palmerston Lodge . " ( Applause . ) The Chairman , in responding , returned thanks for the kind manner in which the toast had been proposed and
received ; it had been proposed , in tact , in terms wh . ch , as applied to himself , were too flattering . True , he had risen to a certain height in Masonry , but that had been the re . suit more of spasmodic action than real hard work . He now hoped he was about to depart from his old ways of being raised in that way , and that hereafter he should be brought face to face with real work , so that he would be
able to learn his duty sufficiently well to teach those under him . He intended to do his best , and he was sure that he would be cheerfully and willingly assisted by the brethren . ( Applause . ) He trusted that that day twelve months , if they had the good fortune to induce Bro . Harris , and assistants , to again come to Palmerston , he would find that the Palmerston Lodge had advanced in a manner even
beyond expectation . ( Applause . ) Bro . S . W . Cobden proposed the toast of " The Lodges under the English Constitution , " coupled with the name oi Bro . A . H . Burton . He would simply say he trusted that the harmony which existed at the present time between the various bodies would ever do so , and that the sooner one great union took place the better it would be . ( Applause . )
Bro . Burton replied . Bro . Gilligan also made a few remarks , intimating that the Palmerston brethren would b- g lad to see the visitors here again when the lodge was opened , about the 15 th August . Bro . M'Kenzie returned thanks on behalf of the Scotch Constitution .
" The Health of the Officers Elect of the Palmerston Lodge" was proposed by P . M . Bro . Smith , coupled with the name of Bro . Keen . Bro . Keen said that , as junior officer , he begged to return thanks . He was pleased and proud that that day they had opened their English lodge . He must say , however , he was surpriseel to find a peculiar feeling existing as
regarded the English , Scotch , and Irish Constitutions . He had come to the antipodes to learn , for the first time , that there was any difference ; hc hoped he should never hear such an opinion expressed again . Bro . Burton proposed " Prosperity to the Town of Palmerston , " coupled with the name of Bro . Gilligan , formerly Mayor of Palmerston .
Bro . Gilligin responded . Bro . Joyce proposed the toast of " All poor and distressed Masons . " The Mayor , Mr . C . Haynes , returned thanks on behalf of the visitors for the hospitable manner in which they haa
been entertained . "The Health of Host Duncan "having been proposed and drank , with three times three for " Mr . Duncan and family , " that gentleman responded , and The proceedings , which passed off most satisfactorily were closed . —Palmerslon Times .
Sale Of The Surrey Masonic Hall.
SALE OF THE SURREY MASONIC HALL .
The announcement of the public sale of this well-known and handsome building attracted a large and influential assemblage at the Auction Mart on Tuesday last , amongst whom we noticed the faces of several well-known
brethren . , Bro . J . Green ( of the firm of Bros . Wcathcrall ana Green ) officiated , and after a few introductory remarks as to the character and capabilities of the structure , and expressing his hope as an old Mason that the building mig '
be secured by the Craft , so as to avoid what our corre . ^ pondent last week characterised as a staneling disgrace ^ the fraternity if it ever became anything else t >" Masonic Hall , a first bid of £ 3000 was P "l " f made , which was , rapidly followed by biddings when W
£ 100 each , until £ 4000 was reached , - Green announced that low as the price was , hi ^ serve was obtained , and the property was entirely 1 hands of the public . Biddings of £ 50 each / o ! lo " f ( .. | at numerous competitors , and the hammer ult ' mate Jf xj . £ 4600 , offered on behalf of Bro . John Oliver , by _ *<*• Sansom , of Kennington-road .